Hypothyroidism - How Your Thyroid Can Make You Sick, Tired and Overweight…Posted on March 11th, 2008 |
Categories: Thyroid | Fatigue | Chronic Disease
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Are you one of the 30 million women and 15 million men who have a chronic medical problem that is both under-diagnosed and under-treated?
Are you suffering from vague symptoms that you think are normal parts of life, such as fatigue, feeling sluggish in the morning, and having trouble with your memory, concentration, or focus?
Do you have dry skin or fluid retention?
Is your sex drive not what it used to be?
Are your hands and feet cold all the time?
Is your hair thinning, your voice a little hoarse, your fingernails a little thick?
Is your cholesterol high?
Do you have trouble losing weight or have you gained weight recently?
Are you suffering from depression or anxiety?
Do you have really bad PMS or trouble getting pregnant?
Do you have muscle cramps and muscle pain or weakness?
Most of these symptoms aren't severe enough to send you to the emergency room, but they do significantly affect your quality of life.
And most of us accept them as a normal part of our lives without really questioning them.
If you do go to see your doctor, he or she probably shrugs it off.
Yes, doctors are experts in acute illness. But they often fail miserably when it comes to addressing subtle changes in your body that affect the quality of your life.
According to conventional medicine, low sex drive is not necessarily a disease. Neither is a little dry skin or constipation or being tired most of the day.
But for you, those problems are significant.
So what causes them?
Often, they're caused by a condition that goes undiagnosed in half of the 45 million people who have it.
It's called hypothyroidism.
What is Hypothyroidism?
When you have hypothyroidism your overall metabolic gas pedal slows down because the master gland that controls it, your thyroid gland, is not functioning at full speed.
If your thyroid slows down, every other organ and system in your body slows down, including your brain, heart, gut, and muscles.
The thyroid hormone is like a master switch that turns on the genes that keep every cell running.
This is one of those gray areas in medicine, but doctors tend to think in black and white -- you have it or you don't, sort of like being pregnant.
Well, you can't just be a little bit pregnant, but you can be just a little bit hypothyroid.
And it can have a dramatic effect on the quality of your life.
Yet most doctors don't view it that way.
This problem is further compounded by the conventional belief that you can diagnose hypothyroidism only through one blood test, called TSH, and that you only qualify for treatment if your blood level is over 5.0.
Unfortunately, this view ignores a whole group of people who have what we call subclinical hypothyroidism. It is called that because doctors have a hard time diagnosing it.
Subclinical hypothyroidism may trigger many low-grade symptoms, such as fatigue, trouble losing weight, mild depression, constipation, and more. Yet it causes just slight changes in your blood tests.
In fact, it often only shows up in tests that most doctors never perform.
Low thyroid function may seem subtle, but it can have serious consequences.
How Low Thyroid Function Affects Your Health?
Hypothyroidism doesn't just make you a little tired -- it can lead to more serious problems, including heart attacks and diabetes.
I see this all the time in my medical practice: Patients come in with vague complaints that alone may not seem too significant.
But when you put them all together, they tell an important story.
I remember the story of one patient who was 73 years old. This woman came to see me because she had been to her doctor with complaints of fatigue, sluggishness, poor memory, slight depression, dry skin, constipation, and mild fluid retention.
Her doctor's response?
"Well, what do you expect? You're 73, and this is what 73 is supposed to feel like."
But I just don't believe that is true.
I believe that most of the symptoms of aging that we see are really symptoms of abnormal aging or dysfunction that is related to imbalances in our core body systems.
I have to be a medical detective to find clues where no one else is looking and put together a story about why a person is suffering. This gets them the answers and tools they need to get well.
In this case, we tested my patient for a number of things and found that she had a sluggish thyroid. She did not quite meet all the criteria of conventional medicine for hypothyroidism, but she had an autoimmune reaction that caused her thyroid to function poorly.
By simply replacing her missing thyroid hormone, supporting her nutrition, and implementing some simple lifestyle changes, she went from feeling old to feeling alert, energetic, and youthful -- and all of her other symptoms cleared up.
I had another patient who was a 28-year-old woman who was chronically constipated. She thought it was normal to go to the bathroom every three or four days.
She also felt quite tired in the mornings and had trouble getting going. She needed coffee every morning. And at night she had trouble staying up and being with her friends and being an active 28-year-old woman.
She thought that this was just sort of a constitutional problem and that she was stuck living like that. No one had diagnosed her sluggish thyroid.
But as soon as we supported her nutrition and eliminated her food allergens (particularly gluten), which create inflammation and interfere with thyroid function, she felt better.
Her constipation resolved, she was energetic in the morning, did not need her coffee, and was able to stay up until 11:00 or 12:00 at night without any fatigue or limitations.
Who is Affected by Hypothyroidism?
This problem affects men and women of all ages.
And it is very common because of all the stressors in our environment, including toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic stress, all of which interfere with our thyroid function.
It's critical to understand that your thyroid is not just linked to energy and other symptoms that I described here.
It is the master metabolism hormone that controls the function and activity of almost every organ and cell in your body -- so when it is sluggish or slow, everything slows down.
But there is good news ...
There are clear ways to diagnose the problem as well as to treat it, with a comprehensive functional medicine approach.
The first step is to find out if you have any of the chronic symptoms of hypothyroidism or any of the diseases associated with hypothyroidism. Ask yourself if you have any of the following symptoms:
-
• Sluggishness in the morning
• Poor concentration and memory
• Low-grade depression
• Dry skin
• Hoarse voice
• Thinning hair
• Coarse hair
• Being very sensitive to cold and having cold hands and feet
• Low body temperature
• Muscle pain
• Weakness or cramps
• Low sex drive
• Fluid retention
• High cholesterol
After I have asked my patients about all these symptoms, I do a physical examination for clues to a low-functioning thyroid.
I check for a low body temperature. Anything lower than 97.6 degrees F may be a sign of hypothyroidism.
I might also find fluid retention, a thick tongue, swollen feet, swollen eyelids, an enlarged thyroid gland, excessive earwax, a dry mouth, coarse skin, low blood pressure, or decreased ankle reflexes. I might even find that the outer third of the eyebrows is gone.
These are all physical signs that can be put together along with other symptoms to form a story of what is causing the problem.
Once I have done that, I perform specific blood tests that give me a full picture of thyroid problems.
Then I design a nutritional, lifestyle, and supplement regimen and hormone replacement plan as needed to help people regain their health.
That's all for today.
In my next blog, I will discuss the major preventable -- and mostly hidden -- factors that slow your thyroid down. And I'll tell you more about the special tests I use to diagnose thyroid problems, as well as how to specifically treat low thyroid function.
Now I'd like to hear from you...
Do you suffer from any of the signs and symptoms mentioned here?
Have you been told you have low thyroid function?
How has your doctor responded to your concerns?
Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, M.D.
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hypothyroidism
I've been diagnosed with a low thyroid level but the medicines have made NO difference to anything other than my energy levels. I'm still fat - I'm still constipated - my skin is still dry. My thyroid was pushed up to optimum levels - to the point where my TSH was >0.01, i.e. hyperthyroid. All I got from that was heart palpitations ...... I think it's more complicated than just mere thyroid.
Annie in Johannesburg, South Africa
another thought
I kept telling them that I feel no different on meds. Can't lose weight still tired. They checked my adrenal function and discovered it was low. I'm taking IsoCort and DHEA and have finally been able to lose weight, but I also have to say the they have me on a no sugar and no gluten diet. So between these 2 things the weight has come off, I'm sleeping and I feel like I have more energy. Regards, Theresa
HypoThyroidism is curable completely
Hello conwayannie,
Your hypoThyroid & all related problems are curable completely. We have cured several hundred patients in the last 15+ years, who are now leading a very normal life minus the thyroid or its related / associated problems. Yes, we cure all types of thyroid problems (hypo / hyper / nodular, etc., )& the treatment course takes anywhere between 18 to 40 months depending upon the years of you being living with the problem + the level of toxins which would have gone into your system by using the allopathic / western medicine treatments like using thyronorm / thyroxin, etc., etc.
Our treatment is purely based on knowing your individual constitution also called Prakurthi (the way your were created at the time you were conceived in your mother's womb), which is based on three Doshas (Vata, Pita & Kapha) & the five earth elements, along with the thought process (happy, sorrow, joyous, etc., etc.,) which went in when your mother conceived you. So, once we know your prakurthi, we prepare an unique treatment strategy for you - which shall include some Rasa Kriya based on the Kupi Paqwa techniques, which is prepared as per the ancient ayurvedic texts & some part of it available in the Rig Veda + some other herbal preparations like Kanchanara Gulgulu, Arogya Vardhini, Satavari gulam + some poorvakarma & panchakarma treatments - an ancient indian traditional way to romove toxins from the body + to build the auto-immune system.
Initially, for a period of 14 days you will have to visit our clinic located at Bangalore, India along with all your reports & then come for a follow-up meetings once every 6 months. The pricing is very competitive & aggressive - the motto being to serve the society at affordable prices. You may want to combine this with your visit to india or use this as an opportunity to see (atleast parts of india - though india is a very diverse country with a lot to see, feel & hear)india.
Let me know how you would like to take this forward. Thanks & you know have a great day ahead.
Best Regards,
Tom
Hypothyroidism
I am at a loss for words on this one....I can relate to all of it. I have been to specialists and doctors and have had blood drawn so many times, but I am never in that range to do anything about it. The only symptoms that I do not have are the coarse hair and the thinning hair. I lose hair, but I have so much it doesn't make a difference. I am about 70 pounds overweight and I can't seem to get it off. I have a family history of heart disease and other related illnesses and I am afraid that the doctors are not listening to me to get this corrected in time. Any thoughts on what I should do?
Low temperature
If you have a low temperature along with hypothyroid symptoms, and especially if your thyroid blood tests are normal, you may have Wilson's Syndrome. Many people are able to raise their temperature to normal by going on T3 therapy for a time (not forever). The condition is brought on and/or worsened by stress. Childbirth is the most common cause. There's a free ebook on Dr. Wilson's web site that explains it in detail: Wilson's Temperature Syndrome--A Reversible Low Temperature Problem. I have personally been treated for it, and I know others who have as well. If you have a lower than normal temperature, it may be worth checking out. Good luck!
Hypothyroidism
I am a 47 year old female and I have had hypothyroidism for over 10 years. My medication started at .25 and is up to 200 mcg of Synthroid. I suffer from many of the symptoms you mentioned in your blog. My cholesterol was borderline and suddenly dropped to 184 recently without any change in my diet. Recently my fingernails started splitting down the middle and on top of that I was just diagnosed with rosacea. Today I am having a stress test because there was an irregularity on an EKG my doctor performed in the office. The MOST frustrating symptom of my thyroid condition is the weight. It has been the same for a year and no matter what I do, the scale will not budge. I am nearly 200 pounds and I have been desperately trying to lose weight. My doctors are totally puzzled. I have brought in food lists and told them I exercise 3 - 5 times for 30 minutes on a treadmill and they have no answers. There is absolutely no explanation as to why I cannot lose weight and the stress this has caused is more than anyone can imagine. Add the rest of the things going on and I am a mess. When I asked the dermatologist that I went to for my nails and rosacea about a possible vitamin deficiency he just told me no, someone must be trying to sell you something. My primary doctor told me to exercise 2 hours every day to increase my metabolism but that is just not possible. When I discussed my weight with my endocrinologist he just told me to look on the bright, "you are not gaining weight". I feel like I am falling apart at 47 years old and I hate feeling this way. I have so many people counting on me and I am normally a positive, upbeat person but this is surely taking its toll on me. I am looking for a miracle.
your metabolism
Dear Momommamiaria,
If you cannot do so much exercise there are natural supplements that help boost metabolism and certain foods as well. I drink a great herbal tea with green tea, and a lot of other ingredients, if you have 2-3 cups a day this moves you. Also, Spirulina is great! Natural algae, it has helped too. And of course eating right.
I lost 50lbs and have also had the problem I can´t exercise, bad knees, so I walk when I can.
Take care
Thanks JUJU
I appreciate your reply. I was taking natural supplements and drinking green tea. My doctors did not want me to take the supplements since I am on high blood pressure medicine and there was an irregularity in a recent EKG so I am not taking anything now. On top of the that certain foods, caffeine etc. and even exercise cause my recently diagnosed rosacea to flare up. I am damned if I do and damned if I don't. Today I am having a 3 hour stress test done by my cardiologist. If I am cleared of any problems, I am definitely going to start to look at supplements again. I really wish someone could take a look at all of the problems I am having and identify a real underlying problem so I can deal with it. I feel like I am fighting a losing battle. On top of that someone suggested I might even be pre-menopausal and I should have my hormones checked. I have not noticed any changes but maybe my body is trying to tell me something. It has been a rough week. Thanks for your support. It means more than you know.
no weight loss
I'm certainly not a doctor, so take this with a grain of salt.
I had been having the same trouble with weight loss. It was strange...even when I had my wisdom teeth out and got dry socket and ate nothing but Slim Fast and no-fat pudding for FIVE DAYS, I lost absolutely nothing. What my doctor told me is that when we experience high stress (I was working full-time and in grad school full-time) our body has high levels of cortisol, and high levels of cortisol prevent weight loss. It's like your body thinks it's in crisis and so it wants to hold on to everything.
So, I don't know how helpful that is to know, but maybe is something to talk to your doctor about. By the way, the ONLY way I've been able to lose weight is by using the UltraMetabolism program. I lost 12 pounds in one month!
Good luck!
Thanks me in mo
I had my cortisol checked several years ago when I was having trouble losing weight and my levels were normal. I have the UltraMetabolism book and I am really going to give it a shot. I have tried everything else. Thanks and keep up the awesome work.
hypothyroidism
I, too, am very overweight at 39 despite making dietary and exercise efforts to no avail. I have Hashimoto's (autoimmune form)...have you been tested for antithyroid antibodies? I just had a needle biopsy for a solid, compIex nodule (don't have results yet). I also have had acne unlike anything I had as a teenager. My weight gain is sporadic, gaining alot in a short time and then maintaining for a long while, but can't lose it. Plus, other symtoms such as dry eye, cold/low temp., fluid retention, dry skin, constipation, fatigue, some twitching of muscles, really bad knees/joints, etc. I also have low progesterone and have had 2 miscarriages at 6 weeks (which they said was "coincidental"). I suspect cortisol because I have had a saliva type test which showed an marked increase from 4pm to midnight (when it normally would decrease), as well as an elevated amount of cortisol in a 24hr. urine test ordered by the doctor. The doctor dismissed the saliva test I ordered online, which was done 4 times a day--therefore showing the pattern of WHEN it was elevated. But, since my cortisol was "normal" early in the day and elevated only from 4pm to midnight, the overall average in the 24 hr. urine test was not alarmingly high. She gave me a decadron (steroid) pill and tested the next morning, and due to that declared that I didn't have Cushing's (but no further explanation as to the elevated cortisol). I wonder about the relation between the pituitary, hypothalamus and thyroid since my thyroid is diseased. Ask your doctor what your "normal" cortisol reading was, was it a 24 hr. average, and would he do a 4 times a day test to tell a pattern of when it might be elevated.
Also, as for the responses of the endocrinologist...I have been told: "you can't blame all your weight gain on the thyroid"; "your thyroid shouldn't have anything to do with your miscarriage"; "you'll never get your TSH 100% perfect on Armour"; "there's no such thing as T1, T2, etc.---only T3 and T4". My endo was very insistent on using Synthroid brand only....after a few years and no improvement, she reluctantly agreed to try Armour, but "it is so difficult to get adjusted". When my dose of Armour was recently adjusted down from 90 to 60, my TSH went from .01 to 2.76 in 3 months. So, I figured this was the point at which I should "split the difference", taking dose of 75 in hopes that the TSH would remain in the low range but above 1.0 (suppression was my goal since I have Hashimoto's). I was told that 2.76 was fine and that if I insisted on having my TSH lower, I should just take 2 extra pills a week. Since I don't like the idea of having such an inconsistent dose for 2 days, I'm splitting my 60 pills in fourths and taking 75 a day (why can't she just prescribe the 60 plus a 15 daily?). When I showed signs of edema, I was prescribed a diuretic (to be taken indefinitely). When I said I was snoring and clearing my throat all the time and having alot of congestion in my throat, I was prescribed a nasal spray (to be taken indefinitely). I just found out by ultrasound that I have a large solid nodule, a fluid filled cyst, and some calcification--perhaps this is causing the clogged up throat issues? At my initial appointment 6 years ago, it was suggested that I take Zenecal or Meridia for weight loss (which I fortunately declined). I only take the diuretic if I am bloated (like PMS time) and haven't taken the nasal spray. Why is it that the standard approach is to slap on a prescription for each isolated symptom instead of looking at the big picture?
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hypothyroid after a thyroidectomy
Thank you for this timely article. I had my thyroid removed several years ago due to a suspicious nodule. It turned out not to be cancerous but now I am living with the consequences of no thyroid. Ihave had fluid retention, constipation and dry skin for quite some time. The problem as I see it, is that the "normal" range of TSH is pretty broad and I know where I feel best. I track my numbers and my doctor is willing to work with me to reach a level where I feel good. I did well on synthroid for a time then despite my numbers being good, I felt hypothyroid. My doctor added T3 and I felt better but the numbers really went off the charts then. Despite reduing my dosage of synthroid, my TSH kept dropping instead of increasing. I switched to Armour Thyroid and again, did well on that for a time. Now I am symptomatic again - feeling hypothyroid although the numbers indicate hyperthyroid. Now we have made the switch back to Synthroid to see what happens. I feel like an experiment! Any suggestions?
Hypothyroidism
Well, well ... the last bloodtest that I had, said that I no longer have a thyroid problem, after being on medication for nearly 18 years. But the problem is that I still feel the same, nearly all the symtoms mention in the blog still apply to how I feel.
Now I understand a bit more, but I would really like to know were to go from here.
I'am looking forward to the next blog. because I'am tired of feeling like this, and every one says that its just in my mind.
Thank you
Fraliz
I know how you feel I have been euthyroid (normal levels ) for years, but I still feel tired, cold, fluid retention. The only symptom from the blog that does not apply is high cholesterol. I have been told to loose weight (ha ha ha) I have been exercising on a exercise bike but even that has not made a difference to my weight I have just been getting sicker from the exercise and not loosing weight. Doctors told me I was neurotic housewife and to get out and get a life. They wonder why I don't trust them anymore. I feel the same as you and would welcome a solution but cannot see doctors doing anything when this condition mainly affects women.
TSH 238
I went undiagnosed for over 20 YEARS! I told any doctor that would listen to me all of the symptoms you mentioned. It now seems so obvious to me down to the missing 1/3 of my eyebrow. For years, doctors would test my T3 and T4 and tell me they are a little off. But it wasn't until one doctor did a full blood panel and found that my TSH was 238. (Normal range is below 3) She said, "How do you get out of bed in the morning?" I said, I thought everyone was supposed to feel this way... The medical establishment should be ashamed of themselves. I am now working out 5 days per week, on Levoxyl .125 and still the weight does not come off. Dr. Hyman, what nutritional supplements can you suggest? Would a Vegetarian diet be something that could help? I am trying to eliminate white foods and sugar from my diet. You mentioned a gluten free diet for one of your patients, is that something that most Hypothyroid patients would benefit from?
Hypothyroidism
I have many of the symptoms stated in the blog...my TSH test are always within range, just barely, but in the lower range. My doctor seems satisfied that I'm in range and unwilling to take it any further. I tried to make an appointment with an endocrinologist but you have to have a referral from your primary physician. What should I do...switch doctors? How do I know an other doctor I choose will be any better than what I have now? I wish Dr Hyman was in my area!!!
finding a new doctor
Of course you should get a second opinion! You can ask your current doctor for a referral to an endocrinologist or you could go to Dr. Hyman's website and follow the link to finding a doctor in your area. Also, the website for Functional Medicine also helps people find doctors in their area that practice the kind of medicine that Dr. Hyman practices. I spent years feeling limited by all my symptoms yet my endocrinologist would only look at the numbers and even though I was very low I wasn't outside the range. Switching doctors was absolutely the best thing I have ever done!
I've must have d and gotten
I've must have d and gotten every piece of weight loss advice from friends doctors and nutritionists. In the end the only thing that really helped was portion control I can eat healthy all day but calories are calories no matter where they come from.
hypothyroidism
I am a little confused. I have several of the symptoms. Memory and concentration, dry skin, sensitivity to cold ( my hands ar alway cold) and my normal body temp is in the mid 97's. I had a cat scan unrelated to my thyroid and it showed a spot on my thyroid so i went to an endocronolgist and had a series of tests run and they indicated my thyroid was okay. The T tests were in range and the spot was a small cyst.
Reading your blog seemed to indicate i definitly have symptoms related to this issue so i am confused
hypothyroidism
About two years ago I was diagnosed with this disease. My doctor prescribed synthroid for it. I am on a very strong dose as he had to keep adjusting it (after more blood tests).
I cannot tell you the difference it has made in my life. I was tired, overweight, my skin was extremely dry, my hair was thinning. Now, I have the energy I used to have, I am not cold all the time, I am losing weight and I feel much more alive. I hope everyone who has these symptoms asks their doctor to test them for this as it really will change the quality of your life.
I'm not insane!
Thank you for this information Dr, Hyman. I have dealt with 80% of the symptoms that you describe for the past few years. I have had numerous thyroid tests and was told that my thyroid is fine. I have been under extreme stress for a while too. I was trying to get pregnant over the past 4 years and have had five miscarraiges. My OB and a fertility specialist tested my thyroid each time and said it was fine. They said that the miscarriages were due to my age, which was 39 when I started to try and get pregnant. My other symptoms were attributed to stress according to the doctors. I am very anxious to read your next blog post. Thanks again for validating my thoughts.
Carol
Hyperthyroidism
I was diagnosed with this 2 years ago. After several doctors and test, I was prescribed levothyroxine. It is definitely no fun.
thyroid meds
Hi, I was diagnosed in 1994 with high thyroid, Dr. gave me radioactive iodine, supposed to kill the thyroid. well I research up till now on it, and they gave me Synthroid,112 to start with it was way too much, but no one ever told me till last year 94to2007, they said I would have to stay on it, I have none on those symptoms, I got fat gained 30 pounds when they gave me the radioactive iodine. It took me lyposuction to get it off, glad I did it. now I found wellness resources.com they have some products that a person needs while taking synthroid and well trying to get off it. I stopped taking it and started the ,Daily Energy Multiple Vitamins the Thyroid Helper and the Iosol Iodine, I feel way better and I don't ever want to take synthroid again, also you need to check out your Hormones, Bioavailable hormones are the way to go, find one in your area buy putting that on the search and go check it out. Most women with depression or anxiety are estrogen dominante and that causes lots of problems, if you drink red bull or take anything coffee even, creates Estrogen Dominantes , breast cancer and adrenal problems all come from that, irratable all the time too. we need more doctors that care and know how to treat us.
Hypothyroidism
In reading your blog, I was both relieved and disappointed. Relieved because as least I know my symptoms are not just in my head and disappointed because I still feel like I have few options for relief. I've complained of mostly all those symptoms for years now with no relief. My general practioner was the only one that thought perhaps I had an issue with my thyroid since my levels fluctuated quite a bit. However, when I went to a specialist, I was dismissed as not having any issues. My symptoms were so bad they started to affect my work life. I was sent to another specialist, a neurologist this time. I went through extensive testing for MS. My testing was inconclusive and I continued to suffer from my symptoms. Since my symptoms were not all that "severe", no treatment was given.
Now I just wonder what my next step is? I would love to find a doctor in my area that has your same thinking and philosophy.
Thank you for at least letting me know that I am not just making these symptoms up in my head.
Hypothyroidism
Well after just reading your article am sitting here in tears and feel like this is all what I have been trying to tell my doctor. I have hypothyroidism and have been on synthroid 125 mcg's, but keep going to my doctor and telling him I still feel awful and feel like I am going to lose my mind, get so upset I start crying while seeing him and he gives me and antidepressant, when I refuse to take it he gets angry with me. I finally demanded another blood test and my blood levels were 3.5, he said he wants them around 0.15. So he increased my synthroid to 150 mcg's and it has been over a month. I am still feeling all the same ways. The fatigue is so overwhelming, dry everything, weight gain and inability to lose weight, puffy face, hands, feet, etc. , depressed, hurt all over so bad I can't even begin to explain but my bones and joints hurt so bad feel like it is debilitating me, also having a hard time with things healing. All how I feel makes me more depressed and feel so hopeless, I am only 44. I want to give up, noone believes me. Please help me. Lisa
your problem
Dear LIsa,
I really know how you feel, I have put up with all the symptoms for many years. There are ways to help. You can increase your medicine, forget about the stupid levels, This happened to me to, they put up my levels 25mg at a time!! I was almost 3 years this way. FInally I was at about what you are taking, I started taking spirulina, herbal tea 3 times a day for weight loss, I went to Nature House where they had a great program, all natural and a nutricionist who cared. This is really what you need, someone who recoaches you on what to eat, what supplements can boost your metabolism, but first your medication should be at the right amount, even a little higher doesn´t hurt to get started. I have lost 50lbs slowly and surely, also now I only take 100mg, of Levothyroxine where i WAS TAKING 150 before. I bet your doctor didn´t tell you that when you lost weight you would also come down. If you see that at 150 you are still not feeling better, go up more another25 for example until you feel better!!! You will notice you are better little by little and I think you know more about your body than your doctor. I didn´t realise that until after 5 years. Now I know if my system is down, some days I take a little more medication for a week, especially in winter because I am always cold. In summer if I feel a bit more hyper I lower it a little. ( I am talking around 25mg to the amount you feel normal at, or that your doctor says is about right) Tell him to give you a prescription for a small amount in case you need a little more, or when you begin to lose weight and he brings you down, keep a little on hand for those occasions. I hope this is something that helps you. I am 44 too and know what it´s like. Don´t give up hope please.
I totally believe you
I have the exact same thing and I am frustrated too. I work out everyday - I am getting very toned but I have only lost 3 pounds and I have been at this since new years... I won't quit the workout because that is the only way that I feel good.... I just want to budge that darned scale. I am going to be 40 in 7 months and I don't want to feel this way anymore. I too have had the same kind of answers from dr and they put me on anti's too. What do they think, we are dreaming this stuff up? I would love to find another Dr. but how do you know that you aren't just chasing your tail? That is how I have felt for the past 10 years. Where do you live? I am in Iowa and finding a good specialist is hard - you have to drive about 3 hours. but I guess if that is what it takes, then I fill forge on. Take care. Jodie
I understand
Hey Jodi -
I really, really understand your frustration. I am 41 years old and I am a fitness/figure competitor and I workout out every day AND eat very well 99.9% of the time. For the past 8 months I have put on 25 lbs and cannot get the weight off, and trust me, I know how to do this from a nutrition and physical standpoint. About 3 months ago I was referred to someone who TOTALLY understands women, hormones and what we are going through. I would STRONGLY encourage you to read this Dr.'s books. I have been to 3 doctors and they screwed me up even worse, and when I found THIS WONDERFUL HORMONE specialist and read her books I decided to fly out to meet her and I have been working with her for 4 weeks now. SHe is the ONLY doctor I have found that is understands my situation and has been VERY THOROUGH in coming up with a treatment plan. I strongly suggest to read her books. Email me @ teri@teridale.com if you'd like me to share the names of these books to you. You will benefit greatly to read them.
T
thank you
finally someone who is giving me a glimmer of hope. I would love more info. Thank you for responding to my blog. I just wish that there were more Dr out there that truly cared if they helped their patients instead of just making a buck.. It is so frustrating. Thanks again. I will be anxious to hear from you.
Jodie
I Get It
I totally agree with you. I went to 3 doctors and they all were trying to get me on all sort of perscriptions that I just wasn't comfortable with. I was desperate, but not stupid. One insisted I should take depression meds and I said to him "Well, of course I'm depressed, I've put on 25 lbs in 7 months, I'm tired all of the time, I have no sex-drive anymore, my skin is itchy and I'm a grouchy, emotional and a *&^% most of the time"! That would make anyone depressed, but I KNEW depression medication wasn't going to solve my health problem. Something else was causing all of these symptoms. So this doctor recommended some other stuff and because I trusted him and had done what I thought was "good research" i followed some of his recommendations. Well, HE SCREWED ME UP EVEN WORSE. When I read Dr. V's books, she totally GETS IT. She UNDERSTANDS how a doctor should understand women's bodies and their hormones and endocrine system. They are ALL related and most doctors do NOT understand that connection. She's the ONLY doctor that sat with me for 5 hours to review the very thorough blood work analysis, discuss my symptoms and put me on a treatment plan that SHE knows will work. My only problem is I'm so messed up that it's going to TAKE TIME for me to get healed, BUT, I'd rather do it under someone's care who KNOWS what's going on and is willing to help me through the entire process to make sure I am doing things the "right" way, versus these other doctors who tell you to do on this med and on that cream and spend :05 minutes with you and send you crying out the door with an order to come back in 6 weeks. SOOO FRUSTRATING!! I'm just not going to give my situation to a doctor like that, this is MY health and MY QUALITY of Life.
I hope you email me so I can give you the names of the books that helped me. Like I said, they are only to educate you better so you can go to your doctor and talk to them about what you've learned. If they are unwilling to listen, then FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR!! I'm so thankful I met Dr. V and I am under her care. I have a long journey ahead of me, but at least I know i will be fixed and have confidence in her. I could never say that before under the care of any of these other doctors.
Here's my email: teri@teridale.com
HEalth and Happiness
Bioavailable Hormones
Hey Girl,
Go check out Bioavailable Hormones you really need progesterone, you are ESTROGEN DOMINANT, a bad bad side affect of drinking coffee, and sodas and red bull, depression and anxiety are all estrogen dominant traits, go see someone about bioavailaable hormones, you will be glad you did.
I am 29 years old. After I
I am 29 years old. After I had my son 3 years ago I never went back to normal. My menstrual cycle is off, I have headaches, ringing in my ears, fatigue, poor concentration, I can't sleep through the night....and the list goes on. After 13 doctors, one decided to do an MRI on my neck(I had one done on my head that came back clear). They found a nodule, then I had to have an uptake scan, by taking a radioactive iodine pill then have pics taken of the thyroid, then off to ENT #2, who decided to do a biopsy. That came back that I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis...oh by the way ALL of the boodwork I had done was "normal." So it was now time for the endocrinologist, who put me on 25mcg of synthroid. I have to say my headaches stopped within 5 days, and have not come back, but every other symptom is there...including the ever popular weight loss issue. It SUCKS b/c people think you're nuts, and after a while you start to believe maybe it's all in your head. This one doc I went to(I think it was #10) refered me to a psychologist!! LOL! I laughed my way right out of the office. For people who are so educated they sometimes say really stupid things! I'm still on a quest to find a good doctor here in NJ. The one I have now, just shrugs me off when I tell him whats going on, he sends me for more blood work, it comes back ok, and I leave the office with no answers as usual. If anyone out there knows of a good doc in NJ let me know!! Good Luck to all.
throid rx
I have been on 125 mcg synthroid for at least 10 yrs. My Doctor monitors me with blood test TSH. I still feel sluggish and can not lose weight.I eat healthy. I just started taking tr phenteramine 37.5 1/2 tablet daily to help me jump start this weight problem. Do you think this will help me. I have 15-20 lbs to lose.Im 47. 5 feet and weight 145.
hypothyroidism
Iwas diagnosed as being hypothyroidic and it took about 2 years for the doctors to finally get my dosis of Levothyroxine right. I had gained over 50lbs which I now have lost through changing my whole way of eating and thinking about food. I have tried various algae supplements and other foods to boost my metabolism. I have lost this weight over now 3 years, slowly but surely, eating the right things has become now a way of life and not just "dieting" which doesn´t work. It´s eating for life! I would like to stress however that I have had all the side effects listed, now I can say since I have the medication right, my weight is lowering and these side effects have diminished greatly although I still have some sequels,being cold all the time and very tired more than normal has never gone away. I must take extra care to not overtire, just a bit of stress sends me to the overtired range. Sleeping at night nowadays seems to be a difficult thing and it seems my metabolism just picks up and I go to bed freezing and wake up all sweated out in the middle of the night. A little crazy, but with hypothyroidism, my life will never be what it was, but it at least is now becoming bearable.
To those of you who can´t lose weight easily, in europe we have places called Nature House, great people, great dietary supplements ( all natural of course!") and a real nutritionist specialist who weekly guides you. In the states I really think a good nutricionist is needed who supports hypothyroid patients because our weight problem is for life and because of the depression and anxiety caused it´s many times even more difficult to lose weight, with the right people and attitude it CAN BE DONE. Look around and find someone who helps.
Thyroid
This report is wild. I was experiencing 7 of the symptoms listed above. In expressing my issues to my regular doctor I was told to decrease my stress and increase my workouts. I did both. Finally I went to a holistic doc who gave me an iodine patch test as well as some muscle testing and determined that I had a slow thyroid. I brought that info back to my doc who gave me the usual blood tests and determined that my thyroid is fine. After months of research I was convinced that I had a thyroid problem (this runs in our family) I insisted on seeing a specialist who decided that based on blood tests his only concern was with my cholesterol. He suggested that I loose 20lbs and take lipitor. I lost the 20lbs and REFUSED the lipitor. The doc was really mad at me. He said that my life would be much easier if I just took the pills, but if I wanted to be my own internet doc then so be it. I too was furious and told him how upset I was that a specialist would suggest putting a bandage on the problem rather than working on the route cause... I'm a 39 year old woman who's cholesterol is approx 235. I am so sick of the attitude from all conventional docs when you give them insight into your issues. All anyone wants to do is write a prescription and send you on your way. I hate to say this, but in my experience woman get even less respect as most docs attribute their symptoms to hormone fluctuation.
hypothyroidism & doctors who don't get it
Dear Fitz,
I HEAR YOU! When my TSH was 5.5 my FEMALE doctor told me she wanted to wait 6 months and test it again. In the meantime I wasn't functioning due to the overwhelming FATIGUE. I took a stack of books with me on hypothyroidism and made another appointment. She was INSULTED and UPSET that I question her and reluctantly wrote a script for 1/2 the amount of medicine the books said to write. I called her back in and asked her what would be the harm of giving me a dose by the books? I wanted to feel better and I did not want to wait. She wrote it but it was pulling teeth.
We all must be responsible for our own health. We are all our own best doctors.Thanks to the internet there is a wealth of information. Good for you that you did not just take the Lipitor. Most doctors I have come across think they are God. "Just do what I say." Every medicine should be researched...QUESTION EVERYTHING.
When an Endocrinologist told me my panic attacks on Synthroid were all in my head and that I needed a Psychiatrist, I went home and cried. Then I did more reading and found Armour Thyroid a good alternative for alot of people with problems on Synthroid. It is natural, has T4 and T3 in it and was used for over 50 years before synthetic Synthroid came along. The Pharmaceutical industry is powerful and the history of Synthroid will show you this.
I agree women get less respect. Would a male doctor tell a male that their symptoms were in their head and they should see a psychiatrist? I don't think so.
The medical profession as well as the pharmaceutical industry needs some good wake up calls. We can only keep voicing our experiences and hope and pray and do what we can to try to change things. Keep speaking up...women are in the MAJORITY...if enough of us start SCREAMING someone has to hear us.
OMG-- I have the same
OMG-- I have the same problem!! That's why I switched to a practice that has docs of naturapath, docs of osteopathy and medical docs. That area actually DOING something for me! My regular doctor just says "oh you are fine, Carol!" Well I know I'm not! BLAH
Dear Dr Hyman I have been
Dear Dr Hyman
I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto disease ( which is an autoimmune disorder).
My doctor(endocrinologist) has not put me on any medication as he says that we need
shall wait for the thyroid antibodies to destroy the thyroid and then i shall
be put on medication.
I have some of the symptons in yr list.-weight gain -(which i cannot lose even though i am trying i seem to gain instead) fatigue, depressed, memory loss,
difficult to concentrate and less energy
I am 50 years old and I am sure I should be following some sort of
direction with regards to Hashimoto - be it nutrition, herbal or conventional
medication.
I cant wait fr yr next blog!
Thank youo
Hashimotos
I also have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I think you should really question your Dr. and find out what all of your test numbers are. I have had this (and going to Drs) for over 15 years. If you are hypothyroid and he is planning on waiting for the thyroid gland to be completely destroyed...you may be in for a LONGGGG miserable wait!
Find out your test numbers. If your TSH is over 2 find a new Dr. That might not be a bad idea anyway, because the symptoms will only get worse.
Coni
Hyper-frustration about no help for hypothyroidism
With the exception of being overweight, I have every one of the symptoms listed indicating hypothyroidism. I have seen three primary care physicians, one specialist, and am now working with a naturopath, but none of them are listening to what I think is going on with me. They look at me, see that I am not overweight, my blood tests are not off the charts indicating low thyroid function, and discount all of my symptoms. I have even taken this list to them and physically checked off my symptoms. When I think of the time, money, and most of all, the experience of sub-optimal health, involved with not getting the care that I need, I really wish that I wouldn't have been deterred by cost and had made an appointment to see Dr. Hyman a long time ago. I am completely frustrated with the seeming inability of my physicians' ability to think and consider an educated patient's point of view!
Comments on Hypothyroid Blog
I am a 51 year old female who realized there must be something wrong when I followed a very strict diet and did two hour gym workouts every other day without losing one pound for a month. In addition I had the following symptoms; constipation, extreme morning fatigue (as well as fatigue throughout the day), huge bags under my eyes, thinning nails and hair. I went to a GP and she found my TSH level to be 5.5. She sent me a letter and said she would wait six months and check it again. Things GOT WORSE and I was so tired I could not even function. Thanks to ALOT OF READING I found that many medical professionals think anything above 3.0 can be a problem. Anything over 3.0 can cause symptoms in some adults (everyone is different). I was put on Synthroid and immediately saw a difference. (I was not peeling myself off the mattress in the morning). However, eventually I started to get extreme panic attacks so that I could not breathe. When I stopped the Synthroid, they stopped. I went to an Endocrinologist who told me it was all in my head and that my TSH level was never that high anyway. More READING and I found that Armour Thyroid can be a better alternative because it is natural (made from desicated pigs liver), has T4 and T3 in it and was used for over 50 years with no problem. Pharmaceutical reps and pressure is what keeps doctors seeing Synthroid as the one and only solution to Hypothroidism...even Endocrinologists. After the Armour Thyroid I feel much better and the panic attacks have stopped. I still have constipation, more fatigue than I had before the Hypothyroidism, bags under my eyes and thin nails and hair. Losing weight is possible but more difficult than it ever was. The doctor says even on medication it is just something I have to live with and part of the Hypothyroidism. ISN't THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN HELP? HOW DO YOU EFFECTIVELY TREAT THIS PROBLEM?
P.S. My dog and my daughter have also developed Hypothyroidism! It makes me wonder about environmental factors. What could have caused this besides genetics? My daughter is adopted (not my blood) and obviously my dog is not related.
Hypothyroidism
I am a 57-year young female who was diagnosed with Hashimoto Thyroidism 32 years ago. I was put on Synthroid .025mg. Over the years I have constantly asked the doctor(s) if my body have not become so accustomed to this dosage that it doesn't work anymore and they continue to say that the dosage is doing well. I have all the symptoms you have mentioned except I think for depression; and, I have lost almost all my hair. I have wanted to find someone to help me - are you that one?
Hyperthyroid
Hi Dr Hyman,
I just received the 5 Forces of Wellness and am very excited to get on the road to healing. My situaton is a little different in that I've have been diagnosed with mild hyperthyroid (my tests always come back on the high side of normal), I have been under the care of an endocrinologist for about 8 years as I have very large benign thyroid nodules on both sides of my thyroid. But I seem to have several of the symptoms of hypothyroid...sluggishness in the morning, poor concentration and memory, low grade depression, dry skin, thinning hair (when I lose weight, it comes out almost by the handfuls), muscle pain, weakness or cramps, low sex drive, fluid retiontion. The Dr. has never suggested that I may have hypothyroid. She just keeps advising that I should have my thyroid taken out and I would prefer not to do that. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks so much.
well what then!
Ido have cold feet sluggish, foggy brain, dry nails. TSH tested low meaning thryroid is actually working better than most. so what do I do? And yes, i tested positive for gluten sensitivty. and yes, bloating, water retention, fat on hips and belly which i assumed was peri menopause related. what do i do now? dr. sees no issue. do i take thyroid supplements?
hypothyroidism
Please continue your discussion and include advice on how to manage hypothyrodism. I have it, am on medication, and still feel crummy (I see I'm not alone). Any suggestions would be invaluable!! Thanks!
hypothryroidism comment
Can this be part of the link to my debilitating migraines?? Well, we'll find out! I had ALL of the symptoms you list, except the hair loss. My DO did a blood test and it turns out that I'm producing anit-thyroglobulin and it was off the charts. (157) My T3, free was 2.4; T3-total 1.08; T-4 Free 1.15; T4 total 8.2. I don't know what these numbers means, but they subscribed a compound of T3/T4 (10/20) and iodine supplements. It's been almost 3 weeks and I don't feel any different. Perhaps the dosage is too weak... Or does it take longer to get balanced?
I am also confused about the drugs used to control it... I see that "synthroid" and some other brand name is being used (from other posts), but I'm getting a compounded T3/T4... what's the difference?
They also did an IGA(?) test for allergies and I was not allergic to gluten, but slightly allergic to egg yolk. They had me do a 2 week detox with some nasty flax-based shake in the am and NO dairy or gluten. I felt so much less bloated during that time, but not significantly "better." Still suffered the migraines and fatigue. I know it's all intertwined and everyone is different, but perhaps I should go back to cutting out the gluten and dairy from my diet too?
Synthroid vs. compounded T3/T4
caroliyer:
Synthyroid is a synthetic T4 Rx. So are levoxyl and levothroid. Here is a link to Mary Shoman's site that gives info on available drugs http://thyroid.about.com/cs/thyroiddrugs/a/overview.htm
Your compounded T3/T4 is probably time-released to help prevent you from crashing. I'm surprised your doctor even prescribed a compounded drug. Most doctors won't do it and some insurance companies won't pay for them.
I'd give your meds a little more time, say another week or two. When I was switched from synthroid to Armour Thyroid, it took some time for my body to adjust. But when it did there was a noticeable difference. If you still don't feel better, then go to your doctor.
I was tested for gluten problems and found out I am gluten intolerant. While I am not allergic to gluten, my body has difficulty processing it. I have slowly been eliminating gluten from my diet and feel better. I would advise you do the same.
I have suffered with Hypothyroidism for 16 years and just found a doctor who is willing to test me for everything and dig deeper into what is really wrong with me. I've been seeing her for 6 months now. She is the one who has found my gluten intolerance and my adrenal fatigue. Both of these problems add to my thryoid disease and that is primarily what was making me feel so bad for so long. I'm now being treated for the adrenal problem in addition to my thyroid.
I have headaches too. they have been occuring less since my change in meds and eliminating the gluten.
Good luck getting your meds to work and keep working on the gluten!
doctor
What kind of a doctor do I go to in order to check my thyroid? My regular doctor says I am borderline, so I don't need to do anything. I have most of the symptons.
Try a naturapath doctor NA
Try a naturapath doctor NA or doctor of osteopathy DO! (OK, I know I'm not spelling those correctly)