does anyone here have hypothyroidism?

blink14
blink14 Posts: 57 Member
edited September 19 in Health and Weight Loss
recently my mother, my aunt, and my grandmother have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and I will be getting tested for it soon. I was wondering if anyone here has it, and if they'd be willing to discuss it?

thanks!

Replies

  • farmgirlh
    farmgirlh Posts: 240
    I have it and was diagnosed with it in 2002 so if you have any questions I would be more than happy to answer the best that I can. Good luck with you test.
  • debnu1
    debnu1 Posts: 1,568 Member
    There seems to be quite a few of us on here--I had Thyroid Cancer and my Thyroid completely removed. So I really am hypothyroid. Because of the cancer I have to keep my thyroid level higher to prevent recurrence. Thyroid problems are quite common I am finding out. Good luck with your test.
  • nursegirl79
    nursegirl79 Posts: 146 Member
    I'm hypo as well. I have noticed that I have to exercise harder to lose weight. If you have any questions, please let me know.
  • leighoconnell
    leighoconnell Posts: 217
    My 17 year old sister was diagnosed with it yesterday.
  • datenshi
    datenshi Posts: 840 Member
    I am hypo as well and was diagnosed 19 years ago when I was 15. I take eltroxin everyday and it balances it out quite well.

    I am very happy to chat about it if you have questions.

    Take care and good luck!
    Tammy
  • bluroses
    bluroses Posts: 90 Member
    I was just diagnosed 3 weeks ago. Dr started me on a very low dosage of medicine which seems to be having no effect. I am going tomorrow so he can re-evaluate dosage and make adjustments. Glad to know there is a community here! :smile:
  • Ileanak
    Ileanak Posts: 343 Member
    I was diagnosed at 13, although it was not a surprise, as my mother was diagnosed at the same age. There are a handful of symptoms that accompany the imbalance of TSH levels.

    I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

    I will say, it is harder, although not impossible, to lose weight when you have hypothyroidism. Where some people need a little tweak to their diet or an increase in cardio, you may find (as I have) that both need to be followed strictly. to lose weight and many of the same principles must be followed just to "maintain".

    I have to do 30-40 mins cardio in the wee hours in the morning, 4 days a week and hit the gym after work and weekends at least 5 days a week, doing both cardio, weights and core exercises to get any results. I also take in only veggie carbs after 3 pm, and keep protein levels high.

    As for symptoms, Although my THS levels are usually pretty good, I suffer from insomnia quite frequently, have very dry skin and nails....

    That said, some people find that once on meds they lose some weight. It never happened for me, but it is not the end of the world.

    The up side, is that as time goes by, you will know is your TSH levels are going wacky.... you will recognize the symptoms!


    Best of luck,

    Ileana
  • annaliza
    annaliza Posts: 809
    I have it. I was diagnosed with it about 10 years ago.

    Yep, it's a lot harder to lose weight but it can be done.

    And losing weight/getting fit doesn't help your hypothyroidism, either (not like it would cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc). You will be taking medicine for it for the rest of your life (which isn't so bad but I had a hard time accepting that when I was first diagnosed).

    Good luck to you! Feel free to PM me at anytime :smile:
  • kitkat200986
    kitkat200986 Posts: 7 Member
    I was diagnosed with it last summer. For me, as long as I take my medication each morning, I am OK. Good luck and I am happy to answer questions if you have any!

    Kelly
  • Ileanak
    Ileanak Posts: 343 Member
    And losing weight/getting fit doesn't help your hypothyroidism, either (not like it would cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc). You will be taking medicine for it for the rest of your life (which isn't so bad but I had a hard time accepting that when I was first diagnosed).

    Although you will be on medication for the rest of your life, with weight loss, your synthroid dosage may be reduced. I have had to cut my dosage by 75% since I lost 100 lbs. It isn't great news, but it is news. And you must keep within your tsh limits, because the side effects of low TSH levels can be harmful to your health!

    Best of luck!

    Ileana
  • karibari
    karibari Posts: 9 Member
    I was also diagnosed with Hashimoto's (autoimmune hypothyroidism) as well as thyroid cancer 6 years ago....that's when my weight gain took place...I ballooned up very quickly (30 pounds in one month and over the years i gained another 40 or so). I also had my thyroid taken out and take Synthroid...but have found it IS possible to lose weight! Although the thyroid problems have really affected my mood and energy levels as well!
  • tvfit
    tvfit Posts: 56 Member
    I also have Hashimoto's & hypothyroidism (diagnosed around 40). Just finished reading The Thyroid Diet by Mary G. Shomon. Get it from the library or buy it used on half.com - it was very informative about the syndrome, but not worth the $15 cover price. I find my synthroid dosage (started at 25mcg, now up to 88) works well for me. Haven't been retested since I lost 17lbs - it'll be interesting to see if my weightloss affects my synthroid need. Good luck.
  • americaa
    americaa Posts: 1
    I was also diagnosed with Hashimoto's (autoimmune hypothyroidism). It was actualy a relief to know why I was so incredibly tired all the time. My dr and I worked together to find the right dosage of Armour Thyroid that works for me. In my case, I take the main dosage in the am and a small secondary dosage around noon. The medications makes a world of difference with my energy levels. No, it did not help with losing weight, but it certainly helped with my energy levels.

    I Just joined this site last week and am hoping if I get more disciplined with my calorie consumption it will pay off.

    My only advise is to work closley with your dr to find a medicine and dosage that works for you and to not fight taking ity every day.
  • bluroses
    bluroses Posts: 90 Member
    So, my dr doubled my dosage of synthroid last Thursday. I was recently diagnosed and he had started me on 25 mcg of synthroid, which - after 4 weeks - wasn't doing anything at all. Since starting the new dosage, I have started *gaining* weight. Ack! I have NOT gone over my caloric goals and have continued to exercise every day.

    Has anyone else had this experience? Will this even itself out as my body adjusts to the new dosage? It's super frustrating!
  • farmgirlh
    farmgirlh Posts: 240
    When they change my dose I am more hungry than normal and gain a few pounds so I have to be careful how much I eat. It usually lasts for 1-2 weeks then I level out. Going up is hard but going down is worse. I hope they get your levels adjusted properly soon.
  • farmgirlh
    farmgirlh Posts: 240
    I also have Hashimoto's & hypothyroidism (diagnosed around 40). Just finished reading The Thyroid Diet by Mary G. Shomon. Get it from the library or buy it used on half.com - it was very informative about the syndrome, but not worth the $15 cover price. I find my synthroid dosage (started at 25mcg, now up to 88) works well for me. Haven't been retested since I lost 17lbs - it'll be interesting to see if my weightloss affects my synthroid need. Good luck.

    I lost 30 pounds this last year and when I had my levels done recently they didn't have to make any changes. Good luck.
  • MaryinBflo
    MaryinBflo Posts: 437 Member
    I have it and I have been on medication for it since I was 16. I lost 100lbs before I had my kids so just becasue you have it doesn't mean you can't lose weight. It might just be harder than other people.
    good luck!
  • April0815
    April0815 Posts: 780 Member
    My mom had just the opposite. She was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism (Graves disease) I was 12 when she was diagnosed. I remember it was awful the crazy Dr she was going to told her she was going through "the change of life". Well when it had gotten so bad and she changed Dr he told her if she would have waited another week she wouldn't be standing there. She had lost so much weight she was in a lil girls size 10/12 and she also had to get the surgery on her eyes cause it made them start to bulge. She had to have her throid radiactively destroyed. She has been on Synthroid since then. She had been tiny since and I remember my mom going on different types of diets when I was little. She can tell when her levels are off just a lil bit. They told her that if she had any daughters to make sure we were tested yearly because it is hereditary(sp?) especially in women. So I am tested at my annual appointment every year.
  • Sarandipity
    Sarandipity Posts: 1,560
    I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism about 5 years ago. I was a walking zombie when I got the diagnosis, my dr was amazed I was still functioning. I have a very good doctor that made sure I had tests done and saw specialists to ensure it wasn't cancer before he put me on medication. It took a couple years to get on a steady dose. I am currently at 175mg and that seems to be working well. Going on the medication didn't make me lose weight, but it brought up my energy level enough that when I was ready to put in the work I could get more active and lose weight. I have been actively trying to lose since the end of January of this year and have lost 48lbs.

    It can be frustrating as your dose of medication will change as you gain or lose weight. Until they got my levels figured out, I was having blood tests done every 6 weeks, I felt like a pin cushion. The important thing I learned is the medication isn't a magic pill that you can take and you will lose weight. You have to use it as a tool to help you do what you need to do to lose weight.

    Feel free to ask anything you need to about this and I will do my best to help :smile:
  • bluroses
    bluroses Posts: 90 Member
    I am really discouraged tonight, folks. Since being diagnosed and starting the medicagtion, I have been slowly gaining. I count calories religiously and get up at 4:30 every morning to guarantee I have time to work out at least 45 minutes every day. Up until about a year ago, I was losing slowly but steadily. I don't know what else to do or change. It's extremely frustrating to work so hard and not even maintain, but GAIN. I had gone from a size 22-24 to a 10-12. I refuse to buy those larger sizes again, but I don't know what else I can be doing! Any advice?
  • ivykivy
    ivykivy Posts: 2,970 Member
    I am really discouraged tonight, folks. Since being diagnosed and starting the medicagtion, I have been slowly gaining. I count calories religiously and get up at 4:30 every morning to guarantee I have time to work out at least 45 minutes every day. Up until about a year ago, I was losing slowly but steadily. I don't know what else to do or change. It's extremely frustrating to work so hard and not even maintain, but GAIN. I had gone from a size 22-24 to a 10-12. I refuse to buy those larger sizes again, but I don't know what else I can be doing! Any advice?





    Bluroses,

    I am begging you Step Away From The Scale!

    My experience.

    I was diagnosed with Graves Disease and went on PTU for about a year. I started walking on the treadmill and got up to 1.5 hours per day burning around 400 cals. I decided to get radiation after the medicine caused problems with my liver. After my radiation treatment. I got on the scale and found out I wasn't losing. Then I started getting dizzy spells. Instead of just slowing down, I stopped walking all together. I gained over 50 pounds in a short period of time.

    Whatever you do don't stop exercising. Eat at least your BMR and your 50% of your exercising calories until you get your levels right (This is totally my opinion but it has worked for me).
  • annaliza
    annaliza Posts: 809
    I am really discouraged tonight, folks. Since being diagnosed and starting the medicagtion, I have been slowly gaining. I count calories religiously and get up at 4:30 every morning to guarantee I have time to work out at least 45 minutes every day. Up until about a year ago, I was losing slowly but steadily. I don't know what else to do or change. It's extremely frustrating to work so hard and not even maintain, but GAIN. I had gone from a size 22-24 to a 10-12. I refuse to buy those larger sizes again, but I don't know what else I can be doing! Any advice?

    How long ago did you start your medication? It can take awhile for your body to adjust to the new medication and the hormones.

    If it's been more than 6 weeks, maybe you should go back to your doctor or get a second opinion. You might want to have them test your TSH again.
  • jtintx
    jtintx Posts: 445 Member
    I was just diagnosed with this two days ago and will start my medication tomorrow morning. My DH just picked up my Rx for me. The only other med I'm on is BC and I take it first thing in the morning. I asked DH to ask the pharmacist if it was ok to take the meds together and he said no. But I've been looking online and can find nothing to indicate that you can't take Levothyroxine and BC pills at the same time. Those of you who are on it, what does your dr. or pharmacist say?

    Thanks.
  • Sarandipity
    Sarandipity Posts: 1,560
    I was just diagnosed with this two days ago and will start my medication tomorrow morning. My DH just picked up my Rx for me. The only other med I'm on is BC and I take it first thing in the morning. I asked DH to ask the pharmacist if it was ok to take the meds together and he said no. But I've been looking online and can find nothing to indicate that you can't take Levothyroxine and BC pills at the same time. Those of you who are on it, what does your dr. or pharmacist say?

    Thanks.

    I talked to my dr about this when I went off bc.. Apparenlty the bc in your blood can bind with receptors that will also bind with the medication. Basically if you are on bc while they are figuring out your dose you are fine. If you go off the BC you may have to have your dose increased. It is fine to take them together, I did for years.

    Edited to note that you do have to wait 30-60 mins after taking your thyroid meds before you can take your bc...
  • bluroses
    bluroses Posts: 90 Member
    I had read - and my dr agreed - that you should wait 4 hours to take BC and other pills after taking the hypothyroid medicine in order to give it a chance to be fully absorbed into your blood with no interference. It would actually make my life easier if I *could* take them together, but for now, I just have an alarm set to go off 4 hours after I take the Synthroid to remind me of the BC and vitamins.
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    I have it. I was diagnosed with it about 10 years ago.

    Yep, it's a lot harder to lose weight but it can be done.

    And losing weight/getting fit doesn't help your hypothyroidism, either (not like it would cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc). You will be taking medicine for it for the rest of your life (which isn't so bad but I had a hard time accepting that when I was first diagnosed).

    Good luck to you! Feel free to PM me at anytime :smile:

    I am no longer on medications from any doctor. I stopped taking them and I am now taking natural supplements to boost the function of thyroid, adrenals, pituititary, hypothalmus glands. I no longer go to a main stream doctor either.

    I see a combination of a naturopath and a natural pharmacist to get my health back on track without taking medications that are chemical concoctions of synthetic hormones, which are foreign to the body.
  • nursegirl79
    nursegirl79 Posts: 146 Member
    I had read - and my dr agreed - that you should wait 4 hours to take BC and other pills after taking the hypothyroid medicine in order to give it a chance to be fully absorbed into your blood with no interference. It would actually make my life easier if I *could* take them together, but for now, I just have an alarm set to go off 4 hours after I take the Synthroid to remind me of the BC and vitamins.

    I take my BC at night before I go to bed. I have a water bottle next to my bed and take my synthroid as soon as my alarm clock goes off. This way I know there will be at least 1 hour before I eat my breakfast. Maybe you could try that instead of having to remember to take more pills 4 hours later.
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