Hypothyroid

Hi TJ,
I was diagnosed with hypthyroid about ten years ago. Several doctors that I have been to say that being on levoxyl will not help you lose weight. I does help with the leg cramps, tiredness and fatigue though. I have been overweight for years. I have tried every kind of diet and working out and nothing has helped. Sorry to be a party pooper, but I don't think that this is an answer to weightloss. truly the only thing that I have found for weightloss is a lap-band. This is not a choice that everyone wants to take, but I have to say that it is nice looking and feeling like a normal sized person.

D. M.

It usually takes about 3months to stabilize on your medications. Therefore if your thyroid medication was recently started or just changed it may not be the correct dosage. A follow up appt to check your free T-4 and TSH levels will be sufficent. One point to note, I personally feel weight is a poor predictor for health You should be focusing on your waist to hip ratio, bmi or body fat index. These are much better measurements of true vitality than just your wt. Hope that helps.
This is from my husband, who is a Nurse Practitioner.

Hi TJ! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's shortly before I got pregnant with kiddo #1. I have to agree with the last poster, as it is a constant struggle for me as well. I weigh more now than I did when I was 42 weeks pregnant with my second!

I also highly suggest working with a Naturopath and/or Homeopath. I have found that there are some things about Hashimoto's specifically that allopathic medicine does not even consider. An endocrinologist is likely to treat the thyroid, and call it good as long as blood levels remain within the normal range. However, many symptoms may still linger, and in some cases, even get worse.

Hashimoto's is not a "thyroid condition" per se, but an *auto-immune* condition, and so needs to be treated a bit differently than Hypothyroidism. The immune system needs a lot of support, and the first place to start with that is the digestive tract. A naturopath will know this, and will order bloodwork that goes beyond the standard TSH and T4 testing that MDs do.

I also find that I need to do a lot of work within myself - meditation, visualization, affirmations, etc. I also notice that while I experience chronic fatigue, depression and have a hard time motivating to exercise, I feel much better when I actually do it - it is an integral part of feeling good. However, losing the weight is no easy feat, and is a really sore subject with me right now as I seem to keep gaining and gaining with little control over the matter.

I suppose I'm also intersted in other responses!

Best wishes to you...wishing you health and happiness!

I was diagnosed 11 years ago and it's a constant struggle. I just wanted to say you may want to check with a naturopath. I've yet to find an endocrinologist that has been successful at managing my thyroid.

Also, many of the women I know with hypothyroidism also have PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrom (PCOS). Just something to be aware of.

C.-WAHM to 4 y/o virtual twins

Hi TJ,
Like some that responded, I also was diagnosed with Hashimoto's 8 months after my son was born almost eleven years ago. He is my third child, he joined two older (13 and 15) sisters. I had always been, an athlete (bordering on exstreme) enjoying many sports indivudually and with my daughters. I always tended to be underweight, eating healthy, I did have female problems, but otherwise enjoyed good health. When I started gaining back the baby wt. I lost, while still breastfeeding and working, experienced constant fatigue (even though my son was sleeping through the night), hair loss, ect.... I returned to my OBGYN. I believe every post-partum check should check for thyroid issues when I heard it was common. And yet I know that my middle daughter has yet to be tested for thyroid after we welcomed her second child 2-15-08. I also have hindsight that only years have given me, that my Hashimoto's was in fact only a small part of the problem that was to come. After I gained 20lb. in three months 2-5/98, I started walking. I joined the luekemia society group training for the Honolulu Marathon 12/98. Three wks after doing the marathon, I was hospitalized for pulmonary emboli (my left lung was full of clots,my right lung had a couple dozen clots). Thank God I had been an athlete, my doctor/marathon buddy/friend informed us, I might otherwise have not survived. I also was diagnosed with Lupus. The Hashimoto's was a precursor to the main event. Hashimoto's is an auto-immune disorder. For nine yrs I was on 25mcg of synthroid. In the past year and a half I have jumped up to 250mcg. I totally aggree that You know Your body, and partner with a physician you trust to "Work With You". Mind, Body, and Spirit has been the motto of "my team" approach to my life. I have not been underweight since 2-98, but after my first (of many) times thinking I might not see another day with my husband and children,(I have seen both my daughters graduate high school and college, I have seen one daughter marry, I have seen my Granddaughter and Grandson born, I am seeing my oldest daughter plan her wedding (11-08), and I have seen my son grow and mature the last nine yrs doctors didn't think I would have.)being healthy is not what the scales say, or the size of clothing. "I" am an integral part of "My" family. They wouldn't be the people they are without my (good or bad) participation. So be the best you, you can be TJ, and find that the rest follows- wife,mother,friend,employee.

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TJ
My mom is Hypothyroid and she eats animal protein, like fish for breakfast. The protein helps to maintain energy at a stable level and she doesn't feel hungry. She eats three meals a day with 1-2 snacks. She has managed to take off and maintain weight.
I know fish sounds wrong for breakfast, but I too benefit from this at breakfast. I don't eat cereals and carbs in the morning, when I do, I feel sluggish and tired.
Try this, rinse canned tuna; albacore canned in water not oil, add plain yogurt and sweet pickle relish. There you have a healthy tuna salad. (I use yogurt because I am allergic to eggs and can't have mayonaise) I put it on plain rice cakes or on a piece of toast. Then I have some fruit and I'm ready for my day.
My 5yr old loves this for breakfast too.
If all else fails, go for more protein, but stay away from Atkins. It's hard on the body and causes organ damage.(proven fact.)
Be well,
A.

Hi TJ!
I am A. Swift living on a ranch just out of The Dalles.
My daughter has a girlfriend with similar thyroid issues. She is in mid 20's and Mama of three young children. She was introduced to a patented nutritional product that helped her tremendously. Over a 2 year span her doctor took her off the medications as he said her thyroid was working properly! She has tons of energy and loves the way she feels now. if you are interested in finding out what she did, I can introduce you on the phone and see if this might be an answer for you. Call me, leave a message if i am out and i will be glad to get back!
A. Swift ###-###-####

Hi TJ:

There are specific nutritional supplements that can help you lose weight even with your specific medical condition. I can give you the detailed information on them which you can take to your doctor for approval. I've never had a doctor disapprove of the supplements I've recommended to my clients. I also have balanced meal plans you can take to your doctor for approval as well. Of course, you need to continue making good lifestyle choices such as eating small balanced meals every 3-4 hours, drinking enough water, getting 8 hours of sleep a night, and exercising (even if it's just walking). I'd love to help you. My consultations and meal plans are always free. www.advocare.com/05103683

Hi TJ--
I had thyroid cancer 8 years ago. So, I had a total thyroidectomy, causing me to be hypothyroid. During my 1st pregnancy I gained a horrible 60 lbs, which took over 2 years to get off. Ever since I have really struggled keeping my weight down, and have just accepted that I require a very strict diet and exercise routine. When not pregnant, I work out a minumum of 6 hrs per week, and include both cardio and weights. This seems to work. However, having a physician or naturopath (which ever your personal pref) to help you keep your levels in check is important too. I must agree that many endo's do not worry about weight or other side effects of the meds, as long as your levels are where they think they should be. Just be wary of this.
I am now pregnant with #2, and my weight gain has been higher than normal, but not out of control. I am due in July, and currently have placenta previa, so doctor has be on rest as much as possible. I would love to keep in touch with you & see how things go. I also know that there are some great websites/organizations out there for thyroid issues.
But remember that you are NOT alone!! Best Wishes!
R. :0)

I don't know if this will help but I see a nutritionist, her name is Emily Edison her website is momentum4nutrition.com. She is very educated about nurition and has helped me with weight loss after my daughter was born. I am sure that she will have tons of information for someone with thyroid issues. Good luck!

Although I have no first hand experience myself with thyroid issues I have become aware of how common they are since starting a home based business helping people with their health! I can tell you we have met and spoken with many people with hypo and hyper thyroid and Hashimoto that have had great improvements in their health using the patented nutrition that we are distributors for. What we do is let people learn by talking to others with a variety of health issues, often including similiar things to what they are dealing with, and let them hear what their experience has been and ask questions. Their is no sales pressure just networking at its best! In fact most of the people I connect with are not in any way financially connected to me but we all help one another in giving hope and educationing people by sharing our personal experiences! I love it and I feel a real mission to let people know about something that is out there that works to nourish our bodies and help them function as they were designed to! If you want more information you can email me at ____@____.com

Dear TJ,

I sympathize – I have had Hashimoto’s for twenty years. I also had further autoimmune problems including being on the verge of lupus. I did not want to let health issues rule my life, so after many years of trial, error, and research, I figured out a lifestyle that works for me. I am currently taking synthroid, but hate taking medication and have learned to be healthy through lifestyle choices. I have become stronger and healthier than I ever imagined. I have put my thoughts and methods in a book you can find at my website or on amazon. The TOC, Preview, Chapter 1, etc., are on the website. I wish you much success with good health and the needed energy to be a mom. All the best! D. Lawrence, www.3pmsecret.com , http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/097974590X/

Everyone should be checked for hypothyroid BEFORE getting pregnant, To be sure they have a successful pregnancy. My doctor said that mothers with untreated hypothyroid have small babies or trouble carrying to term.

There is a strong link between problems with the thyroid and exposure to electro pollution.
Do you use a cell phone, computer? Are they unprotected? If you;d like more information you can contact me at ____@____.com
Wishing you well,
C.

Hi TJ...
Congrats on the new baby! Having two little ones is a challenge!! I have two daughters that are 5 1/2 and 3 1/2 and let me tell you, it's a LOT of fun!!
My mother and sister both have thyroid issues, and I knew that it would eventually happen to me. So after my first pregnancy (which was very normal/healthy/textbook) and first daughter (who was healthy and normal and weighed 8lbs 6 oz), I gained 40 lbs in 3 months. AH! Went to the doctor and low and behold my thyroid was kapoot. So I started on levoxyl with excercise/eating right and started shedding pounds. Just as I was getting back to my almost original weight before pregnancy #1, I got pregnant with my second daughter. Normal pregnancy, maintained the same dosage levels, and gained a total of 30 pounds. She was a healthy 8lb baby with no problems. After I had her I dropped those 30 pounds in about a week...no joke. It was unbelievable. That was 3 years ago.
So, now it's 3 1/2 years later and I think my age (just turned 34) combined with thyroid and metabolism in general, I've gained 30 pounds in about 4 months. My doctor took my levels and says they appear normal, but I have every symptom that they're off again - losing hair, sleep issues, weight gain, etc. I'm excercising 3 times a week at a gym plus doing yoga/pilates with my girls, and eating pretty healthy. So it's inevitable that this is going to be a harder battle the older I get. I'm just focusing on one pound a week. Granted it's not 30 pounds in a week, but it's the healthiest way to go.
I really wish you well on this. And I wish I had a magical answer for you. If I find one, you'll be one of the first on my list!! Good luck! And enjoy those girls! (at least we can enjoy them now before they're teenagers!)
Take care
A.

Hi. I was diagnosed hypothyroid with Hashimoto's disease about 3 months ago when my son was 6 months old. I have had the same problems with weight loss, in fact for years I've had trouble losing weight. My tsh levels are normal now but I'm still having trouble getting back into the swing of things. I have found that the more I excercise the better I feel, but it's REALLY hard to get moving. I think we need to fight for more information. I'm thinking about going to see a naturopath that might listen to me more than my other doctors. Best of luck.

I highly recommend the book by Shames called Feeling Fat Fuzzy or Frazzled? I got it on amazon.com recently as a bargain book. It's all about thyroid, renal, and sex hormone imbalances, and how they can affect eachother if one is out of whack. After reading the book I decided to see a naturoopathic physician, as they seem to be able to help me more than MDs ever have.