Hypothyroidism (autoimmune) and Weight Loss

shampton06
shampton06 Posts: 13 Member
edited October 21 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm having a hard time. My weight just doesn't seem to budge. I gained like 4lbs in the last few weeks and when I had my labs done this week, they were very confusing. TSH was .074 (I should be losing with this number), free T3 was 2.8 (2.0-4.4), and free T4 was .91 (.82-1.77). With such a low TSH, my free's should be much higher than they are. I have a dr appt this Thurs, but I just don't know what to do. Something isn't right. Anyone else with thyroid disease and have issues like this? Any advice is appreciated. :-)

On a side note, I am also on Metformin for insulin resistance and am on a gluten-free diet due to recently finding out I was sensitive to it. :-/
«1

Replies

  • annimal74
    annimal74 Posts: 25
    Hi I also have hypothyroid :(. Its very tough to loose weight. I have been going to the gym religiously burning over 900 cals a day and actually gained .6lb very frustrating. I did some research about it online and all I could find was drs saying you can loose weight with hypo but you have to work twice as hard as everybody else to do it :(. If you find anything out please post :)
  • Tara4boys
    Tara4boys Posts: 515 Member
    I have Hasimotso's Hypothyroid too and I also take Metformin.

    I would suggest the first place to start is diligently logging your foods to see how much you are really eating.
  • roseantoinette1
    roseantoinette1 Posts: 16 Member
    Hi,
    I've had hypothyroidism for about 3 years now and all I can say is good luck. It is so hard to lose - but it can be done. This website really does help with keeping you on-track since I use to think I was eating around 1,200 calories but found out it was much more than that. I'm only weighing in every three weeks instead of every week because when the scale doesn't more, I get very discouraged. Keep logging, exercise when you can and remember you're Not alone!
    Good luck!
    Rose
  • annimal74
    annimal74 Posts: 25
    I log my food everyday everything I eat I have my calories set at 1300 a day and very rarely do I ever go over :)
  • jend114
    jend114 Posts: 1,058 Member
    I have Hasimotso's Hypothyroid too and I also take Metformin.

    I would suggest the first place to start is diligently logging your foods to see how much you are really eating.

    I have Hashimoto's too. It takes alot of work to lose weight but it can be done. You just have to have patience.
  • shampton06
    shampton06 Posts: 13 Member
    I've been logging my food. I lost a bunch of weight last year with running, shredding, and logging my food. I was eating 1800 cals a day, too (and eating back my calories!). I am now trying to stay under 1700. This normally works well for me, but for some reason it's just not. I've started doing the 30DS again, so maybe I just need a little more time.
  • GG70
    GG70 Posts: 232 Member
    i have hypo too... add a little coconut oil to your diet and stay away from soy as much as you can.. can be so frustrating, i know..
  • mackenzierain
    mackenzierain Posts: 39 Member
    I have the opposite, hyperthyroidism and over the last 18 months have gained weight. I just finished my 18 months of meds and my last blood work showed that I am now hypothryoid (the meds were too strong) and have been finding it hard losing the weight as well.
  • annimal74
    annimal74 Posts: 25
    I've been logging my food. I lost a bunch of weight last year with running, shredding, and logging my food. I was eating 1800 cals a day, too (and eating back my calories!). I am now trying to stay under 1700. This normally works well for me, but for some reason it's just not. I've started doing the 30DS again, so maybe I just need a little more time.
    What is 30ds?
  • shampton06
    shampton06 Posts: 13 Member
    I've been logging my food. I lost a bunch of weight last year with running, shredding, and logging my food. I was eating 1800 cals a day, too (and eating back my calories!). I am now trying to stay under 1700. This normally works well for me, but for some reason it's just not. I've started doing the 30DS again, so maybe I just need a little more time.
    What is 30ds?
    30 Day Shred
  • melbaby925
    melbaby925 Posts: 613
    I just finished reading the Perfect Health Diet by Dr. Jaminet - and they specifically address thyroid issues caused by eating cereal grains. It's not enough to just go gluten free, we need to go grain free completely. Something about the grain elements messing with your gut signals to the brain, that mess with the pituitary thyroid connection. It was a lot of scientific stuff that I can't recall verbatim, however, that was the gist. Eliminate all grain except white rice (doesn't have the same toxic elemental level as other grain or brown rice) and thyroid issues get better.

    I just started trying this way of eating - I'm into Day 2. It's way to early to make any sort of recommendation - but you might want to read the book to start.
  • annimal74
    annimal74 Posts: 25
    i have hypo too... add a little coconut oil to your diet and stay away from soy as much as you can.. can be so frustrating, i know..

    Coconut oil really? I never would have thought of that works huh?
  • annimal74
    annimal74 Posts: 25
    I've been logging my food. I lost a bunch of weight last year with running, shredding, and logging my food. I was eating 1800 cals a day, too (and eating back my calories!). I am now trying to stay under 1700. This normally works well for me, but for some reason it's just not. I've started doing the 30DS again, so maybe I just need a little more time.
    What is 30ds?
    30 Day Shred
    Hrmmm haven't heard of that?
  • Moosey75
    Moosey75 Posts: 30
    Just wanted to chime in and say I'm in this same boat too.. Hang in there we can beat this! It may take us a little longer than the regular folks but we'll get there!
  • DoubleE615312
    DoubleE615312 Posts: 173 Member
    I have hashimoto's too, however my thyroid numbers TSH, T3, T4 are in the normal range without medication. They found mine by testing my antibodies. My antibodies were through the roof. They did an ultrasound on my thyroid to confirm and my thyroid is non-functioning. So I am on meds for the rest of my life. So demand them to check your thyroid antibodies if all else is normal. I have lost 65 pounds in 10 months, so it can be done with a thyroid problem.
  • stylistchik
    stylistchik Posts: 1,436 Member
    I know this really isn't my place but have any of you cut out processed and packaged foods? There have been a lot of links from plastics, preservatives and food dyes to endocrine disruption which can really mess up our hormones. I only ask because it's something I am seriously concerned with and I would eventually like to specialize in treating and preventing these kinds of problems that are so common today. My mom suffers from hypothyroidism and my aunt had thyroid cancer and I'm interested in lowering my own risk and eventually helping others.

    Take a look at something like this:

    http://www.epa.gov/endo/pubs/edspoverview/whatare.htm

    http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/bendrep.asp

    http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/
  • shampton06
    shampton06 Posts: 13 Member
    I just finished reading the Perfect Health Diet by Dr. Jaminet - and they specifically address thyroid issues caused by eating cereal grains. It's not enough to just go gluten free, we need to go grain free completely. Something about the grain elements messing with your gut signals to the brain, that mess with the pituitary thyroid connection. It was a lot of scientific stuff that I can't recall verbatim, however, that was the gist. Eliminate all grain except white rice (doesn't have the same toxic elemental level as other grain or brown rice) and thyroid issues get better.

    I just started trying this way of eating - I'm into Day 2. It's way to early to make any sort of recommendation - but you might want to read the book to start.
    I know, I know. LOL I've done a lot of research last year about inflammation and grains. I *know* I should get off them, but it's just so hard. I don't eat bread or pasta even gluten-free. It's enough that I have to eat gluten-free or be in a lot of pain. :-P It's a tough thing to give up.
  • Shanna_Inc86
    Shanna_Inc86 Posts: 781 Member
    Bump...for a friend to read
  • shampton06
    shampton06 Posts: 13 Member
    I know this really isn't my place but have any of you cut out processed and packaged foods? There have been a lot of links from plastics, preservatives and food dyes to endocrine disruption which can really mess up our hormones. I only ask because it's something I am seriously concerned with and I would eventually like to specialize in treating and preventing these kinds of problems that are so common today.

    Take a look at something like this:

    http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/
    I don't eat processed foods really. I try to stick with organic when I can. I have a limited income, so I can only do so much. :-/
  • Helenatrandom
    Helenatrandom Posts: 1,166 Member
    I have hypothyroidism, too. It's tough. I don't have any advice. I know my doctor had to be pushed to up my meds. when I needed it. I have decided that the next time I have an issue that may be thyroid related, I'm going to see an endocrinologist instead of a general practitioner.
  • TruckerChick
    TruckerChick Posts: 263
    I've been logging my food. I lost a bunch of weight last year with running, shredding, and logging my food. I was eating 1800 cals a day, too (and eating back my calories!). I am now trying to stay under 1700. This normally works well for me, but for some reason it's just not. I've started doing the 30DS again, so maybe I just need a little more time.
    What is 30ds?
    30 Day Shred
    Hrmmm haven't heard of that?

    It's Jillian Michael's at home, on video, workout. It's really very good! You can get it at Walmart for about $10. Check it out!
  • shampton06
    shampton06 Posts: 13 Member
    I have hashimoto's too, however my thyroid numbers TSH, T3, T4 are in the normal range without medication. They found mine by testing my antibodies. My antibodies were through the roof. They did an ultrasound on my thyroid to confirm and my thyroid is non-functioning. So I am on meds for the rest of my life. So demand them to check your thyroid antibodies if all else is normal. I have lost 65 pounds in 10 months, so it can be done with a thyroid problem.
    Mine is autoimmune. I've had Hashimoto's for 8+yrs now. Ideally, I like my TSH as close to 0 without going under and my free T3 and free T4 to be on the high end of normal without going over, but my levels even with med adjustments, just aren't doing that.
  • QuiteNice
    QuiteNice Posts: 35 Member
    Wow! Great conversation! I had no idea about the grains! I LOVE grains! Good luck to everyone!
  • ARDuBaie
    ARDuBaie Posts: 378 Member
    I've had hypothyroidism for over 30 years and when I intend to lose weight, I have no problems. If you are taking your thyroid medication and your TSH levels are in the normal range, this should be no reason for not losing weight. I would look elsewhere for the problem.

    I don't mean to sound callous when I say this, but I used to weigh 294 pounds (complements of gestational diabetes) and am at 193 right now, even though I have hypothyroidism. I take my medication at the same time every day. Although hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, it should not be a barrier to weight loss once you are taking your medication and your TSH levels are within the normal range.
  • timpalicte
    timpalicte Posts: 5 Member
    I have hypothyroidism too, my right lobe along with my goiter was taken out already. So I'll be taking Synthroid forever. Weight loss is sooo slow but treadmill has helped me with it... I feel very, very tired every time I get done with it and sleep. I still try to do it 1-3 times a week for 30 minutes so I could burn more calories faster. It takes patience though but we'll get there slowly but surely :smile:
  • shampton06
    shampton06 Posts: 13 Member
    I've had hypothyroidism for over 30 years and when I intend to lose weight, I have no problems. If you are taking your thyroid medication and your TSH levels are in the normal range, this should be no reason for not losing weight. I would look elsewhere for the problem.

    I don't mean to sound callous when I say this, but I used to weigh 294 pounds (complements of gestational diabetes) and am at 193 right now, even though I have hypothyroidism. I take my medication at the same time every day. Although hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, it should not be a barrier to weight loss once you are taking your medication and your TSH levels are within the normal range.
    I agree with you. Something isn't right and I've been thinking that for a while now. Maybe there's something else going on outside of my thyroid.
  • GG70
    GG70 Posts: 232 Member
    i have hypo too... add a little coconut oil to your diet and stay away from soy as much as you can.. can be so frustrating, i know..

    Coconut oil really? I never would have thought of that works huh?



    this is a testimonial on a site that is a proponent of coconut oil.. Bruce Fife's book called THE COCONUT OIL MIRACLE should shed some light too.. My doctor has been changing my dosage ( DECREASING it!!!) since i have used coconut oil in my diet.. so here is some info:

    "Virgin Coconut Oil offers great hope for those suffering from hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) today. I didn't even realize how much hypothyroidism was affecting my life till I started on the Virgin Coconut Oil and suddenly had energy like the Energizer Bunny! I also gave up the white toxins (wheat flour, refined sugar, potatoes, and other high-glycemic index foods) and that, in combination with my Virgin Coconut Oil consumption has made a tremendous difference in my hormonal balance, mood stability, stamina and overall energy. And, I'm slowly but steadily losing a little bit of weight without effort. Ya gotta love that! Julia (Coconut Diet Forums)

    I have had SEVERELY low thyroid for nearly two years now and nothing I tried corrected it. Being a naturalist, I did NOT want to end up taking Synthroid. When my daughter showed me your website, I was so excited to try the Coconut Oil. I took 3 tablespoons a day and within two months, I returned to my physician and she just couldn't believe that EVERYTHING on my tests was once again normal! She was so enthused that she has prescribed your product to three other thyroid patients since then. Your product took me out of the doom and gloom I suffered for so very long! My muscles have returned to normal... The mental fog, depression, hoarse voice, swollen face/eyes and all my other symptoms have disappeared! "
  • annimal74
    annimal74 Posts: 25
    I just finished reading the Perfect Health Diet by Dr. Jaminet - and they specifically address thyroid issues caused by eating cereal grains. It's not enough to just go gluten free, we need to go grain free completely. Something about the grain elements messing with your gut signals to the brain, that mess with the pituitary thyroid connection. It was a lot of scientific stuff that I can't recall verbatim, however, that was the gist. Eliminate all grain except white rice (doesn't have the same toxic elemental level as other grain or brown rice) and thyroid issues get better.

    I just started trying this way of eating - I'm into Day 2. It's way to early to make any sort of recommendation - but you might want to read the book to start.

    Ok I didn't know that I eat a lot of whole grains because its good for you lol so I'm gonna give this a try no cereal bars no brown rice or whole grain breads and see what that does I've been stuck for about 2 weeks now not loosing :)
  • shampton06
    shampton06 Posts: 13 Member
    I just finished reading the Perfect Health Diet by Dr. Jaminet - and they specifically address thyroid issues caused by eating cereal grains. It's not enough to just go gluten free, we need to go grain free completely. Something about the grain elements messing with your gut signals to the brain, that mess with the pituitary thyroid connection. It was a lot of scientific stuff that I can't recall verbatim, however, that was the gist. Eliminate all grain except white rice (doesn't have the same toxic elemental level as other grain or brown rice) and thyroid issues get better.

    I just started trying this way of eating - I'm into Day 2. It's way to early to make any sort of recommendation - but you might want to read the book to start.

    Ok I didn't know that I eat a lot of whole grains because its good for you lol so I'm gonna give this a try no cereal bars no brown rice or whole grain breads and see what that does I've been stuck for about 2 weeks now not loosing :)
    Anyone who has thyroid disease or any autoimmune disease (or not even), will benefit from going grain-free. Grains cause inflammation in your body and most especially in your gut. If you have an autoimmune disease, the damage is just that much worse. The primal diet looks to be the best, but I've been such a chicken to just do it..... even though I know it will make me feel better. :-P
  • danagisana
    danagisana Posts: 43 Member
    what are thyroid antibodies? I keep getting regular blood test results but I am sure something is up and the doctors don't seem to listen
This discussion has been closed.

Categories