Hypothyroid and weight gain/loss

2

Replies

  • cheryldumais
    cheryldumais Posts: 1,907 Member
    Thanks for all the feedback I feel more optimistic that this weight will come off! Just can't be lazy I'm 45 now so things aren't quite as easy. Thx everyone!

    Just one more note that will hopefully give you hope. I was 59 when I started to lose. It's amazing when you get rid of all the garbage that the diet sellers try to tell you and just eat within the calorie range that you're given. I went to 1200 calories because yes I was silly and wanted to lose as fast as I could. I averaged about 1.7 pounds per week at that and as my weight went down it slowed down of course as my deficit shrank. After my diet break I went to 1350 because I just couldn't face 1200 anymore, lol. Then my losses were slow but at least I'm maintaining. Also on the exercise front... I would suggest doing some weight lifting if you can handle it with your MS. I regret I didn't do that. All I have ever done is walk for exercise and I started slow and worked up. For a very long time my goal was 6,000 steps per day then I went to 8,000 for the rest of my weight loss. I now average around 12,000/day 5 days a week. That's it.

  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,257 Member
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    How do I reply to someone individually? I've been on MFP for 1290 plus days think and never really used the forums lol

    I'm on 25 mcg synthroid which brought TSH from 8.92 to 4.78. But that wasn't optimal so I now have a new script for 50 mcg. I took 12 weeks of vitamin D3 50000 IU. All iron is great T4 is right at mid point of range and T3 is above mid point almost upper 3rd. I have multiple sclerosis but I lost the 85 lbs or so so I don't think that is impacting my weight.

    This is a very good sign. That is a strong reaction in TSH from such a small dosage, so no indication of competing molecules or medicine. Optimal range for TSH is 0.4 - 4.0, but it's a tricky metric. What "feels" normal for you would be what your normal level was during your developmental years.

    I would also agree that the MS isn't impacting your weight and kudos to you and whoever else made such an early diagnosis.

    One thing to consider is that since you have an issue with a gland the best course is to establish a solid routine to your life, so the more consistency you have, the better your body will manage.


    I'm in Canada and my lab is 0.5 to 5.0 but states is up to 4. But recent news and research says that the range should be lowered to 3. Optimal is 1 to 2 from what I've learned. My number goes down quick but I don't feel any better still have a lot of symptoms and crushing fatigue is one that is unmanageable. I have nodules and have had an ultrasound but not not enough for a biopsy I'll get it checked in another 6 months. Thyroid is very tricky and frustrating :(

    The range depends on your situation. The is with hyperthyroidism.

    If you had a total thyroidectomy due to cancer the optimal range is 0.2-2.0.

    Thyroid doesn't actually drive fatigue, but it does drive feelings of fatigue. Some fatigue reducing factors are to stay active - both mentally and physically. I cannot understate the importance of discipline in this process.
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,257 Member
    I'm hypothyroid as well. 125 mcg/day of synthroid. I lost over 100 lbs. I do however find my maintenance calories are about 200 below what they tell me they should be. Am I weighing every bite... no. Maybe I can't measure correctly but either way I know how I have to eat to maintain. Having said all that I hit a plateau after I lost about 80 lbs and the answer for me was a diet break. I ate at maintenance for a week then went back on plan and lost another 20 lbs. You might want to give that a try. They say you should actually break for 2 weeks but I was terrified of gaining it all back. Good luck.

    This is very encouraging because I joined a thyroid Facebook group and everyone says you can't lose weight. I originally needed to lose 155. I was down 85 when I plateaued for 6 months and went hypo as I wasn't while losing weight. I do know breaks are beneficial. I originally lost 135 lbs in 2004 and kept it off till 2012 when I got on several weight gaining medications for MS. But things went very wrong last summer. I'm hoping to get things optimized and get this weight off!! Thx for the encouragement i know it's possible.

    Sadly you'll find the same phenomenon everywhere. Victim status is en vogue currently and there are many who embrace this, so thyroid disorder becomes a convenient excuse for failure.

    Hormones are free cycling, so you'll likely find yourself needed less supplement as you lose weight. Thinking of your body as a mass of water - it is used to a specific amount of hormone cycling through. If you increase your body mass by 25% you cause your endocrine system to work 25% harder to maintain, which creates a great deal of stress, inflammation, and if carried out over time organ and system damage. In all cases weight management becomes key and calorie counting is a very effective system for success. Much like balancing your finances, your food intake needs to be managed.
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,329 Member
    And my experience with a lot of people in those disease-focused FB groups is that they don't want to put in the work for losing weight, and would rather blame the condition.

    Oh yes, I decided to ignore them as I'd only get flamed for not knowing anything. No thanks. I gave up on that.
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,257 Member
    edited June 2019
    yirara wrote: »
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    How do I reply to someone individually? I've been on MFP for 1290 plus days think and never really used the forums lol

    I'm on 25 mcg synthroid which brought TSH from 8.92 to 4.78. But that wasn't optimal so I now have a new script for 50 mcg. I took 12 weeks of vitamin D3 50000 IU. All iron is great T4 is right at mid point of range and T3 is above mid point almost upper 3rd. I have multiple sclerosis but I lost the 85 lbs or so so I don't think that is impacting my weight.

    This is a very good sign. That is a strong reaction in TSH from such a small dosage, so no indication of competing molecules or medicine. Optimal range for TSH is 0.4 - 4.0, but it's a tricky metric. What "feels" normal for you would be what your normal level was during your developmental years.

    I would also agree that the MS isn't impacting your weight and kudos to you and whoever else made such an early diagnosis.

    One thing to consider is that since you have an issue with a gland the best course is to establish a solid routine to your life, so the more consistency you have, the better your body will manage.


    I'm in Canada and my lab is 0.5 to 5.0 but states is up to 4. But recent news and research says that the range should be lowered to 3. Optimal is 1 to 2 from what I've learned. My number goes down quick but I don't feel any better still have a lot of symptoms and crushing fatigue is one that is unmanageable. I have nodules and have had an ultrasound but not not enough for a biopsy I'll get it checked in another 6 months. Thyroid is very tricky and frustrating :(

    The range depends on your situation. The is with hyperthyroidism.

    If you had a total thyroidectomy due to cancer the optimal range is 0.2-2.0.

    Thyroid doesn't actually drive fatigue, but it does drive feelings of fatigue. Some fatigue reducing factors are to stay active - both mentally and physically. I cannot understate the importance of discipline in this process.

    True, but if your brains are not working it's darn difficult to do any mental work, especially if you forget that you should do something for your brains. And if you fall asleep once you get home from work then it's a bit difficult to go outside and work out. I'm not trying to find excuses. I'm just describing how it is. I was hypo for months probably and never once got the idea that I might be hypo because of brain fog and tiredness while actually I do know that brain fog, tiredness and reflux from hell = thyroid.

    What I would need is an app where I enter my symptoms for certain conditions, and every evening before bed I get a reminder to fill in how I felt on all symptoms (and maybe a few others from an online database). And if there are 10 or so days worth of reflux, tiredness and brain fog then I might get an alarm to have my thyroid checked. :D

    Oh I know. I suspect the "brain fog" is a result of the dramatic change in hormone much more than the range itself. When I went from "likely hyperthyroid" to zero I realized quickly that I needed to force myself to be interested.....fascinated with everything to stay focused. Much of your success and failure is reliant on personal perception. No easy task. Quite possibly the most difficult task a human can ever endure as it requires one to reevaluate all preconceived notions and leave your ego at the door.

    I kept a journal following my diagnosis per the recommendation of my endocrinologist. I also enrolled in a summer semester at a local university and doubled down on courses. In this way I reset my view of normal and raised the bar, so that I had no time to be tired. Not going to work for everyone, but this is my strategy to combat this.
  • karas_journey
    karas_journey Posts: 33 Member
    yirara wrote: »
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    How do I reply to someone individually? I've been on MFP for 1290 plus days think and never really used the forums lol

    I'm on 25 mcg synthroid which brought TSH from 8.92 to 4.78. But that wasn't optimal so I now have a new script for 50 mcg. I took 12 weeks of vitamin D3 50000 IU. All iron is great T4 is right at mid point of range and T3 is above mid point almost upper 3rd. I have multiple sclerosis but I lost the 85 lbs or so so I don't think that is impacting my weight.

    This is a very good sign. That is a strong reaction in TSH from such a small dosage, so no indication of competing molecules or medicine. Optimal range for TSH is 0.4 - 4.0, but it's a tricky metric. What "feels" normal for you would be what your normal level was during your developmental years.

    I would also agree that the MS isn't impacting your weight and kudos to you and whoever else made such an early diagnosis.

    One thing to consider is that since you have an issue with a gland the best course is to establish a solid routine to your life, so the more consistency you have, the better your body will manage.


    I'm in Canada and my lab is 0.5 to 5.0 but states is up to 4. But recent news and research says that the range should be lowered to 3. Optimal is 1 to 2 from what I've learned. My number goes down quick but I don't feel any better still have a lot of symptoms and crushing fatigue is one that is unmanageable. I have nodules and have had an ultrasound but not not enough for a biopsy I'll get it checked in another 6 months. Thyroid is very tricky and frustrating :(

    The range depends on your situation. The is with hyperthyroidism.

    If you had a total thyroidectomy due to cancer the optimal range is 0.2-2.0.

    Thyroid doesn't actually drive fatigue, but it does drive feelings of fatigue. Some fatigue reducing factors are to stay active - both mentally and physically. I cannot understate the importance of discipline in this process.

    True, but if your brains are not working it's darn difficult to do any mental work, especially if you forget that you should do something for your brains. And if you fall asleep once you get home from work then it's a bit difficult to go outside and work out. I'm not trying to find excuses. I'm just describing how it is. I was hypo for months probably and never once got the idea that I might be hypo because of brain fog and tiredness while actually I do know that brain fog, tiredness and reflux from hell = thyroid.

    What I would need is an app where I enter my symptoms for certain conditions, and every evening before bed I get a reminder to fill in how I felt on all symptoms (and maybe a few others from an online database). And if there are 10 or so days worth of reflux, tiredness and brain fog then I might get an alarm to have my thyroid checked. :D


    It is hard for me to be active due to 2 back surgeries in 2006 for herniated disc against my sciatic nerve and then confirmed diagnosis MS in 2010 but it wasn't until last summer that my symptoms seemed worse after a big attack in June. Now my fatigue is crushing my skin is dryer then the Sahara lol my hair fell out and I gained weight but also ms progressed so fast a lovely combo!!
  • karas_journey
    karas_journey Posts: 33 Member
    yirara wrote: »
    And my experience with a lot of people in those disease-focused FB groups is that they don't want to put in the work for losing weight, and would rather blame the condition.

    Oh yes, I decided to ignore them as I'd only get flamed for not knowing anything. No thanks. I gave up on that.

    I have absolutely figured out it is very disease focused on Facebook. Buddhism says don't talk about your disease if you want peace from it :)
  • karas_journey
    karas_journey Posts: 33 Member
    pjshawley wrote: »
    Just looking to see if there are any members who have subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism and if you have had excess abrupt weight gain and / or if you have had weight loss success?

    I've been struggling for over a year... had lost 85 lbs then something changed I stopped losing weight January to May 2018 (last spring) them June to end if September gained 35 lbs!! I've struggled and struggled to get this 35 back off. I'm on 25 mcg synthroid since March 2019.

    Hi. I also have low thyroid (since age 20) and am on 225mcg of synthetic thyroid. I am now 60. I have lost and gained large amounts of weight several times during my life. It IS possible, perhaps a bit harder than the average person. I am back on My Fitness Pal and have lost 20 pounds, with another 50 to go. I totally agree with other posters that I need to carefully log all my calories. Don't let the Facebook naysayers stop you!!

    Thanks ... again this is encouraging because I know it can be done I definitely have to stay away from the naysayers!!! :)
  • Lenascrivente
    Lenascrivente Posts: 177 Member
    hi there, Hashimoto's hypo here and yes, it is possible. it took me three years to get the medication dosage to a point where my body is functioning but for the last three years my energy levels were so low that everytime I exercised I crashed and I was craving carbs all the time. then when the dosage reached optimal levels I saw a shift in how my body seemed to be back to its old routine, not struggling with excess appetite, muscles and joint inflammation, so that walking became possible again. I am 10 weeks in and have lost 22 lbs with calorie counting and a high protein diet with limited carbs and sugar, though keeping it soft and reasonable as I have other 100lbs to lose. hang in there! PM me if you want to chat. it is possible! I am one of those who had almost given up because of the thyroid craze..
  • karas_journey
    karas_journey Posts: 33 Member
    Thanks for all the feedback I feel more optimistic that this weight will come off! Just can't be lazy I'm 45 now so things aren't quite as easy. Thx everyone!

    Just one more note that will hopefully give you hope. I was 59 when I started to lose. It's amazing when you get rid of all the garbage that the diet sellers try to tell you and just eat within the calorie range that you're given. I went to 1200 calories because yes I was silly and wanted to lose as fast as I could. I averaged about 1.7 pounds per week at that and as my weight went down it slowed down of course as my deficit shrank. After my diet break I went to 1350 because I just couldn't face 1200 anymore, lol. Then my losses were slow but at least I'm maintaining. Also on the exercise front... I would suggest doing some weight lifting if you can handle it with your MS. I regret I didn't do that. All I have ever done is walk for exercise and I started slow and worked up. For a very long time my goal was 6,000 steps per day then I went to 8,000 for the rest of my weight loss. I now average around 12,000/day 5 days a week. That's it.

    I was just at the nutritionist after my endocrinologist recommended it. We looked at my weight through out the years the yo yo etc and my set point is high my body just wants to stay here but thats from a depressed metabolism from age and years dnd years of yo yo weight fluctuations.

    I lost 155 lbs in 2003 to 2005 and the thing I did that was a game changer I did weight training constantly totally transformed my body I think my original pics before and after are on mfp?? I think I kept them there. But I can do some weight training just not what I used to and my fatigue can be. Crushing sometimes but I'm giving it my all... lol ;)
  • karas_journey
    karas_journey Posts: 33 Member
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    How do I reply to someone individually? I've been on MFP for 1290 plus days think and never really used the forums lol

    I'm on 25 mcg synthroid which brought TSH from 8.92 to 4.78. But that wasn't optimal so I now have a new script for 50 mcg. I took 12 weeks of vitamin D3 50000 IU. All iron is great T4 is right at mid point of range and T3 is above mid point almost upper 3rd. I have multiple sclerosis but I lost the 85 lbs or so so I don't think that is impacting my weight.

    This is a very good sign. That is a strong reaction in TSH from such a small dosage, so no indication of competing molecules or medicine. Optimal range for TSH is 0.4 - 4.0, but it's a tricky metric. What "feels" normal for you would be what your normal level was during your developmental years.

    I would also agree that the MS isn't impacting your weight and kudos to you and whoever else made such an early diagnosis.

    One thing to consider is that since you have an issue with a gland the best course is to establish a solid routine to your life, so the more consistency you have, the better your body will manage.


    I'm in Canada and my lab is 0.5 to 5.0 but states is up to 4. But recent news and research says that the range should be lowered to 3. Optimal is 1 to 2 from what I've learned. My number goes down quick but I don't feel any better still have a lot of symptoms and crushing fatigue is one that is unmanageable. I have nodules and have had an ultrasound but not not enough for a biopsy I'll get it checked in another 6 months. Thyroid is very tricky and frustrating :(

    You probably know this, but in case not: It will take some time of taking your new, higher dose of levothyroxine/synthroid for you to feel the full effects. Here's hoping you'll get some symptomatic improvement as that kicks in!

    Hang in there: There are quite a few people on MFP who've lost weight while hypothroid, even some who weren't fully normalized on medications yet. It's a complicating factor, but it isn't universally a complete barrier to weight loss.

    Best wishes!

    I think I got into a forum where people aren't getting better or haven't and aren't losing weight etc.. not all but if i posted about weight loss it was soooo deflating and negative. I know it's possible I just have to tweak things now and shave off some calories and try to get moving more! I've been fine on 25 mcg and in normal range so to speak... but fine is not optimal! Thx for your thoughts words and encouragement :)

    And my experience with a lot of people in those disease-focused FB groups is that they don't want to put in the work for losing weight, and would rather blame the condition.

    But you're doing the right thing! You're working hard.

    I'm hypothyroid, too -- feel free to post-stalk me here to get the full rundown of my history, and what happens when thyroid is poorly, poorly, managed. When I'm medicated *properly*, I lose weight exactly like other people who have endocrine organs that actually *work*. It's when the meds aren't right that you start to have problems.

    This is What is happening now I am just increasing slowly to 50 mcg I was 25 mcg now 37.5 and then I'll go to 50 my body is very sensitive to all medications. I hope I have the same success you did!!
  • karas_journey
    karas_journey Posts: 33 Member
    hi there, Hashimoto's hypo here and yes, it is possible. it took me three years to get the medication dosage to a point where my body is functioning but for the last three years my energy levels were so low that everytime I exercised I crashed and I was craving carbs all the time. then when the dosage reached optimal levels I saw a shift in how my body seemed to be back to its old routine, not struggling with excess appetite, muscles and joint inflammation, so that walking became possible again. I am 10 weeks in and have lost 22 lbs with calorie counting and a high protein diet with limited carbs and sugar, though keeping it soft and reasonable as I have other 100lbs to lose. hang in there! PM me if you want to chat. it is possible! I am one of those who had almost given up because of the thyroid craze..

    I have a 100 to lose as well and definitely think I haven't quite found my dose trying 37.5 now... I don't feel like myself but all the anxiety that came before I gained weight suddenly and also the low low mood... crushing fatigue mixed with ms fatigue. I want to get my level right!!
  • karas_journey
    karas_journey Posts: 33 Member
    hi there, Hashimoto's hypo here and yes, it is possible. it took me three years to get the medication dosage to a point where my body is functioning but for the last three years my energy levels were so low that everytime I exercised I crashed and I was craving carbs all the time. then when the dosage reached optimal levels I saw a shift in how my body seemed to be back to its old routine, not struggling with excess appetite, muscles and joint inflammation, so that walking became possible again. I am 10 weeks in and have lost 22 lbs with calorie counting and a high protein diet with limited carbs and sugar, though keeping it soft and reasonable as I have other 100lbs to lose. hang in there! PM me if you want to chat. it is possible! I am one of those who had almost given up because of the thyroid craze..

    Sent you a pm message hope you got it i get lost in these forums lol
  • karas_journey
    karas_journey Posts: 33 Member
    Thank you to everyone who responded here... I wasn't getting notifications and looked in today and saw 8 new messages... my apologies I get very lost in the forum the format is a bit hard to follow messages and then my responses.

    Still working on my dose saw a nutritionist through my endocrinologist and had a big conversation about set point Weight depressed metabolism from years and years of yo yo.. but not sure how helpful I found that I left depressed thinking I'm stuck at this weight.. but these messages have encouraged me to not give up.. thank you!!! xxxxx
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,329 Member
    I convinced my GP to up my dose the sneaky way yesterday. Booh to doctors that don't listen to how people feel but only look at numbers or use arbitrary numbers of what's good and isn't.
  • karas_journey
    karas_journey Posts: 33 Member
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    Thank you to everyone who responded here... I wasn't getting notifications and looked in today and saw 8 new messages... my apologies I get very lost in the forum the format is a bit hard to follow messages and then my responses.

    Still working on my dose saw a nutritionist through my endocrinologist and had a big conversation about set point Weight depressed metabolism from years and years of yo yo.. but not sure how helpful I found that I left depressed thinking I'm stuck at this weight.. but these messages have encouraged me to not give up.. thank you!!! xxxxx

    Oh goodness.

    There is no such animal as set point. No such thing as depressed, high, or low metabolism. Fire these people.


    I left in tears I barely got to the elevator... I did not want to go in the first place but I went just because she kept suggesting it or medications contrave and saxenda! I have ms and enough meds I dont need more...I have been doing what I did to lose weight before 86 lbs before thyroid hit. Intermittent fasting low carbs berries only for fruit and a sweet potato or plain oats the rest is veggies and lean protein and good fats avocado nuts seeds etc. I dont get it... I set my thing at 1430 cals and eat approx that or just below and nothing but lose 2 gain 1 lose 3 gain 2 gain 2 more lost 3... omg insanity 🤦‍♀️🙄