Looking For Hypothyroidism Friends

Diagnosed hypothyroid in 2005. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I was also just diagnosed with PCOS last year. I have Low Vit D and low B12 levels (common with thyroid issues)
My mom is an RN and I was lucky to have an excellent Dr who diagnosed my thyroid condition while I was still technically within 'lab normal' TSH (the lab ranges for that have since changed)
I currently take an NDT since I don't work well on T4 suppliments alone....metformin for PCOS and Vit D and B12 suppliments.
Make sure you check very carefully on what foods impact the efficacy of thyroid replacement drugs (grapefruit is one)...they don't always remember to go over foods.
I was able to maintain only a 10lb gain over my lifetime normal weight after getting on the proper thyroid meds UNTIL the PCOS hit about 2013...then I went up to what I weighed at 9 months pregnant. I'm now down just over 10lbs from that (although I still have about 15 to go)
Sending you an add request.

Hello!
Feel free to add me

I'm a little late but I'm 25 and just got diagnosed as well! My ultrasound has been sent off as have another blood test so I'm waiting for results and hopefully can get on medication. This has been a huge set back for me, and you, I'm sure, but together we can do it chicky!

WyldcatGirl1 wrote: »

I spent 2 years in Florida trying to convince doctors that there was something wrong, they blamed my exhaustion on stress and my sudden weight gain on getting older and wouldn't listen to me that this was such a major change for me that there had to be something more to it. Then we were able to move back home where I could see my long time doctor who knew immediately that there was something not right. After a ton of tests, I was diagnosed as hypothyroid and began being treated...the difference was so drastic initially but it didn't take long for that to change. Seems like I'm on a constant roller coaster of trying to adjust meds...but I at least feel able to function again. I lost 30 lbs a little over a year ago but then gained it back during all that changing and have been fighting to lose again. Currently I seem to be having success with following a low carb plan...I'm just hoping that lasts.

My levels would never stabilize on synthroid. That's why my doctor switched me to an NDT.
I've also noticed that I tend to have issues with gluten so I do a mostly gluten-free diet.

Can I ask what a NDT is?

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 25, and hypothyroidism with goiters when I was 32. In 2014, I had a total thyrodectomy because of thyroid cancer in the goiters. I've been obese ever since I hit puberty and topped out at 380. I lost 90 lbs in 2012, but gained almost all of it back after the whole thyroid thing, so I'm back to square one trying to get it off again.

I'm on the name brand synthroid because I had an allergic reaction to the generic my pharmacy was using, but even though my endo has my numbers down to 0.1 (normal is 1 to 3, right?), I'm still showing most of the signs for being hypothyroid with the weight gain, depression problems, and exhaustion. About the only hyper thing I've seen is I don't deal with heat well.

My endo has offered to put me on the armour natural thryoid med, and my pharmacy does carry it - and it's cheaper than the synthroid name brand! I go to church with a lady who swears by it, saying she felt so much better after taking it than she ever did on levyvoxtherone. Has anyone else here tried it compared to the synthetic meds? I'm seriously considering giving it a try!

NDT = Natural Desiccated Thyroid. Rather than synthetic derived hormone that contains both T3 and T4 supplementation.

T3 and T4 are also both available from synthetic sources, but Levothyroxine (T4) brand name Synthoid is the most common prescription. Liothyronine Sodium (T3; triiodothyronine) or Triostat is available, but rarely prescribed.

If anyone is looking for motivation Gillian Michaels has Hashimotos. There are several elite level athletes who have this as well. Check out the research of Jeffrey Brown - endocrinologist. He revolutionized endocrinology and the treatment of hypothyroidism.

NDT natural disiccated thyroid. Ah! I should have known!

I definitely want to try it. I was supposed to have seen my endo last week, but she canceled the appointment due to a personal emergency, so I'm going to have to wait until spring now to get a prescription put in. I'm really hoping it helps my energy levels, because right now, they're pretty much in the dirt.

BTW, I take Armour Thyroid...I swear by it!

bmeadows380 wrote: »

My endo has offered to put me on the armour natural thryoid med, and my pharmacy does carry it - and it's cheaper than the synthroid name brand! I go to church with a lady who swears by it, saying she felt so much better after taking it than she ever did on levyvoxtherone. Has anyone else here tried it compared to the synthetic meds? I'm seriously considering giving it a try!

When I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I was place on Synthroid. After about three years, my symptoms had gotten much worse. I was slowly gaining weight no matter what I did and was tired all the time. I had a friend recommend Armour Thyroid to me. I am so very thankful my doctor was willing to change my prescription, and I have been on it for the last 10 years or so. I finally returned to my "normal" self with having the energy I needed and could actually lose weight again. Several years ago, there was a shortage of desiccated pig thyroid gland which eventually effected the supply of most of the NDTs on the market. I went through a three to six month period of having to go back onto Synthroid. My doctor also prescribed a synthetic T3 to go along with it. Within a short time, all my old symptoms returned. I felt awful. I was never so happy to be able to go back onto a NDT. I am currently taking NatureThroid which is very similar to Armour. Over the years, Armour has had some manufacturing issues. That's why I switched to NatureThroid instead. If you found a doctor who is willing to prescribe Armour or other NDTs, give it a try. You will know pretty quick if it is going to be a better fit for you. You may also want to check out: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/. It has a lot of information on NDTs you might find useful.

I'm have hypothyroidism secondary to lithium use. This is a 'side effect' for about 30% of people who take lithium and can be so profound that lithium is often used to treat some kinds of hyperthyroidism.

I had an increase of around 20% of my body weight precipitated by a string of psych medicines and the suppression of my thyroid function.

I was unable to shift the weight until I was removed from a particular class of psych drug and treated for my hypothyroidism.

Since the med changes and addition of thyroxine, I have been able to get back to my pre medication weight.

I almost, probably do envy those of you who live in the US, anywhere but Europe, almost, in the UK to generalise, we are not permitted anything other than t4 supplements! T3 deemed ineffective and expensive, t3 testing is not encouraged even though, best practice states, before starting t4 treatment t3 levels should be observed. (Dairy- can be present in t4 supplements, finding one here is impossible because our nhs tests for allergies are not as hot as other countries are able to use. The first time I tried t4 it made me more ill, took me back to where I was before I had to go in for dietary exclusions but not the common ones like dairy. My doctor told me it was not possible) Natural thyroid is not available either because its old medicine, its the only way I can understand it, the balance t3 to t4 is said to be wrong and the worst production is not "regulated", when it has to be because it is a medication. We have this organisation NICE which tells our NHS where to spend its money and not. Other treatments may be available if you can find a private doctor but one would have to be prepared to travel great distances. Those who have tried to speak out for those who do not respond to t4 only find themselves falling fowl of the prevelent orthodoxy and shunned by the medical profession who take the simplistic view.

I have come to the conclusion many doctors do not consider the role of diet, vitamins, minerals, etc. in the conversion of t4 to t3 its more active form. T3 is needed by every single cell and is sometimes referred to as the spark of life and is also know as the brain hormone! It has been mentioned above vit d and vit b deficiencies have an impact on our health but it also takes selenium and other minerals to aid conversion, not all of us are able to convert well, some, that is fewer have genetic obstacles, other as I indicated lack the best vit, min, values for good health. Others have developed issues on the htp axis which puts the thyroid into a slump taking it down. There are upwards of 300 possible symptoms, (including low stomach acid and reduced digestive enzymes), which a low thyroid person can present with, probably with antibodies too, can have are all too easily dismissed by medics who can attribute them other problems or dismiss them altogether as psychosomatic.

I like to read from, the thyroid mom, she has a very comprehensive website of current "thyroid" thinking. There are others too which bring us good information. STTM, as mentioned has been said to prefer Natural Thyroid as its choice of medication, but there is a wealth of information there. Our Thyroid UK is good too.

I'm not at g-weight but as I have made the changes I have come down substantially. I noticed most of the above posters with the exception of the young lady without a thyroid or those with tt have come to this late. Recently I have read trauma in the pre and post birth period up to 6 - 12 months can upset the apple cart. I think this is me, my symptoms go way, way back. Add, considering I'm in my 7th decade, free use of antibiotics which contribute to leaky gut by killing off the beneficial and problematical microbe/bacteria, the cause of the health problem for which it is being, a permiable gut permits foods to pass through the semipermeable membrane of the digestive tract which contributes/cause the instances of antibodies present in Hashimoto's, imv an ever decreasing circle. Doctors do not tend to test for antibodies because there is nothing which can be done, rubbish. Many find relief when they restore their digestive function by improving transit and digestive biome. It can be far from simple.

Dieting itself is detrimental to thyroid health because living at a calorific deficit can contribute to low vit, min levels and also down regulates the metabolism. Thyroid, pituitory, adrenal imbalance down regulate the metabolism too, its a very difficult problem, a double hit. Many of you above can stop this bus not quite in its tracks because it is later onset. For someone who has early onset, I became virtually housebound by it, the joint pain, breathing problems, indigestion, reacting to everyday chemicals and dietary restrictions, being unable to digest ordinary foods containing phenol-s, among other things and some of that hinged on low vit c and b to make DAO. Its far from as simple as we are led to believe.

Its not all plain sailing in the US, I know but you stand more of a chance of getting the support you need.

thank you, I think.

I am newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism too, and suspect I have undiagnosed hormonal imbalance or PCOS. Would be very happy to add you ladiea while I work on losing thirty pounds and managing chronic pain too! Sent a few requests while reading this thread and feeling nothing but relief. So glad I am not crazy or alone!

I have Graves and weight loss has been a real struggle for me. I've been in remission for nearly nine months, but can't lose weight and I'm frustrated! Add me please!