Underactive Thyroid

ClaireBeneymfp
ClaireBeneymfp Posts: 21 Member
edited November 21 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all, I'm 36 and have had an underactive thyroid since I was in my early 20's - I take 275mcg of Levothyroxine (T4) and 20mcg of Liothyronine (T3)...As with most people with thyroid problems my symptoms can vary and for periods of time everything can seem fine and then I find myself back to what feels like the beginning and I am exceptionally tired...can't lose weight for love nor money and a bit teary. Does anyone have any advice they can offer? Anyone with the illness that feels they are 'beating' it? Anyone tried Armour Thyroid? I'm a veggie so avoided it so far..but def considering it now. Any positive hints and tips will be appreciated! Thanks xx
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Replies

  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,986 Member
    Are you weighing your food on a scale? That's the biggest secret to weight loss.
  • ClaireBeneymfp
    ClaireBeneymfp Posts: 21 Member
    yirara wrote: »
    Are you weighing your food on a scale? That's the biggest secret to weight loss.

    Hi - yes I weigh everything. I can lose weight easily when my thyroid is under control its when it's a problem that I can't. My Dr once told me that I wouldn't lose even if I was eating 200 calories until the meds were at the right level.
  • sjd421
    sjd421 Posts: 54 Member
    I have blood work next week and will see my Endo early Oct. I was going to ask her about Armour Thyriod. I have always had issues losing weight and now that have I had a baby, it's even worse. I would also like to hear if anyone is taking it and feels better with it then Levo/Synthroid.
  • ClaireBeneymfp
    ClaireBeneymfp Posts: 21 Member
    sjd421 wrote: »
    I have blood work next week and will see my Endo early Oct. I was going to ask her about Armour Thyriod. I have always had issues losing weight and now that have I had a baby, it's even worse. I would also like to hear if anyone is taking it and feels better with it then Levo/Synthroid.

    Good luck with your Bloods.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    it sounds like your levels might be funky - while your blood work might show you in the medically acceptable range; your personal range may change of over - @CSARdiver can probably talk more about the geeky science stuff behind it

    many endos are hesitant to prescribe armor, because the dosage can vary within the same bottles of pills - its harder to maintain a consistent dose

    personally, I can't take synthroid, but I can take levo (weird I know); also if you are on levo, it could be that the changed their supplier and the fillers in the pills changed
  • trish2016
    trish2016 Posts: 156 Member
    I didn't know any of this because well the doctors in the public hospitals here in Ireland are shockingly bad I am getting two more blood tests next week then maybe a scan on the neck I am just so disappointed that I managed to lose nearly 3 stone now I am back to square one. I am going to boxfit class this eve and feel like what the point really because I will work really hard but the weight will just keep going up and down.
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    This past winter my thyroid took another hit. The food I was maintaining on suddenly caused me to start gaining. Plus I started craving more carbs as an energy boost whereas I normally eat LCHF. I upped my meds, lost a few pounds almost instantly and then had to slowly work off the rest with a very slight deficit - about 200 calories less than when I was gaining when my meds were not enough.

    I found it difficult to lose when meds aren't right. I also find it impossible to lose if I get gluten (I'm a celiac) and find it very hard to lose if my carbs are even at a moderate level. When I avoid gluten, eat low carb, and have the right meds, losing is almost easy. ;)

    I now take 180mcg of Thyroid, which is a Canadian equivalent of Armor. I was at 150 mcg before this past winter, and had been there for a few years. In the beginning I started with just Synthroid, which I used for a year, but it made no difference to my symptoms even though my labs were relatively normal. My doctor refused to let me add on T3 so I found a new doctor and switched to natural desiccated thyroid. NDT works MUCH better for me. It made a huge difference in how I feel.
  • JadeQuetzal
    JadeQuetzal Posts: 95 Member
    Do you have hashimotos and have you had your complete thyroid panels done? NDT actually works well for some people but is less effective for others. The only way to know is to try, but doctors advise against it because manufacturers cannot guarantee a steady amount of each hormone.

    I don't have a thyroid at all, and it took me a couple of years but I finally feel like I have it under control. More or less. Some days/weeks still suck, and I still have daily symptoms but I have learned to deal with it. The cold is just starting and I'm a little fearful because my symptoms are already getting worse by the week, but I'm not giving up because of it either. I've lost around 25 lbs and reached my main goal. So not losing all that hard work.
  • Old_Cat_Lady
    Old_Cat_Lady Posts: 1,193 Member
    edited September 2017
    I googled Armour Thyroid and this is the first thing I got: (from drugs.com)
    Do not use Armour Thyroid (thyroid tablets and capsules) to treat obesity or for weight loss. Very bad and sometimes deadly side effects may happen with this medicine if it is taken in large doses or with other drugs for weight loss. Talk with the doctor.
  • GlassAngyl
    GlassAngyl Posts: 478 Member
    I have hypo and am losing with watching what I eat. Doing low carb atm. Not taking meds either. I ran out but the pharmacist says I have to go in for a check up before I can get more. That was two months ago. I don't like going to the doctor so slowly building up the courage to go back and have a effin needle shoved in my arm. I don't like needles. I noticed that if I eat carbs I feel tired and like I'm being strangled (thyroid swells) but if I avoid carbs I drop weight and feel just fine. I'll probably go back after dropping more weight to see if maybe keto manages hypothyroidism, and if it does, screw getting stabbed just to check levels.
  • Mkneedtogetfit
    Mkneedtogetfit Posts: 93 Member
    I have hypothyroidism. Strength training helped me the most. This is because hypothyroidism caused metabolism to slow down which makes it harder to lose weight. Strength training improves muscle tone. More muscles means you burn more calories at resting state. My BMR increased. My thyroxine dose has reduced by half
  • Thick_n_Fit_Mom
    Thick_n_Fit_Mom Posts: 89 Member
    @ClaireBeneymfp first and foremost, I totally understand your struggle. It doesn't matter if you weigh your food, don't weigh your food, exercise your brains out and or diet....the thyroid had a mind of its own, and until it is regulated, you are fighting a battle you'll never win.

    I have Hashimotos, due to a flip flop thyroid moons ago, I have been regulated (tsh numbers) for quite some time, Thank God! Because anyone who's experienced symptoms from a hypo/hyper thyroid, knows exactly what I'm talking about.

    So get a good endocrinologist, they should help you with your nutrition and weigh gain. But remember, it takes 4 weeks for the improvement of your thyroid, when meds are adjusted.. sucks, I know, but it is what it is! And until your meds or even try a holistic approach, takes over...you won't see symptoms subside. I have been here SO MANY TIMES! Research as much as you can, but don't overwhelm yourself...there is a lot of info out there! Good luck girl, I'm praying for ya!
  • Theeerica
    Theeerica Posts: 45 Member
    I have Hashimoto's, and was on Armour for a time, but my levels wouldn't stay regulated on it, so we changed to Synthroid, and I haven't had to change my dose in 2 years. I find taking it at night has made a huge difference, because its not interacting with anything else. I stop eating at 6pm and take it around 9pm, also avoid anything with soy, it will only make your condition worse. There is a book by a DR. IZABELLA WENTZ, PHARM Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis the root cause, it was very informative
  • Moondoggie9155
    Moondoggie9155 Posts: 16 Member
    I have hypothyroidism from hashimotos. And I know all about being up some days and down others.
    For me fatigue and mood swings are huge signs I am off and my numbers have shifted.
    I take naturethroid 3 grains. was on armour as well but prefer naturethroid. some people say they like natural opposed to synthetic and vise versa. I know that when you add a t3 to your meds you need a dr that bases dosage on symptoms not just numbers and that with t3 it will drop you t4 some and it is ideal to suppress the tsh some with the t4 and t3 in the upper mid ranges. My t4 always sits towards the bottom normal with my t3 middle and I personally feel best this way. You can check your own levels thru life extension. I had several drs in the past tell me my thyroid was fine and it was not. Took a long time for me to find a great GP.
    I also have to work hard to avoid certain foods especially processed breads and carbs which is very difficult when i am feeling off as I seem to crave them more.
    I personally would start with getting your numbers checked and see that you are on the ideal dose for YOU.
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    ClaireBeneymfp wrote: »
    yirara wrote: »
    Are you weighing your food on a scale? That's the biggest secret to weight loss.

    Hi - yes I weigh everything. I can lose weight easily when my thyroid is under control its when it's a problem that I can't. My Dr once told me that I wouldn't lose even if I was eating 200 calories until the meds were at the right level.

    Your physician is incorrect. Most haven't the first clue about weight management.

    Have you received a full thyroid panel? TSH (0.2-2.0), fT3, fT4, rT3. All of these values need to be reviewed by a trained professional for a proper diagnosis.

    Thyroid impacts your Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) by ~5%. So that's 60 kcals/day out of a 1200 kcal/day budget. REE is the amount of calories required for a 24-hour period by the body during a non-active period (laying in bed).

    Doctors are apprehensive about Armour Thyroid simply because the safety profile is not as established as it is for levothyroxine. The typical protocol is to run a number of cardiac tests during the med change to minimize risk of palpitations and other known adverse events.

    Any way you look at this the best course is to continue to lose weight through moderate and safe changes in diet and exercise. Simply walking 10 mins every hour adds up. Hormones are free cycling, so simply being overweight makes it impossible to maintain hormonal balance. Many patients who lose weight have their doses lowered to adjust for this.

    I'm 6'4" - 222 lbs and on 175/200 mcg alt daily. I had a total thyroidectomy in 2000 due to cancer - put on ~70 lbs over the next 14 years due to leaving a high active military career to a cushy civilian job in academia. I found MFP in 2014 and lost 60 lbs the first year.
  • ClaireBeneymfp
    ClaireBeneymfp Posts: 21 Member
    deannalfisher wrote: »
    it sounds like your levels might be funky - while your blood work might show you in the medically acceptable range; your personal range may change of over - @CSARdiver can probably talk more about the geeky science stuff behind it

    many endos are hesitant to prescribe armor, because the dosage can vary within the same bottles of pills - its harder to maintain a consistent dose

    personally, I can't take synthroid, but I can take levo (weird I know); also if you are on levo, it could be that the changed their supplier and the fillers in the pills changed

    Thanks very much @dennalfisher I didn't go into detail in my post but my levels have never been in the 'normal' range and my Endocronologist now accepts that for some reason I'm 'odd'...makes it harder through to gauge when I'm on the right levels and it's a lot more trial and error! My supplier has changed which I didn't even consider could be an issue so thanks for that! x
  • ClaireBeneymfp
    ClaireBeneymfp Posts: 21 Member
    trish2016 wrote: »
    I didn't know any of this because well the doctors in the public hospitals here in Ireland are shockingly bad I am getting two more blood tests next week then maybe a scan on the neck I am just so disappointed that I managed to lose nearly 3 stone now I am back to square one. I am going to boxfit class this eve and feel like what the point really because I will work really hard but the weight will just keep going up and down.

    I so know how you feel!! I feel like I'm back at square one too...and you do feel a little bit like no-one believes you when you are dieting and exercising..plus very hard to keep motivated. I hope your blood test help and you get back on track x
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    ClaireBeneymfp wrote: »
    deannalfisher wrote: »
    it sounds like your levels might be funky - while your blood work might show you in the medically acceptable range; your personal range may change of over - @CSARdiver can probably talk more about the geeky science stuff behind it

    many endos are hesitant to prescribe armor, because the dosage can vary within the same bottles of pills - its harder to maintain a consistent dose

    personally, I can't take synthroid, but I can take levo (weird I know); also if you are on levo, it could be that the changed their supplier and the fillers in the pills changed

    Thanks very much @dennalfisher I didn't go into detail in my post but my levels have never been in the 'normal' range and my Endocronologist now accepts that for some reason I'm 'odd'...makes it harder through to gauge when I'm on the right levels and it's a lot more trial and error! My supplier has changed which I didn't even consider could be an issue so thanks for that! x

    what does your endo say "normal" range is?
  • ClaireBeneymfp
    ClaireBeneymfp Posts: 21 Member
    Thick_n_Fit_Mom wrote: »
    @ClaireBeneymfp first and foremost, I totally understand your struggle. It doesn't matter if you weigh your food, don't weigh your food, exercise your brains out and or diet....the thyroid had a mind of its own, and until it is regulated, you are fighting a battle you'll never win.

    I have Hashimotos, due to a flip flop thyroid moons ago, I have been regulated (tsh numbers) for quite some time, Thank God! Because anyone who's experienced symptoms from a hypo/hyper thyroid, knows exactly what I'm talking about.

    So get a good endocrinologist, they should help you with your nutrition and weigh gain. But remember, it takes 4 weeks for the improvement of your thyroid, when meds are adjusted.. sucks, I know, but it is what it is! And until your meds or even try a holistic approach, takes over...you won't see symptoms subside. I have been here SO MANY TIMES! Research as much as you can, but don't overwhelm yourself...there is a lot of info out there! Good luck girl, I'm praying for ya!

    @Thick_n_Fit_Mom thank you so much for your response!! It is so nice to know that someone gets it! Flipping thyroid does have a mind of its own! I've just had my dose increased so hoping that i can see some losses soon. I've also just made an appointment with a nutritionalist who also has an underactive thyroid so hoping there will be some tips there which may just help.

    Ultimately I'm just getting tired of the same old struggle! When my medication is right I can gain or lose like anyone else depending on what I'm eating and when they are wrong there is simply nothing that will help!!! I keep up my exercise and healthy eating but do get despondent!

    Anyway thanks for taking the time to post back - hope you stay well xxx
  • ClaireBeneymfp
    ClaireBeneymfp Posts: 21 Member
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    ClaireBeneymfp wrote: »
    yirara wrote: »
    Are you weighing your food on a scale? That's the biggest secret to weight loss.

    Hi - yes I weigh everything. I can lose weight easily when my thyroid is under control its when it's a problem that I can't. My Dr once told me that I wouldn't lose even if I was eating 200 calories until the meds were at the right level.

    Your physician is incorrect. Most haven't the first clue about weight management.

    Have you received a full thyroid panel? TSH (0.2-2.0), fT3, fT4, rT3. All of these values need to be reviewed by a trained professional for a proper diagnosis.

    Thyroid impacts your Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) by ~5%. So that's 60 kcals/day out of a 1200 kcal/day budget. REE is the amount of calories required for a 24-hour period by the body during a non-active period (laying in bed).

    Doctors are apprehensive about Armour Thyroid simply because the safety profile is not as established as it is for levothyroxine. The typical protocol is to run a number of cardiac tests during the med change to minimize risk of palpitations and other known adverse events.

    Any way you look at this the best course is to continue to lose weight through moderate and safe changes in diet and exercise. Simply walking 10 mins every hour adds up. Hormones are free cycling, so simply being overweight makes it impossible to maintain hormonal balance. Many patients who lose weight have their doses lowered to adjust for this.

    I'm 6'4" - 222 lbs and on 175/200 mcg alt daily. I had a total thyroidectomy in 2000 due to cancer - put on ~70 lbs over the next 14 years due to leaving a high active military career to a cushy civilian job in academia. I found MFP in 2014 and lost 60 lbs the first year.

    @CSARdiver thanks for your long post. Yes I've had all the blood tests that are possible as my thyroid doesn't seem to want to fit anything like 'normal'. I've been in a Research Hospital for numerous tests on things like the REE to see what is going on with my body. My blood tests show that I'm overmedicated but physiologically I don't have any hyper symptoms. I have had ECG's as well as a DEXA scan (to check bone density levels). The Consultants have had numerous theories about what's going on with my thyroid - and the working hypothesis is that my body doesn't convert T4 to T3 in the right way..but this is an educated guess as no tests are showing exactly the problem.

    I exercise regularly (running 50 miles per month plus competitive hockey and badminton) and I eat sensibly ....if I'm 'well' then I have no problem being slim and feeling full of energy....and when I'm not well I struggle with fatigue as well as low level depression and gain weight by looking at food!! :)

    I'm 5'5'' and 154 Ibs and take 175mcg of levothyroxine daily with 20mcg of liothyonine - in the past few years I've been around 124 Ibs but put on 30 Ibs in past year or so. In that time I've been focussed on maintaining and subsequently losing weight. I don't blame all weight gain on my thyroid and I really trying not to let it impact my life and when I'm feeling ok you would never find me on such an open forum talking about it but when things aren't good it does become a bit overwhelming.

    So for me I'm interested to hear how others beat this stupid illness :) Thanks for sharing and I hope you are well now. :)
  • ClaireBeneymfp
    ClaireBeneymfp Posts: 21 Member
    JadeQuetzal wrote: »
    Do you have hashimotos and have you had your complete thyroid panels done? NDT actually works well for some people but is less effective for others. The only way to know is to try, but doctors advise against it because manufacturers cannot guarantee a steady amount of each hormone.

    I don't have a thyroid at all, and it took me a couple of years but I finally feel like I have it under control. More or less. Some days/weeks still suck, and I still have daily symptoms but I have learned to deal with it. The cold is just starting and I'm a little fearful because my symptoms are already getting worse by the week, but I'm not giving up because of it either. I've lost around 25 lbs and reached my main goal. So not losing all that hard work.

    Thanks @JadeQuetzal It is interesting how other illnesses can impact the Big T (as it's called in my house). I feel that I have a 'crash' after working loads or something more strenuous that normal exercise wise like a tournament. I try to plan for it now and give myself recovery time as it's becoming more predictable. I hope you are feeling okay and thanks for your response. I don't know if my Docs will prescribe Armour but I think I'm prepared to try...so I'll see xx
  • ClaireBeneymfp
    ClaireBeneymfp Posts: 21 Member
    Theeerica wrote: »
    I have Hashimoto's, and was on Armour for a time, but my levels wouldn't stay regulated on it, so we changed to Synthroid, and I haven't had to change my dose in 2 years. I find taking it at night has made a huge difference, because its not interacting with anything else. I stop eating at 6pm and take it around 9pm, also avoid anything with soy, it will only make your condition worse. There is a book by a DR. IZABELLA WENTZ, PHARM Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis the root cause, it was very informative

    Thanks @Theeerica I'll check out the book and thanks for tip on taking meds at night x
  • ClaireBeneymfp
    ClaireBeneymfp Posts: 21 Member
    Moondoggie9155 wrote: »
    I have hypothyroidism from hashimotos. And I know all about being up some days and down others.
    For me fatigue and mood swings are huge signs I am off and my numbers have shifted.
    I take naturethroid 3 grains. was on armour as well but prefer naturethroid. some people say they like natural opposed to synthetic and vise versa. I know that when you add a t3 to your meds you need a dr that bases dosage on symptoms not just numbers and that with t3 it will drop you t4 some and it is ideal to suppress the tsh some with the t4 and t3 in the upper mid ranges. My t4 always sits towards the bottom normal with my t3 middle and I personally feel best this way. You can check your own levels thru life extension. I had several drs in the past tell me my thyroid was fine and it was not. Took a long time for me to find a great GP.
    I also have to work hard to avoid certain foods especially processed breads and carbs which is very difficult when i am feeling off as I seem to crave them more.
    I personally would start with getting your numbers checked and see that you are on the ideal dose for YOU.

    @Moondoggie9155 thanks so much for your response. I have just had my dose increased so will see how that goes. Really interesting that you are better on naturethyroid rather than Armour - I will have a look at that - I've no idea if my Doc will prescribe for me but i do want to try something else as my current pills aren't totally sorting things and I seem to change dose quite regularly. I will have a look at taking my own levels so thanks very much for the tips! x
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    @ClaireBeneymfp , I have Hashimoto's disease that was diagnosed almost 30 years ago, and about three years ago, I went through a nine month period where nothing, and I mean nothing went right.

    It was just like my thyroid decided to act like a stroppy teenager and noped out of everything. I had more tests and blood tests and medication adjustments and visits to this that and the other specialist and ... nothing. Just as suddenly as it started, it stopped.

    It was a royal pain in the butt, but if all else fails, I just wanted to share my story to say "hang in there". Sometimes stuff like this happens with Hashi's.
  • crystalgarrard1
    crystalgarrard1 Posts: 2 Member
    I'm 24 and I was diagnosed Hypothyroid this year. I'm currently on 50 mcg of Levothyroxine ( I started at 25 mcg). All of this is new to me. I'm also a veggie. Any advice is highly welcome!
  • dawn_westbury
    dawn_westbury Posts: 358 Member
    ClaireBeneymfp wrote: »
    yirara wrote: »
    Are you weighing your food on a scale? That's the biggest secret to weight loss.

    Hi - yes I weigh everything. I can lose weight easily when my thyroid is under control its when it's a problem that I can't. My Dr once told me that I wouldn't lose even if I was eating 200 calories until the meds were at the right level.

    I had thyroid cancer and mine was removed, dr also told me the same thing. And was right .. I couldn’t take replacement meds (I take 300mcg of Synthroid now) for several weeks after my surgery and was SO TIRED (thyroid level was 118!) .. it took about 7 - 8 months probably to get my level where they wanted it (0.01) since you have to take the new dose for 6 weeks then get it tested.. you just have to be patient, there’s not a lot you can do. Just like with a broken bone, it’s going to heal when it heals, you can exactly speed up the process.
  • theabsentmindednurse
    theabsentmindednurse Posts: 404 Member
    edited September 2017
    My meds are spot on, yet even eating at a calorie deficit my body fights me as I lose every pound.
    This has been a long challenging process, but one I am winning. (Very slowly)! ;)
    I am also a vegetarian. I have to listen to my body, tweak what I eat, do a lot of research and just keep walking this path.

    This is a life long journey.
    I have my bloods tested often and I keep my feet firmly on this path.
    All I can suggest is don't give up.
    Just keep going.
    Good luck B)
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