Getting Through the Day with a Thyroid Condition

I have hypothyroidism.
The only thing I have to say is its impact on the weight is real, but not near as extreme as some try to claim. It is not responsible for obesity... a little extra weight, maybe, but not outright obesity.

A few points:

1 - You need to educate yourself about thyroid conditions. There are differing opinions amongst doctors as to what TSH level constitutes a hypothyroid condition. If you need to get tested, make sure the doctor knows to test for antibodies to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. (This is an autoimmune condition -- quite common, at least in North America -- where the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid. You can be borderline 'normal' with this condition and still need to be treated.)

2 - Not everybody can tolerate the generic version of the hypothyroid medication.

3 - Be aware that if you are hypothyroid, going on medication will not cause weight to magically drop off you. You might lose a few pounds since you're no longer retaining water, but the real benefit will be because of a slight boost to your metabolism.

I read somewhere once that while thyroid malfunction is blamed for a lot of weight gain that the prevalency rates are only about 3%. I've never done further research though to verify that figure.

These are some good tips, but as Merry said, it is really important to learn as much about thyroid conditions as possible. This is especially true if you believe that you may have a thyroid issue. Thanks for posting this, it is interesting information.

That's interesting. I hadn't made the fluoride connection before. Thankfully most of the water I drink is filtered anyway. Our soil here in NZ is notoriously low in selenium so we are advised to take a supplement.

I've never really thought too much about my Hypothyroidism, probably because I was diagnosed with Addisons at the same time and that seemed the more significant of the two!

Neither really stop me from doing anything though. I work out six days a week and completed a 160km bike race last weekend. I think I'm one of the lucky ones.

Be careful to be on the right dosage of medication. I was on such a high dose that it caused me to develop vitiligo, I have white spots allover my hands and arms, and lower body. It has lowered my self esteem so much that I have stop working so I don't have to be seen in the public. I am now on the righ dosage bu the damage to my skin and self esteem is permanent.

I wanted to get tested for this because I'm working out an hour or 2 a day, 6 days a week...leading a very healthy lifestyle, eating mostly whole foods, definitely not junk food or candy or soda and sticking to less than 1500 calories a day, usually more like 1200...and I haven't dropped a pound in two months. Not a pound.
You bring it up and people either say one of two things 1) have you had your thyroid checked or 2) you have to be eating more calories than you think or not exercising enough. I track my calories, nothing slips in. And I exercise plenty. So I'm baffled (and frustrated) about it.

My thyroid was checked every year since 1993 and not once did a doctor show any concern until a month ago. My range was always just in the 'normal' range for doctors to ignore all the other symptoms. I saw an endocrinologist and he put me on the medication and I dropped ten pounds the first week. The swelling in my ankles disappeared and my shoes are too lose on me now.

At first my energy levels got better, but for the past week I've been pretty tired and sore all over. I had an ultrasound done on my thyroid to check out the lumps that appeared there and I am waiting for the results.

For many years doctors missed the thyroid problem, the PCOS and the celiac disease that bothered me. Each had obvious signs, but they were overlooked and my weight was blamed on food and lack of exercise, which was far from true!

Great blog. I drink filtered water out of my refrigerator but I agree bottled water is better. I will try to switch back and forth. Thanks for the thoughts.

I never realised that so many people had it. If you think that you have thyroid problems, get it checked out.

I, too have hypothyroidism, but always had "normal" TSH. After over 20 years of suffering and getting sicker and sicker, an endocrinologist discovered I had a pituitary tumor (for 20+ years or more) which caused my pituitary to not produce TSH, yet the tumor produced way too much ACTH causing Cushing's.

However, the thyroid problems have been as problematical as the Cushing's (now in remission due to surgery). My TSH is always extremely low, thus free T3 and free T4 are valid tests to actually show the thyroid function.

There are many other problems that go along with thyroid malfunction/dysfunction, including auto-immune (Hashimoto's, etc.). Thus, it takes a thyroid expert to truly know what's going on.

Great post.

Thanks for an informative post. An additional suggestion I would have is to find an informed practitioner that you really trust, whether that be your GP, Endo or an alternative therapist. Having professional support can make all the difference when trying to find the balance. I know it's helped me.

My mother in law has hypothyroidism, but it's really frustrating to hear her blaming all of her weight problems on her thyroid. She makes it seem that if her thyroid was OK, she'd be thin. She's on a medication that helped her lose around 20-30 lbs once she went on it, but then her weight stabilized. So she figured the medicine wasn't working anymore and wanted the dosage upped. The thing is, I'm pretty sure that underactive thyroid probably IS only responsible for about 20-30 lbs of her excess weight. The rest of it is poor diet and lifestyle choices.

I also have a thyroid problem, more specifically metabolic syndrome which, according to my dietician, plays a big role in my weightloss efforts.

Thanks for the tips, they were quite interesting.

I suffer from hypothyroidism.

Two things particularly affect my thyroid: caffeine and exercise. I have noticed that, as I ingest more and more caffeine, my thyroid function steadily decreases. My doctor informed me that caffeine does in fact have a negative effect upon my thyroid, limiting its capacities even further.

I have also noticed that regular, vigorous exercise seems to really help maintain my thyroid function. If I stop or decrease my frequency of exercise, my thyroid function plummets.

So: limit your coffee intake, and RUN!

Many years ago I had a hyperactive thyroid, requiring me to have a radiation procedure to destroy my oveactive thyroid. During this time my blood pressure was uncontrollable and I droped weight to a point where I did not not even reccognize myself.
Long story short I eventually went the opposite end of the continumm and was prescribed synthroid for hypothyroidism. I later learned from my endocrinologist that I needed to take my medication 3 hours before or after all medications and/or vitamins, etc for it to be effective. I gained back all of the weight I lost and I also have an intolerance for cold.
It has been a challenge to lose weight but I believe it is possible. Thanks for the information regarding soy, being a fairly new vegan I have consumed large amounts of soy.

Thanks for all the comments - I feel NORMAl now.
When first diagnosed my mother in law said all I had to do was pop one pill and it would be okay. when that did not work for me I became a drama queen in her eyes. messed up my marraige.

Reading your comments helps so much. I recognise things that i felt and have been through.Everyone is different with this disease. I know taking your meds, eating right and EXERCISE help a whole lot.

Like Gwen, I too have Hashimoto's disease, celiac disease, and PCOS. All three of these contributed to far more than a "slight" weight gain. (As in 30 lbs in a month, while training for a marathon!!!) Sure, there are some people who use medical conditions as an excuse for a poor lifestyle. But there are indeed some of us who really try, and still couldn't lose weight until multiple medical conditions were under control. Don't judge until you know the person's circumstances.

Regarding bottled water, it is NOT always better than tap. Many bottled waters (Aquafina, for example) are simply filtered tap water. Far more environmentally friendly to just filter it yourself. Also, bottled water manufacturers in the US are overseen by the FDA, not the EPA. The FDA does not hold bottled water manufacturers to the level of stringent testing that the EPA does for municipal water systems.

I know hypothyroidism causes weight gain. I have Graves disease and was given radioactive iodine which then caused me to become hypothyroid. I immediately gained 20 pounds. I have not felt normal since that, but just got used to the feeling, but Armour Thyroid did help somewhat better than the synthetics.

man , i have gotten to the point where i thougt all doctors where just intrested in getting you out the the door and taking your insurance card , i have been living with hypothyroid for 14 years , i have read a lot of coments on this board , now i wish my doctor would aswell , all i can say is this sucks , good luck to all the people that have to deal with this , i just need a doctor that will work with me.

i just want to feel good .

I was diagnosed with panhypopituitarism--which means my entire endocrine system--pituitary, adreaals, thyroid, ovaries, pancreas, etc.--is flaky. I realized early on that if I wanted to ever feel good again, it was up to me, so I've been studying--more than 30 years now. Your post is right on target, and I'm pleased you mentioned the problem of soy, which is everywhere. It's a thyroid killer, but many doctors, nutritionists, etc. still push it.

When people complain of weight gain due to their thyroid problem often others criticise or negate this and claim it is caused by diet and lack of exercise. What some may not understand is that when you have a thyroid problem you probably have bouts of depression as well. You don't have the enregy or motivation to excercise, much less cook a healthy meal. I fortunatley have height on my side but the weight gain is real. Not all symptoms affect people the same way. Please don't judge!

This is a great website. I have Graves disease and was diagnosed three years ago. Since I was diagnosed, I have progressively put on weight. I was for the majority of my marriage underweight (under 100 pounds). Now every time I see my doctor, I'm gaining weight. I have put on 30 pounds and feel horrible about myself. I work full-time and have an active social life. Here is my question, what foods (please don't suggest all vegetables) should I eat that would help me to boost my metabolism? I am Italian and love bread, but as I have read I need to decrease my intake of the "CARB". Please give me some suggestions. I agree with the others that state the weight gain is real. I am not doing anything different then before being diagnozed and continue to feel tired, depressed. Thank you.

What about the people who had their thyroid removed and are on medication like thyroxine and armour, would flouride and iodine still affect them? These minerals, do they hinder function of thyroid gland or thyroid hormones?

Make sure your physician is using the right range of normal when testing your thyroid. The Endocronologist Ass'n range is not the same as used by labatories.

I want to correct a couple of things you said. Table salt does NOT provide bioavailable iodine and in high enough amounts. It may be enough to provide huge goiters, but it is not enough to maintain a healthy thyroid. I still got small goiters when I used table salt. As a person with thyroid disease, I cannot handle table salt at all. The other chemicals they use in processing actually interfere with the thyroid. Any salt should be unprocessed sea salt. My body by contrast, LOVES sea salt. Most people with thyroid disease would do well to also supplement with a little iodine or get it from the sea vegetable kombu.

Tuna should be avoided as a source of selenium. Plenty of foods that are good instead and great supplements like Solgar brand are available. Tuna is very hign in mercury and the thyroid uptakes that mercury more than pretty much any organ. Tuna should be avoided by thyroid patients.

You are right on about soy and fluoride. I avoid both. You can buy very good toothpastes that have no fluoride and your teeth and thyroid will thank you. :) If you live in an area with fluorinated water, get a filter and one for your shower too. We absorb more from the skin than even drinking it.

Two great websites I recommend are:

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com.
Spend a few hours reading everything and you will be amazed what you learn. That site also links to another great one:

www.drrind.com

Check our his symptom chart and his metabolic chart. You will come to understand a lot about your body and what your real issues are.

just found this page, i love it!!!!!!! I plan on bookmarking it. Thanks Dean for all your accumulated knowledge, makes things much easier to digest and absorb.

I was diagnosed at 14 of having low thyroid function. I felt wonderful for the first time in my life, but we were unable to continue to afford the meds so that went b the wayside. At that time (40 years ago) not as much was known about the serious repercussions of not treating this syndrome. I managed to deal with the weight and only became plumpy for the most part, but i very seldom woke up feeling great. It was a struggle sometimes to get through the day, I just put it off to having 5 children and everything that goes with that, but they made it worthwhile, and I was enjoying it!! (The last 2 were twins!!!!!)

Now they're all grown-up and I'm able to focus more on myself , and I am realizing that my symptoms are the same as then, only I don't have youth to pick up the slack. After 2 years my is GP trying me on a very low dose of hormone supplement. I feel better but not great, even though my tsh went from 1.09 (and steadily climbing) to .64 in 6 weeks, you have convinced me to go back and ask for a complete thyroid panel, because a lot of classic symptoms still remain. Please don't think I am waiting for a miracle, I watch my diet, I am beginning to think I need MORE calories, even though I'm not hungry. My exercising is going to get bumped up to an hour a day, instead of 1/2 hour, but 60 lbs. can be daunting!!!!

I was diagnosed 3 years ago, but wasn't showing symptoms at the time. Seems to have gotten worse even on medication. Depression is a problem I have faced, and putting on 15kgs in the space of 2-3 months. I eat pretty healthy food and exercise 5 times per week, for 1 hour each. I had 3 weeks where I reallyy reduced calorie intake and went to the gym at least 7-8 times a week and still didn't lose a single kg. The body seems to get accustomed to the amount of exercise that one does, so not sure where to go from here.

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and perscribed Levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid. At the time, I was extremely underweight. My consultant was a little mythed by this. My weight seems to fluctuate, when I eat well I do gain weight but am generally considered skinny. The Hashimotos settled for a while but recently I have had to have more blood tests because the level of T3 is not where it should be. I have similar sympoms now to Hperthyroidism, insomnia, anxiety etc. I'm wondering whether the auto antibodies are affecting the cells which covert T4 to T3 (very confusing) Wondered if anyone else has a similar condition. I am not able to focus at the moment and feel extremely emotional, perhaps due to unbalanced hormone levels. Most Dr's automatically put this down to age and stress but I know my self well enough now to know when things are not as they should be.

I have been trying to convince doctors for at least 3 years I have a thyroid problem finally in October my TSH showed 14 instead of being "normal". I have put on 35 pounds over this period of time counting calories and exercising the whole time. My doc also said my anibodies were 393 and I have Hashimoto's. He started my Synthroid at .5 after much begging and seeing another endo they moved it to .75, after much begging moved it to .88. Why is this so difficult. The emotional trauma of dealing with people who suspect you are devouring boxes of twinkies in your car is aggrevating to say the least. If there is so much info on the thyroid out there and even these few comments I've just read, isn't it time that the medical professional look into dealing and treating this problem differently? Isn't the definition of insanity - repeating the same behaviors and expecting different results!

For the person who first wrote in this forum:
You can't judge how much weight one puts on with hypothyroidism. Just because you may not have put on much weight does not mean the next person will be the same. When you are tested you are told your thyroid level and that is what determines at what level your system is working.
I am one that from 129 pounds to 206 in three years! I did not eat unhealthy and I still exercised. I had a thyroid level of 32. In the first year I just thought I was doing something wrong. I took my calories down to 600 a day because I did not want to gain weight and I still did. Three years later my thyroid is still not under control even on meds. I am still eating healthy and exercising but my thyroid is making my weight very difficult to keep under control. The thyroid is a very difficult thing for many people and judging us is not going to fix the problem.