Hypothyroid treated? Results?

ellesoul
ellesoul Posts: 125 Member
edited December 19 in Success Stories
So I'm currently I'm awaiting results, but I likely have Hypothyroid... I've been struggling to lose weight (recently stalled for 2 weeks) and the thyroid issue is likely why... (I've also had constipation and hair loss - typical side effects of hypothyroidism)

I'm just curious to see if anyone else with hypothyroid issues was struggling to lose weight, but then started the meds and saw results... if so, how soon did you start seeing results? Have other symptoms improved?

Anyone?
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Replies

  • Welcome to my world! I was diagnosed many years ago but because of my fatigue I'd fallen out of my fitness routine. So the weight just kept coming on. That and also falling out of good nutrition. My levels are normal now but I haven't done myself any favors until now. I've banned the words "diet and exercise" from my vocabulary and only use "fitness and nutrition". I'm anxious to see what others have to say as this is my first earnest try at losing the pounds. Add me if you'd like!!
  • ellesoul
    ellesoul Posts: 125 Member
    thanks for the feedback! sending you a friend request now :-)
  • sarafil
    sarafil Posts: 506 Member
    Due to cancer, I had my thyroid completely removed, so I'm about as hypothyroid as a person can be. Once my levels were stabilized and in normal range, I went on to lose 60 pounds with no more difficulty than anyone else...and I have kept it off for five years now. :)
  • cycleholic
    cycleholic Posts: 98 Member
    Hi, I've been hypo for the last 6 or 7 years - I forget...
    My levels are "normal" but my metabolism is still sluggish.
    I have to work out like a fiend to lose weight.
    I've sent you a friend request:flowerforyou:
  • Funsoaps
    Funsoaps Posts: 514 Member
    The pill won't do anything to create wt loss, it's stabilizing your thyroid, working out, making sure your stress hormones are calm, eating right for the thyroid which us high protein, veggies and good fats, no soy or goitrogens. It matters what medications you are on, what your frame if mind is, supplements, etc...
  • skinnyeascolady
    skinnyeascolady Posts: 287 Member
    I was dignosed 5 years ago. I most likely had it for a few year before I found out what it was. I was working out 5-6 days a week and kept gaining weight wasn't until I had four miscarriages that they found out I had it. Then they put me on synthroid and I still couldn't lose weight even though I was working out and watching what I ate. Levels were normal.

    so I got mad and started to do some reserch of my own found a site called stop the thyroid madness. Got on a Dessicated thryroid hormone which has T3 in it and not just T4. Finally I am able to lose weight. It took a long road for me to get there but I am finally.

    Tipicly a hypothyroid person has to work out 1-1.5 hours to a regular person .50 hour to get results sucks but that's just how it is. Not all do but the majority do. Look up the sTop the thyroid madness site you will be amazed at the answers you will get.
  • ericarae33
    ericarae33 Posts: 211 Member
    I've been on meds since 2002, and they seem to work on and off.

    I HATE the "normal level" because depending on where I am within those levels, I am either feeling great, or feeling like crap...and the Dr won't change anything because "your in the normal range" I've went from one end to the other in the last 3 months and am feeling like crap : (
    Good luck to you!!
  • ellesoul
    ellesoul Posts: 125 Member
    The pill won't do anything to create wt loss, it's stabilizing your thyroid, working out, making sure your stress hormones are calm, eating right for the thyroid which us high protein, veggies and good fats, no soy or goitrogens. It matters what medications you are on, what your frame if mind is, supplements, etc...

    im not looking for a pill to create weight loss... but when im working hard: eating pretty good and well below my BMR AND working out 5-6 days a week, I expect to at LEAST be losing weight at a normal rate.. so I'm hoping that balancing out my thyroid ALONG with what I'm currently doing, will offer better results... I've been at this for months with slow or no results...

    didn't know about the soy and goitrogens, so I'll be cautious of that

    thanks for all the feedback
  • Funsoaps
    Funsoaps Posts: 514 Member
    I've been on meds since 2002, and they seem to work on and off.

    I HATE the "normal level" because depending on where I am within those levels, I am either feeling great, or feeling like crap...and the Dr won't change anything because "your in the normal range" I've went from one end to the other in the last 3 months and am feeling like crap : (
    Good luck to you!!


    Sounds like your thyroid is going up and down before getting ready to burn out. What you need is a very good doc that knows more than what perfect level you should be at.
  • mkahmad
    mkahmad Posts: 11 Member
    I have recently been diagnosed with thyroid when I went to my ob-gyn for a prenatal checkup. I have gained over 20 kgs/ 44lbs in a year. I am taking thyroxin and metformin to help me with my hypothyroidism and weight loss. I want to change the way i look and feel. Any advice would be good! Thanks!
  • Funsoaps
    Funsoaps Posts: 514 Member
    You may need t3 hormone along with your t4 meds, lord knows I can't live without it.

    Soy will slow your metabolism with thyroid issues greatly. Low iron can cause wt gain and hair loss as well.

    The pill won't do anything to create wt loss, it's stabilizing your thyroid, working out, making sure your stress hormones are calm, eating right for the thyroid which us high protein, veggies and good fats, no soy or goitrogens. It matters what medications you are on, what your frame if mind is, supplements, etc...

    im not looking for a pill to create weight loss... but when im working hard: eating pretty good and well below my BMR AND working out 5-6 days a week, I expect to at LEAST be losing weight at a normal rate.. so I'm hoping that balancing out my thyroid ALONG with what I'm currently doing, will offer better results... I've been at this for months with slow or no results...

    didn't know about the soy and goitrogens, so I'll be cautious of that

    thanks for all the feedback
  • codiem
    codiem Posts: 19
    I've been on meds since 2002, and they seem to work on and off.

    I HATE the "normal level" because depending on where I am within those levels, I am either feeling great, or feeling like crap...and the Dr won't change anything because "your in the normal range" I've went from one end to the other in the last 3 months and am feeling like crap : (
    Good luck to you!!
    I agree with this! Where you are in the "normal range" makes a difference! When I had a dr that wanted my on the lower end I was preggo and losing weight. (I was big, so it was still healthy) Then, after the baby I wanted to up my meds because I was on the higher end of normal but the dr said it was still normal. Fatigue kicked in and I gained weight because I was too tired to care about fitness. Now, I was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had to have my thyroid removed. It's like starting the process all over again! I will say don't expect the pill to be the magic answer. I've learned I still have to work harder than others to get the same results. Mostly because it takes more effort for me to have the energy to work out. It can take some time to find the right dosage that works for you and even then, it's something that changes often. The best thing I can say is don't be afraid to fight for your health! If your dr. says your levels are normal and you still feel like crap, tell them the way you feel is not acceptable. If you are so tired you don't think you can get out of bed, make yourself. It takes time, but you can get there.
  • codiem
    codiem Posts: 19
    The pill won't do anything to create wt loss, it's stabilizing your thyroid, working out, making sure your stress hormones are calm, eating right for the thyroid which us high protein, veggies and good fats, no soy or goitrogens. It matters what medications you are on, what your frame if mind is, supplements, etc...

    im not looking for a pill to create weight loss... but when im working hard: eating pretty good and well below my BMR AND working out 5-6 days a week, I expect to at LEAST be losing weight at a normal rate.. so I'm hoping that balancing out my thyroid ALONG with what I'm currently doing, will offer better results... I've been at this for months with slow or no results...

    didn't know about the soy and goitrogens, so I'll be cautious of that

    thanks for all the feedback
    The pill will help, if it's the right dosage. That's what may take some time.
  • kevin0313
    kevin0313 Posts: 3 Member
    I recently started treatment for my hypothyroid. It took a little while to get the dosage correct - stepping up in increments but we finally got my levels to where my doc wanted to see them. Personally I noticed the results. I felt better, less sluggish, more alert and out of that "haze". I did also notice that I seemed to be able to maintain weight easier - it wasn't just gain and work hard to stay even. Some weight did come off just from the balance in my metabolic system.

    You may notice a change in weight once things regulate - but then again, different strokes for different folks...hope it goes well for you.
  • Hi there, i have an under active thyroid, i have stuggled to maintain my weight,what with the meds and being diabetic too, providing your meds (Thyroxine) is the right dose then u should see results. i went on a diet aug 2010 and did really well up to july 2011 i lost in total nearly 3st, then to get a huge blow, I was diagnosed with ceoliac diease, i had to completely change my way of eating, nearly all foods thats are glutin/wheat free are very high in sugar and fat, so over last 10 months i have put back on a stone in weight. my smaller clothes that i finally got into have started to get tight, so i have started on this calorie counting diet, i have been on it a week now and have already lost 3lb. I now have my willpower back to carry on. hang on in there and hopefully you can lose and maintain your weight once the medical side of things is under control.
  • ellesoul
    ellesoul Posts: 125 Member
    this all really helpful, and makes me hopeful... thanks everyone!
  • Anke861
    Anke861 Posts: 53 Member
    been diagnosed since 2009 and been on meds for just over a year. 50mg thyroxine pills.. i ve always been overweight and tried to loose weight.. since ive been taken the meds ive lost 29 pounds but this is also due diet and alot of exersice.. it just helped to keep my metabolism up.

    Ive been plateauing since feb this year and have started insanity to mix up exersize..

    good luck to you :-)
  • ColtyHan
    ColtyHan Posts: 59 Member
    I was diagnosed in 2010. It took a really long time and a change in doctors to get my meds figured out. Now that I am feeling better and have the energy to put in the work, the weight is coming off. Just be patient while the meds get figured out, and be ready to change doctors if you don't feel like yours is a good fit.
  • sdrichardson713
    sdrichardson713 Posts: 16 Member
    I've been hypothyroid since I was 9 and have always struggled with weight, fatigue, etc. Since having my last baby my ranges have been all over the board. I'm lucky to have found a doctor who will still treat me if I am symptomatic, regardless of my levels. That being said, when I first started the meds at 17 I lost about 20 lbs without even trying. And I felt soooooo much better. I trust that you will feel much better in a few weeks.
  • gonnadoit2010
    gonnadoit2010 Posts: 53 Member
    Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Graves disease/Hyperthyroid. My thyroid was removed, due to a large tumor and they found cancer cells, so I also was treated for that as well. Then I became hypothyroid. I am on thyroid replacement meds, but they try to keep my test levels low, to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. I gained about 30 lbs, but I can't completely blame my thyroid issues. I certainly made bad choices as well. Be patient, they will get your meds adjusted, but it does take time. I too lost a lot of hair, my skin became very dry and I also suffered from alot of muscle cramping, but it has improved since my thyroid levels have stabalized. I think it is a little more difficult for us who have thyroid issues, but it can be done. I returned to MFP the end of March and I've lost about 23lbs, so far. Don't give up, be strong, you can do this! You can add me as a friend if you like. Good luck in your weight loss journey.
  • lesle1
    lesle1 Posts: 354 Member
    I'm on 150 and 175 Synthroid, alternating days. I had the hair loss, weight gain, etc. They raised my dosage over the years and sometimes the doctors lowered it. I've been on this dosage now for about 5 years. I felt sluggish and tired, had brain fog...even when on the Synthroid. I didn't start feeling better until I started working out. I had to push myself at the beginning. The more I worked out the better I felt. My dosage has stayed the same even after the weight loss. It's hard starting out but it's that way when you first start trying anyway. Just keep pushing yourself to exercise. Right now I run enough where I can pretty much eat anything I want, and I just lost another 5 pounds since I saw my doctor last.
  • pen2u
    pen2u Posts: 224 Member
    Here's the MFP hypo/hyper thyroid group:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/753-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism

    There's a lot of great info there. I've found that I have to be proactive & educated about my health care; many endocrinologists only use our test results w/o taking our symptoms into consideration. I hope you can find a doctor who will work w/you!
  • SKHaz1
    SKHaz1 Posts: 145 Member
    I think its important to remember that each hypothyroid individual has different symptoms. I for one was so fatigued that in a year I gained 100lbs. I can't completely put the blame on the thyroid, but along with the weight gain came depression like symptoms made me just not care. Once I got on the medication I lost 30lbs pretty easily. My friend is VERY skinny and had symptoms of light headedness and a general "not good" feeling. So, while we're both hypo she doesnt struggle with her weight and I do.

    For me, eating right and exercise DO work, but it takes a little more time than for others. I had to play around with my calories A LOT to find the right amount for weight loss. Only 1000 calories a day. I do NOT recommend this. It just takes some time to figure out what works for you after you get on the medication. I was a new person after only being on the meds for a week.
  • LaVinci
    LaVinci Posts: 7 Member
    I was diagnosed in 2010. I have been normal for quite a while. I exercise 6 days a week and eat healthy. I can't seem to lose. The most I have lost is 4 lbs. It is frustrating. My husband and I just started a program together. We are in our 8th week. He has lost 14 lbs. Me? nothing. My clothes are a little loser, but not as much as they should be considering what I am doing...very frustrating!!!
  • I had undiagnosed hypothyroidism for at least 4 years. My dietician caught it when she went through my old test results after months of very little weight loss. I have been tested for hypothyroidism for years because of a history of Hashimoto's disease in my family. Needless to say I was pissed off!

    I had my whole thyroid removed in February due to Hashimoto's disease and (non-cancerous) nodules. The last couple of months before my surgery my thyroid was making me crazy. Although according to blood tests my numbers were normal I would have days of extreme fatigue and then days of high energy. On the days it was in hyper mode I would be drenched in sweat just walking around my house. I was MISERABLE.

    I am currently on 175 mg of Synthroid daily and get tested again this week. I have been able to lose weight with the combination of meds, diet and exercise. I will say that I felt better after speaking to a few of the doctors at the clinic that told me that I would be able to lose weight and that I had been fighting an uphill battle.
  • Bridget28152723
    Bridget28152723 Posts: 372 Member
    I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease (hypothyroid) in July 2011, at first I was hyper then it switched to hypo so in November I got on Levothyroxine , I get labs every 2 months and my TSH keeps getting higher (8.6 in March) and my meds are also increasing, Im on 125 mg. now. I have more energy but since my levels are not normal I havent lost anything for a long time, but I dont weigh anymore and have had lots of trial and error. I workout a lot , I have to to remain sane with this stupid Hashi's! So I am hoping to treat my hypo with cutting out toxins, meat, dairy and increasing fruits , veggies, seeds and nuts. I have been on meds for 6 months and it seems people dont get the right dose for 1-3 years , dont expect a miracle from the pills. I wish you the best and hope you do reach your goals, tgere is a great group on MFP hypo/hyperthyroid group, so much good info and people who have been where we are and have learned a few lessons!
  • Jentaylor0295
    Jentaylor0295 Posts: 93 Member
    I have been diagnosed but do not take medication. I am taking Kelp supplements instead. I realize that the meds do not help so try and take a more natural route. So frustrated but hey, I'd rather work out hard and eat really well.
  • RilantheFirebug
    RilantheFirebug Posts: 207 Member
    Once your levels are correct then most of your symptoms should go away and retaining weight because of hypo should no longer be an issue.
  • ChelleChelle77
    ChelleChelle77 Posts: 31 Member
    I'm in the same boat as you. I'm currently in the testing phase. Thanks so much for posting this question. It's great to know all this information. Any of yall feel free to add me as a friend. I'm on daily and will encourage as I'm encouraged. I will keep you in my thoughts in regards to your test results. ~ Chelle
  • hazelnut861
    hazelnut861 Posts: 390 Member
    I started meds in july of last year and lost about 25 pounds by november. I had my dose adjusted a few times too.
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