Does anyone here have an underactive thyroid?

TomsMom

Hi lrr

It is not unusual for people with hypothyroidism to struggle to lose weight. Once you are on the optimum dose of thyroxine for you then your weight should stabilise.

Have you had any thyroid function tests lately, and if so what are the results?

If you can, read through this thread from the beginning and you will pick up quite a bit of information from the various posts. On page 9, in post #161, in the section JUDGING THE CORRECT DOSE OF THYROXINE, I have explained about blood tests results and what is generally considered to be "normal" although it has to be remembered that everyone is different and we don't all conform to the "norm". (The book I mentioned is very good and worth a look.)

After reading that and comparing your blood test results, you may be able to judge whether you think you are on your optimum dose of thyroxine or whether you may be undermedicated.

Also mentioned somewhere in this thread is the importance of making a note of all your blood test results so that you can look back and compare how you feel now and your symptoms to how you used to feel before.

You could also visit the ThyroidUK website, there is a checklist of symptoms. If you feel you are still experiencing symptoms then print off the checklist and make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor.

As far as him saying that being overweight is common, maybe it is with undermedicated or undiagnosed hypothyroidism, but if treated correctly and your thyroid is working properly again then your weight should get back to normal for you (as long as healthy eating means healthy and not including all the things we know, as individuals, make us put weight on - chocolate's my weakness ) and should stay stable.

lrr_2

Thanks for the reply.
Yes read all the posts.
Been on new dose for just over 3 weeks so hopefully might kick-in soon and will get it checked again in December.
Heating on full blast and still feeling cold! (although DD is sweating to death!)
Mr Scottish Power will be loving it though!

lrr_2

Is there any particular diet that is good with underactive thyroid?

TomsMom

From Thyroid UK's website:

WEIGHT PROBLEMS
It has been found that diets low in fat and high in carbohydrate are not especially good for us after all! Some research suggests that a diet higher in protein is better for us and that we need some fats for metabolism. The Slimming World Red Day seems to fit in quite well with this. Low glycaemic and low carbohydrate diets seem to be the order of the day. See Diet Related Books for more information. Dr. John Briffa suggests taking supplements to help the regulation of insulin and aid carbohydrate metabolism. Glucogard is a mixture of the supplements he suggests.

also

FOODS TO BE AWARE OF:

“Goitrogenic Foods” Goitrogenic foods can act like an antithyroid drug in disabling the thyroid function. They prevent the thyroid from using available iodine. It is made worse if you use a lot of salt because that causes the thyroid to swell. Do not eat these in large amounts if you are taking thyroid hormone replacement. It is thought that the enzymes involved in the formation of goitrogenic materials in plants can be destroyed by cooking, so cook these foods thoroughly if you want to eat them.

brussel sprouts, rutabaga, turnips, cauliflower, cabbage and kale almonds, peanuts and walnuts sweet corn, sorghum and millet soya – this combined with a high fibre diet causes too much thyroid hormone and iodine to be excreted from the body

raw Swedes, turnips and kale - These are sometimes fed to cattle and comes to us via their milk products.

But at the end of the day your thyroid needs to be working adequately, i.e. the right dose of thyroxine needs to be prescribed.

Mojisola

Have a look over on
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1011759

There's a range of low carb diets being followed - one will suit you, I'm sure.

lrr_2

Does the coldness finally go away when yours meds are ok? Ive been cold for years. Even when its scorching in Florida! Should I not accept being told all is fine from the doc in regard to blood tests when to be honest have not really felt any difference?

TomsMom

lrr wrote: »

Does the coldness finally go away when yours meds are ok? Ive been cold for years. Even when its scorching in Florida!

It may improve. Even when my meds are at optimum level I find that I feel the cold a lot more than OH. I can sit in the lounge with the heating on and a jumper, OH can be in a short sleeve shirt. I need flannelette sheets on the bed all year round and the electric blanket on to take the chill off the sheets most of the year, OH never ever needs the electric blanket on. I think on the whole, most men don't feel the cold and most women do, hypothyroid or not! Unless of course you're menopausal and having a flush

Should I not accept being told all is fine from the doc in regard to blood tests when to be honest have not really felt any difference?

This is where keeping a note of your previous blood tests results/dose/symptoms comes in handy as you can refer back to it. e.g.

Dr: Your blood tests are fine, carry on with the same dose.

You: But doc, I still feel tired all the time/my hair is still falling out/I'm still gaining weight/my skin is still dry and flaky, etc, etc.

Dr: But your blood tests say you are fine.

You: With all due respect doc, I really don't feel fine. If you remember, when I had my previous blood test I was on (say) 75mcg of thyroxine and my FT4 was (say) 17 and my TSH was (say) 5. Now my FT4 has gone down to (say) 15 and my TSH has gone up to (say) 6.5. It would appear that I'm not doing so well now on that dose. I really would like to get back to better health, it would make such a difference to my life. Would you please allow me to have a trial of a little extra thyroxine, say increase it to 100mcg daily? Of course, if I experience any problems I will come straight back to discuss it with you.

Or words to that effect.

So you see, if you have made a note of your results, dates, symptoms, you are in a good position to discuss this with your doctor. He will (hopefully) see that you are taking an interest in your condition and want to understand it. Arm yourself with knowledge so that you can have a serious discussion with your GP if you feel he is trying to fob you off. Test result numbers are not the be all and end all. How you feel should also be taken into account. It virtually states that in the book mentioned, Understanding Thyroid Disorders. That really can be your best friend when talking to your doctor and I urge you to get it and if necessary take it with you to your appointments.

Generally FT4 needs to be in the top quarter of the range. TSH needs to be nearer the bottom end of its range. Get the numbers, don't let them tell you that you don't need to know, you are entitled to know.

lrr_2

Excellent advice! Will ask for my results for the past 2 years anyway and compare. And will not get results over the phone from now on. Blood test not due again till end November so will keep you posted. Like I said in previous post, just been put up to 100mcg end September and I know it takes a few weeks to see a difference so will wait and see if any change.

cassieannie

I think you are right Duchy. I have had an underactive thyroid now for a couple of years. I have found out more on the thyroid websites than I have from a Dr. I have even noticed that our health centre does not have one poster up in their waiting room about the disease.yet they have everything else up in there !! I find this very interesting.

melbury

Question for TomsMum

Hi, haven't been on here for quite a while. My last results in August 2008 were as follows, which I think are quite good:

TSH 0.98
FT4 17.0
FT3 3.7

I seen to have stabilized on a dose of 125mcg per day.

However, I have noticed for the past few months that my boobs have been permanently rock hard and very tender - just like before a period. Could this be caused by thyroxine? Just thought that you may know something.

Thanks in advance.