Thyroid problems/hypothyroidism

Options
13»

Replies

  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
    Options
    fittocycle wrote: »
    For those that have hypothyroidism I have a quick question. Do you take your thyroid meds before you have labs done? I'm on Armour and have been told that it's ok to take the morning I have my labs done, which is different from when I was on Synthyroid. Thanks!

    I would think you need to our your labs wouldn’t be accurate. I did back when I was on armour. I’m guessing it’s the T3 part of that package.

    I do know the synthetic T4 (synthroid, levoxyl) needs to build up in your system—hence the waiting 8 weeks for a retest. However, the T3 is an “in and out quick” kind of drug and missing a dose could mean tests are out of whack. Once, when I slacked off and let my prescription run out for cytomel (T3) my doctor cancelled my labs and rescheduled them for a week later when she found out I hadn’t taken the cytomel in 2 Days.

    With all the endos I’ve seen, I’ve never been told to not take the T4 the morning of my labs.
  • Noreenmarie1234
    Noreenmarie1234 Posts: 7,493 Member
    Options
    Get your T3/T4 checked. I had perfect tsh but SUPER low T4 and T3.
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,014 Member
    Options
    Paperpudding's N = 1 experience.

    Lost weight to goal in 2013, maintained since
    In June 2016 had Hemithryoidectomy - (one side of thyroid removed) due to what turned out to be benign tumour.
    So, sudden loss of thyroid function - have taken thyroxine supplementation ever since - has made zero difference to my ability to maintain my weight - I maintain it as same level as before and have continued stable weight for last 15 months since my surgery and taking medication.
  • changeconsumeme
    changeconsumeme Posts: 229 Member
    Options
    It took THREE doctor trips in two years to diagnose me with hypothyroid. I knew something was wrong with me and the doctors I went to before my current one disregarded me...and only ONE thought to test my thyroid antibodies!

    I'm doing very well now. It's coming up on one year since my initial diagnosis of Hoshimoto's and hypothyroid. I feel that I'm one of the lucky ones because I responded so well to Synthroid and anxiety medication!
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    Options
    thyroid-less here (removed due to cancer), but was diagnosed with Hashi's before it was removed

    i'm lucky in that i've responded well to my levo dosages when they have had to change them - but they keep my TSH on the low side because of my cancer and its where i feel normal (between .6 and .8) - my last test i went in because i felt "funky" - TSH was 3.5 - thankfully, finding a good doctor who listens has helped me - we did an adjustment to my daily meds (upped my dose to 150 4x a week and 137 3x a week) - if i don't feel better in 3 weeks, doc has told me to increase to 150 daily.

    listening to your body is key - for me the three signs my numbers may need to be tweaked - BP is high, weight starts creeping up and hair gets really brittle/falling out
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    Options
    fittocycle wrote: »
    For those that have hypothyroidism I have a quick question. Do you take your thyroid meds before you have labs done? I'm on Armour and have been told that it's ok to take the morning I have my labs done, which is different from when I was on Synthyroid. Thanks!

    This depends on what your physician is looking for. Ultimately you should always take medicine as prescribed and follow the plan you developed with your treating physician. Any shift in this plan needs to be communicated.

    Hormones have a very slow action time on the body, so a shift in the morning routine is not likely to have any impact on that day's testing.
  • DietingMommy2008
    DietingMommy2008 Posts: 107 Member
    Options
    I have been dealing with Hypothyroidism for 16 years (I am 31 now) and it will always be a struggle with all of those symptoms. Even previously being on a strict 1200 calorie diet and working my *kitten* off it took me 3-6 to lose about 30lbs. There are a lot of foods that you should not be eating, do some research! Being pregnant with my youngest I was also diagnosed with Hashimotos so my thyroid issues only get worst from here, that is why I have opted for the weight loss surgery.

    Don't let it get you down, losing weight is possible its just going to be the most challenging thing ever. I hope you get your meds in order and things figured out. Inbox me if you ever have any questions.
  • Grimmerick
    Grimmerick Posts: 3,344 Member
    edited October 2017
    Options
    Something else that can help, make sure you are getting lots of protein, it can help with energy levels, hair and nails, some people don't realize that while they may be getting enough protein not to have negative consequences they are not actually eating it at optimum levels. I personally was not getting enough at all, I eat around 100 grams a day now, and my energy is way up and hair is getting thicker. I was also told I might end up with thyroid problems, but through diet and proper nutrition my levels are back to normal.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    Options
    I'm going to be brutally honest, your issues could very well be due to your disordered eat and not a thyroid issue. Numerous previous posts point to under eating and eating disorders. You have even admitted to recovering from anorexia as well as not sticking to numerous crash diets.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10352324/weight-and-eating-struggle-from-anorexia-recovery
  • sunnirae2016
    sunnirae2016 Posts: 7 Member
    Options
    stretchmarksaretigerstripes wrote: »
    It took THREE doctor trips in two years to diagnose me with hypothyroid. I knew something was wrong with me and the doctors I went to before my current one disregarded me...and only ONE thought to test my thyroid antibodies!

    I'm doing very well now. It's coming up on one year since my initial diagnosis of Hoshimoto's and hypothyroid. I feel that I'm one of the lucky ones because I responded so well to Synthroid and anxiety medication!

  • sunnirae2016
    sunnirae2016 Posts: 7 Member
    Options
    i also have dealing with weight and thyroid disease. its a tough road to follow especially when no-one believes you
  • BlackPantherChick123
    BlackPantherChick123 Posts: 425 Member
    Options
    I'll try to fight through it. I just want things to get better, especially mentally.
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    Options
    BlackPantherChick123 wrote: »
    I'll try to fight through it. I just want things to get better, especially mentally.

    Do not attempt this alone or without professional help. Online support certainly helps, but you need someone with specific experience and resources to help you through this.
  • cbelc2
    cbelc2 Posts: 762 Member
    Options
    I take thyroid medication. My doctor said it just happens to some people. Gaining weight is really easy! I feel like I have to double my efforts between menopause and hypothyroidism. But I work hard at being healthy. I hate to think of the results if I didn't.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    Options
    DietingMommy2008 wrote: »
    I have been dealing with Hypothyroidism for 16 years (I am 31 now) and it will always be a struggle with all of those symptoms. Even previously being on a strict 1200 calorie diet and working my *kitten* off it took me 3-6 to lose about 30lbs. There are a lot of foods that you should not be eating, do some research! Being pregnant with my youngest I was also diagnosed with Hashimotos so my thyroid issues only get worst from here, that is why I have opted for the weight loss surgery.

    Don't let it get you down, losing weight is possible its just going to be the most challenging thing ever. I hope you get your meds in order and things figured out. Inbox me if you ever have any questions.

    ummm no, there is very little scientifically validated research on foods you shouldn't eat...
  • 150poundsofme
    150poundsofme Posts: 523 Member
    Options
    You mentioned you just went to the doctor. What did they say about ..."but my thighs r so big that the skin is started to split and clear water like fluid is coming out. It's gross and painful."
    Are you still taking the two diet pills?
  • steeezzo
    steeezzo Posts: 1 Member
    Options
    You should also ask to have your thyroid antibodies tested.. your symptoms sound very similar to mine and I was diagnosed with hashimotos 3 years ago (doctors tend to rely only on the basic thyroid panel and ignore the antibodies which are necessary for a hashimotos diagnosis) My TSH always falls in the "normal" range yet tends to bounce from high to low. When a new endocrinologist suspected hashimotos and tested my antibodies they were extremely high.. so now I know I'm not dealing with basic low thyroid but an autoimmune problem. I wish I had better advice for the weight loss end of it because I still struggle myself to lose any meaningful amount of weight due to my symptoms sabotaging my will power and energy levels. Having a good doctor who listens to you is super important though so don't be afraid to get another opinion !
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,014 Member
    Options
    deannalfisher wrote: »
    DietingMommy2008 wrote: »
    I have been dealing with Hypothyroidism for 16 years (I am 31 now) and it will always be a struggle with all of those symptoms. Even previously being on a strict 1200 calorie diet and working my *kitten* off it took me 3-6 to lose about 30lbs. There are a lot of foods that you should not be eating, do some research! Being pregnant with my youngest I was also diagnosed with Hashimotos so my thyroid issues only get worst from here, that is why I have opted for the weight loss surgery.

    Don't let it get you down, losing weight is possible its just going to be the most challenging thing ever. I hope you get your meds in order and things figured out. Inbox me if you ever have any questions.

    ummm no, there is very little scientifically validated research on foods you shouldn't eat...

    As mentioned above I am on thryoxine supplementation after removal of half my thyroid due to a tumour.

    Despite seeing several doctors, one an endocrinology specialist, both before my surgery and when following up my levels since - not once has any of the doctors suggested I avoid any particular foods.

    I made zero difference to my before tumour/surgery/ treatment diet and have noticed zero difference in my ability to maintain my weight at healthy BMI since then.

    Of course, this is dependant on having adequate thryoxine replacement levels - like everyone on thyroxine this is monitored via blood tests and adjusted accordingly.

  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
    Options
    DietingMommy2008 wrote: »
    I have been dealing with Hypothyroidism for 16 years (I am 31 now) and it will always be a struggle with all of those symptoms. Even previously being on a strict 1200 calorie diet and working my *kitten* off it took me 3-6 to lose about 30lbs. There are a lot of foods that you should not be eating, do some research! Being pregnant with my youngest I was also diagnosed with Hashimotos so my thyroid issues only get worst from here, that is why I have opted for the weight loss surgery.

    Don't let it get you down, losing weight is possible its just going to be the most challenging thing ever. I hope you get your meds in order and things figured out. Inbox me if you ever have any questions.

    I will say at first I followed the advice of “foods not to eat” which included stone fruits like peaches and strawberries, goitrous veggies like broccoli and Brussel sprouts and anything soy.

    I think the food thing is highly individual, if it exists. I eat soy every day and tons of broccoli, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower. Lots of strawberries, too. No problem.

    If you think a food is affecting you, work with you doctor and sync eliminating the food with your labs once your levels are stable.

    Once my levels were stable. I was able to lose the weight (about 117 pounds) and at 46 am in better shape (lower body fat and lower weight) than I was pre-thyroid at 31.

    It’s totally possible to lose the weight without starving and extremes. Just make sure the medical part is fixed first.
  • CMNVA
    CMNVA Posts: 733 Member
    Options
    To the question about taking your thyroid meds prior to lab testing: I've had two endocrinologists tell me not to take them if you are having a morning blood draw. There is a period of time where after you take the T4, it "surges" into the blood stream. I think it's about a 2 hour window. So to be safe, they tell me that if I am having an 8AM blood draw, just wait to take the pill. It can falsely elevate your T4 results on a blood test (but not affect the the TSH).

    I normally have my blood draws at around 3PM, so it's never an issue for me.

Categories