Hi:  Thank you for your blog.  I don't know how I got on your email list but I am happy to be here.  I am a 70 yr old white female and have had hypothroidism for over 35 years.  Other females in my family also have it, including my 40 year old daughter.  I also have fibromyalgia which is gone most of the time now because I changed my diet drastically under Dr. Joel Fuhrman, NJ and Dr. Joel Robbins, Oklahoma.  I have had trouble regulating the thyroid over the last 5 yrs. and I decided to stop the Levoxyl because I didn't feel any better and was subject to minor depression for no reason.  The doctor changed me to Synthroid because one of my cousins said she didn't do well on the Levoxyl.  I might add that when I went off the medication (6 weeks)  I felt great and had more energy than ever but the doctor called panic stricken because my blood work was off the wall.  The thyroid just is not functioning.  So, here I am.  I feel ok but not like I did when off the medication. My daughter and Dr. Robbins both suggested Armour.  I go back to Dr. Rosenthal the 2nd week in April and my blood work is to be just before that.  Your blog was very educational and I was thinking of showing it to my doctor but an afraid because he may not like to see it although he seems more open minded than some. 

I also have high cholesteral which was how they found that I had low thyroid.  I refuse to take the medication for high choles. and have been dropped my 2 doctors because of that. I am working on all these things with supplements from Dr. Robbins and Dr. Fuhrman and with a very strict diet. 

 My question to you is what is the best way to approach my primary care physician in order to get a prescription for Armour?  Thanks. 

I am a post-menopausal woman age 59.  After going through the change at age 53, I had no energy, lacked drive and enthusiasm, unlike my lifetime personality of optimistic, happy and energetic.  My own family doctor said my physical was great, bloodwork perfect and my thyroid tests came back normal.  That was depressing news.  I wanted a reason I felt so poorly.  I was headed to Fla. for my first winter and wanted to enjoy it.

 In Florida I read of a 3-hr. lecture/education at a nearby hotel called simply, "I Want ME Back" conducted by two highly respected doctors, well-versed in thyroid and cardiology, served with a healthy high protein breakfast buffet.   What I learned there changed my life.   I became a patient of theirs, had blood work done and a complete physical.   Although my actual thyroid numbers fell within an accepted range, I had 30 out of 50 or more symptoms of hypothyroidism.  I was taught to take my body temp each morning and found that it was a mere 94 degrees, a sure sign of low functioning thyroid.  After being started on natural Armour thyroid (pig's thyroid is the closest to our own), I felt reborn, my sluggish brain came alive, my water retention left, my blood pressure went to normal levels and I slept like a baby.  On their recommendation I also followed a high protein diet with all green vegetables, seeds, nuts and a few berries each day.  I had to eliminate all grains.  In two years I have lost 20 lbs., food cravings went away, I'm full of energy, swimming every day, happy again and embracing life.  The dosage of my Armour thyroid has been adjusted from time to time and I have been put on bioidentical hormone cream.

I went to the doctor because I was having having symptoms of tiredness, hair falling out.  My doctor told me that I was borderline hypothyroid and told me to come back in 6 months.  That's the last time I ever trust a doctor without checking everything out myself.

I went home, slept for 6 months, ate little cause I was never awake, tried to take care of my kids (single mom) and gained 50 pounds.  My two young girls complained that all I did was sleep.  I was so tired I would just sleep on the couch because I couldn't get enough energy to go to bed. 

I don't know why I waited that 6 months (trusted the doctor unfortunately) and then went to another doctor who said that I shouldn't have to live this way.  He put me on synthroid.  He said that I had antibodies which showed Hashimotos.

I did research and decided since I still didn't feel very well that I wanted to be on armour thyroid witch is not synthetic.  I had symptoms of ADHD so the doctor put me on ridalin.  This helped with the feelings of extreme tiredness after excersize where I could hardly get off the floor.  I got high blood pressure so I quit the ridalin.  So now my doc has me on Phentermine to help with energy.

I still am not feeling 100 percent but I feel ok. 

Dear Dr. Hyman:

 I have had a hypothyroid for about 3 years now.  I was diagnosed through a TSH test originally and then took the whole "thyroid panel". Currently, I am being treated with 150mcg of Synthroid. (I absolutely despise taking synthetic medication). In addition to taking Synthroid daily, i am seeing a holistic Dr. who has me taking several thyroid enhancing vitamins (kelp, iodine, calcium, etc), which is what i would rather treat my thyroid with.

I saw an endocrinologist about a month ago, to see if there was a possibility that i could change my medication to Armour. She thought that the dosage of Armour was very inconsistent and that Synthroid was proven to be more effective and consistent. I could do nothing, but take her advice, however, i would like to see an end in sight with the Synthroid.

Also, i have been battling weight gain for the past 4 years or so, and even thought my thyroid proves to be stabilized and my levels are "normal", i have a very difficult time losing weight despite my regular exercise and my reasonable eating habits. Any other thoughts, to get this in motion?  Or any thoughts in general?

Sincerely,

Megan

Thank you for your helpful information on hypothyroidism. Both my daughter and I suffer from it. Today's blog answered a puzzle for me. I had the flu about a month ago, with fever of 102-103 for several days. Before I got sick, I was always cold - deep, down cold that felt like internal shivers. My doctor had boosted my thryoid medication, but it hadn't made any difference to the coldness, although I was less tired. After I recovered from the flu, I didn't have that internal shivering feeling anymore. Could the heat of the fever have eliminated some toxins?

If I lived in your area, I would definitely make an appointment with you! 

P.S. My doctor is a D.O. and she reads your books. Hurray! 

Hi, Dr. Hyman,

 It took me six years after the birth of my daughter to be diagnosed as hypothyroid.  It was a miserable six years when I should have been so happy.  I felt like  none of the doctors I was seeing at the time were listening to me.  They either wanted to put me on antidepressants or do a sleep study or etc, etc, etc.  It was very frustrating.  The antidepressants, of course, didn't help my extreme tiredness, my hair falling out by the handfuls, my dry skin, my weight gain, and on and on.  I finally, after six years and a lot of money and unnecessary tests and drugs (unnecessary to me),  found a doctor that decided to try treating me by my symptoms and not necessarily my thyroid numbers (which were within normal guidelines always).  

I can't believe the difference it has made.  I am on Armour Thyroid 120 mg morning and 60 mg evening.  I don't think my dose is optimal as of yet, but it is close.  My hair has stopped falling out by the handfuls, my eye lashes and eye brows are returning, my skin is no longer so dry it bleeds, I have much more energy, my moods seem to have stabilized, etc.  I try to exercise every day.  I find that I feel much much better when I do.  I still have only lost about 6 pounds, but that's better than where I was.  

 I'm so happy I decided to try one more time to find a doctor to help me.  I had just about given up after going to one of the best endocrinologist in Mississippi and countless other doctors.  I have never been one to go to the doctor much, but I was so desperate.  I wanted to be able to enjoy my child and feel good.   What I didn't want was to be made to feel I wasn't doing enough to lose the weight or I was depressed, or I just wasn't getting enough sleep (I slept any time I was still it seemed like!).  Not all guidelines are normal for all people.  I just wish someone would have listened to me a long time ago and made the decision that Dr. Collins has.  It would have saved me me many years of being miserable and feeling like I was crazy for having these symptoms! 

 Thank goodness for doctors like you and Dr. Collins!!  I honestly feel like a human being again. 

I was diagnosed almost 20 years ago. My symptoms were classic and one glance at my mother's history had the doctor checking my TSH, T3 & T4 levels. After irradiating my thyroid, it was found that I still needed to be on Synthroid for the rest of my life (good system). I struggle with weight loss, even during and after applying the UltraMetabolism detox diet. But I continue to do all the right things - most of the time.

I'd like to apply some type of heavy metal detoxification but I also have MS, so sauna and deep heat aren't for me. Can you recommend a different method or product?

In general, I'm quite healthy (I know, sounds bad it's not really - MS has been in remission more than not) and I'm more active than most people I know. I would really like to loose this extra weight but it must be done smartly and healthfully.

I apply a mix of the UltaMetabolism diet along with the GenoType Diet...and I'm going to take my morning supplements right now!

Any recommendations and encouragement would be appreciated!

It is not like I can usually walk into my doctor and request these tests. I think I had my thyroid tested once a while ago and the doctor said it was fine but I have no idea what the actual test result was.

Hi, I have had an enlarged thyroid for a couple years now. My family doctor did blood tests, but never really did anything to help it. I actually have an appointment today with a different doctor to figure it all out and get the proper treatment.

I noticed the only time since it has become enlarged that I have really felt good was when i did the Ultra Simple Diet delivered meals with the supplements that Dr Hyman recommends. After the first two days of doing the diet i felt immedietaly more engeretic and not so sluggish. I noticed a lot of the symptoms i have had disappeared when i was eating healthy meals.

the doctor takes a tsh test and tells me my thyroid is fine as long as I take synthroid but I still have a lot of symptoms, hair loss, weight gain, soreness, low sex drive.  I have not been able to get him to do other tests. I am not sure how I can get these other tests.

What are Thyroid stimulating exercises????

I was diagnosed (after many years of suffering) with fibromyalgia in 2001. I had many symptoms of low thyroid and asked to be tested. I was in the "normal" range for TSH and T4, so no Rx. I insisted to my rheumatologist that just because my levels were normal for someone else, (I was in the lower third on both measerments), obviously, they were not enough for me. He put me on 25 mcg of Levoxyl, and my symptoms dramatically improved. Over time, however, they returned. I asked for a new Rx for Armour thyroid, and he actually told me that it was no longer available! I moved to a new state and found a naturapathic doctor. She put me on Armour, 60mg to start (I'm at 120 now) and again, the results were dramatic. My replacement needs keep increasing, so obviously, my own function is NOT improving, but actually getting worse. I'm hopeful that the 7 step plan will make a difference.

I would like to know if there is anything I can do for my current condition. I had hyperthyroidism 8 years ago. My thyroid was removed by radiation and I now take synthroid at .125 each day. I have tests done every so often to ensure my T-3, and T-4 are good and they tell me they are within limits, but I gain weight and have a hard time loseing it. I asked if my dose could be increased but am told it is not required because my levels are good. Will the other tests you mentioned point out the need that my medication does need increased or could be increased?

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's many years ago.  I did all my own research & figured out that w/ all my symptoms, something was wrong with my thryroid.  I had several blood tests done showing my T3 levels were way low.  Went to several doctors/specialists and asked for Cytomel (a T3 drug).  None would give it to me.  They all wanted to put my on Synthroid   (T4 drug) even though my T4 levels were fine.  Finally found a doctor that was recommended by a nutritionist.  He finally prescribed the Cytomel.  Had me play with the amount I took until I felt better.  What a wonderful man!!  Over the years my T4 started to decline.  I am now on both Cytomel (5MCG 3x a day) & Synthroid (.100mg 1x a day).

I have tried every diet out there, every type of workout available - cardio, no cardio, weights, HIIT, Turbulance Training, Pilates, etc.   Nothing works to get any weight off of me.  I am about 40 pounds over weight.  I know I am carb sensitive & cannot handle dairy due to lactose intolerance.  The lactose free stuff makes my symptoms worse.  I've tried rice milk & get the same affect as regular milk.  I'm OK with Almond milk but do get some some bad affects.  Can't eat oatmeal.  I'm a little better w/ steel cut oats.  Soy is a big   no-no.

I take a multi vitamin every day plus extra C and D.  I also take 1200mg of Fish Oil 3x a day and sprinkle ground flax seed on some of my foods daily.

Next trip to my doctor, I'm going to ask if she'll do the Celiac panel test.  I did have them test for food allergies recently & test said I was only allergic to shrimp.  Which is very untrue.  I eat shrimp with no ill affects at all.  So that was a big joke.

Any help to lose weight would be greatly appreciated.

Kim

About 15 years ago I began having difficulty breathing in the afternoon. It was bad enough that I went to the Doctor. He didn't even touch me but took one look and scheduled a series of tests. When they were done he recommended surgery to remove my extremely enlarged thyroid. So I had the surgery.

The next 12 years were absolute hell. I was put on Synthroid and spiraled down. Some times I thought I was going crazy. Six month after my Thyroid surgery I developed huge ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer and had another surgery and two chemos. During all this my Endo just said I was depressed and sent me to a Phyciatrist. He (the Phyciatrist) called the Endo and said I needed T-3 in addition to the Synthroid but the Endo refused. During that 10 years I gained probably over 40 pounds on top of already being overweight. I could not concentrate and it was dangerous for me to drive to work - which I had to do. My blood pressure was climbing and my Cholesteral high and climbing. There was no way I could exercise because after only 45 minutes of moderate exersice it took two days to recover. He and another doctor told me I probably had Fibromyalgia.

Finally the Endo retired and I searched through the doctors he recommended for one that would give me either T-3 or Armore. The new doctor switched me immediately to Thyrolar and then Armore and life has been much better. I easily lost 30 pounds and most of the Fibromyalgia symptoms have gone away. I also changed my diet to a mostly raw vegan diet which seems to be critical to how well I feel. My blood pressure has stableized and my cholesteral was 160 at my last test. Quite an improvement!

Looking back over my life, I am now in my 60's, I can see that I was Hypo nearly all my life. I can chalk up the 6 misscarrages to being hypo. Being over weight and a myriad of other symptoms. I wish I had known then what I have learned since. I know I could do better if I could find another even better doctor.

Hi Dr. Hyman:

I am a 36 year old woman from Cleveland Ohio, and I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism since 2006. For years before that I suspected I had a low funtioning thyroid but the tests always came back negative. Finally when I was diagnosed I was elated that being on Levothyroxine would "fix" everything.

 It hasn't.  I have steadily gained 20 pounds over the last four years. I am 5'2" and my weight always stayed between 110 and 115 lbs. Now I am at 130 approximately and am constantly in the state of trying to lose weight and detox.  I eat well (organic, low grains, wild fish, lots of greens and veggies and fruits). Food on the "bad" list include one cup espresson in the morning and 1 glass red wine daily. I exercise (cardio and weights 4-5 times a week).

 I have several questions:
1) Where do I get these tests that you recommend? Will my primary care physician order them or do I have to go to a naturopathic physician?
2) Which brands of supplements are most recommended that are high qualilty and pretty affordable
3) I grew up in India with the traditional Indian diet. Lots of veggies, whole wheat roti or tortillas, little white rice, some fish, non-homogenized dairy, very little chicken and no red meat. Very little or no alcohol. Black tea mostly, coffee rarely. My question: Would you recommend the same diet for me as you would for someone who grew up here?
4) Can you recommend a physician in my area that I can go to?
5) What type of exercises can I do for hypothyroidism?

I am so frustrated with my progress - people who eat worse than me and never exercise have a better time losing weight than I do!!

Tbanerjee84

Hi Dr. Hyman:

I am a 36 year old woman from Cleveland Ohio, and I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism since 2006. For years before that I suspected I had a low funtioning thyroid but the tests always came back negative. Finally when I was diagnosed I was elated that being on Levothyroxine would "fix" everything.

 It hasn't.  I have steadily gained 20 pounds over the last four years. I am 5'2" and my weight always stayed between 110 and 115 lbs. Now I am at 130 approximately and am constantly in the state of trying to lose weight and detox.  I eat well (organic, low grains, wild fish, lots of greens and veggies and fruits). Food on the "bad" list include one cup espresson in the morning and 1 glass red wine daily. I exercise (cardio and weights 4-5 times a week).

 I have several questions:
1) Where do I get these tests that you recommend? Will my primary care physician order them or do I have to go to a naturopathic physician?
2) Which brands of supplements are most recommended that are high qualilty and pretty affordable
3) I grew up in India with the traditional Indian diet. Lots of veggies, whole wheat roti or tortillas, little white rice, some fish, non-homogenized dairy, very little chicken and no red meat. Very little or no alcohol. Black tea mostly, coffee rarely. My question: Would you recommend the same diet for me as you would for someone who grew up here?
4) Can you recommend a physician in my area that I can go to?
5) What type of exercises can I do for hypothyroidism?

I am so frustrated with my progress - people who eat worse than me and never exercise have a better time losing weight than I do!!

Tbanerjee84

Excellent article - as always!

I came accross rT3. Some say, that it is just inactive , others say it slows the thryoid function down, and that the ration between T3/rT3 is very important.

It would be great to get some feedback on this, and also a reference range for rT3, if it is relevant.

Many thanks!

Dr. Hyman,
What will you say if the Dr. that is trying to help me is focusing on the adrenals first than the thyroid.

I went to see him because I had read enough and I knew had the classic symptoms: very sensitive to cold always freezing even in summer , my normal body temperature upon arising is 96.2,96.4 ,low blood pressure ,dry hair and skin , constipation , depression , interrupted sleep , aches and pains all over my body that come and go with no apparent reason and then the Dr. just focused on treating my adrenals with this pricey formula that was costing me $181.00/month just for the pills with no success after 3 months.
My question to you is , is it time for me to change Dr. as I think he wants me on those pills because he sells them and obviously profits from them , rather than a simple solution of Armour and vitamins that I can purchase myself on a health food store.
If possible answer me I will greatly appreciate it . Maybe a referral on my area will be also appreciated . I am in Franklin TN.

how do I best go about testing for heavy metal and if found, how can I get it out of my system?

Thanks

On the 7 steps to boosting a low thyroid you mentioned to use a sauna, would a hot tub work also?  Let me know.  Thanks.

Dr. Hyman,

I so appreciate your candor regarding the shortcomings of our medical system in typical treatment modalities.  I find your broadcasts imminently valuable when I can spare the time with my limited opportunites for reading them.  Busy-ness, stress, adulterated food, water and air---it's a full-time and utterly expensive endeavor to attain or sustain health.  At least your information gives hope and options to self-advocate with lesser enlightened physicians.  Thank you.

Dear Dr. Hyman:

Eight years ago I lost both of my parents which put me under much stress and depression. I gained over 60 lbs and felt just awful. Since I read Ultrametabolism I have lost 45 lbs. I am lucky that I have a Dr. that checked me for hypothyroidism. He is one of the good ones. He said it was within the "normal range" but that it could make me feel bad and gain weight. He put me on Amour. I am not one that believes in medications and feel  they are generally over prescribed; but I am glad I listened to him. My energy has returned. I followed your books advise and went on a whole foods diet, removed gluten, dairy etc.. I never eat anything that has been made by man. I try to walk some everyday. Now I look and feel fabulous.

Thank you!

I have been diagnosed with low thyroid function thru a blood test.  I don't know which one since it was over a year ago.  Since then I have been taking Levothyroxine 12.5mg once a day.   I haven't noticed any improvement.  

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease very recently. I have every sympton of hypothyroidism, but my T3-T4 levels are within the normal range.  Therefore, my doctor does not want to treat me for anything until my bloodwork levels change or my symptoms become worse.  I am desperate here!  I even sent him (endrocrinologist) the report on the latest study showing a preventative treatment for the disease that would slow down the progression and treat the symptoms.  He never commented on it.  The pathologist who did the needle biopsies and diagnosed Hashimoto's said I would be amazed at how much better I would feel once I started on synthyroid.  However, my doctor doesn't believe in treating it.  Please HELP!

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism from my symptoms then had some tests run.  I take Armour thyroid and have felt better in some ways but I still struggle with weight problems.  I use the internet to get info to help me further, but when it comes to food and other things to try, these sites conflict with each other.  Foods to eat and foods to avoid are not the same.  Some say to exercise lightly, others say to work-out hard(sweat).  I want to do the right thing for my health but how am I supposed to do this when the information available is not consistent?

I was diagnosed about 10 years ago with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) by a conventional doctor based on an elevated TSH.  I was initially treated with Synthroid but without success (my TSH was 25 on Synthroid, hardly what you would call well-controlled thyroid disease).  Fortunately, I subsequently found a doctor who practices integrative or functional medicine and understands the relationship between thyroid and adrenal dysfunction.  I also have adrenal exhaustion, along with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, multiple allergies and chemical sensitivitie and severe asthma.   With appropriate testing (TSH, Free T4 and Free T3), I was placed on a dessicated thyroid hormone (NatureThroid, similar to Armour, which contains both T4 and T3).  Along with this, I also take Levoxyl, which is synthetic T4.  Although it took some tweaking, we have gotten me to the right combination of thyroid hormones so that I am now feeling much better.  As I have been on and off of Prednisone for the past several years due to my asthma, I have found that additional fine-tuning of my thyroid meds has been necessary.  Having a physician who understands the whole picture is critical to success.  It has been my experience that endocrinologists and many conventional physicians do not understand the true picture of diagnosing or properly treating hypothyroidism.  Too often only the numbers (test results) are relied upon while the clinical symptoms are ignored.  It is also important to understand that for persons who have complex chronic illnesses, synthetic T4 doesn't do the trick.  This is because many of us have difficulty converting T4 into T3 (the active thyroid hormone) or can experience something called "cellular resistance" to T4 in its synthetic form.  I am thankful that I found a wholistic physician (also an MD) who understands all of this.

At 30 my (then) doctor told me I was "getting old" when I told him of my problems.  I had unexplained weight gain, joint inflammation (painful lumps on my finger joints), tiredness and slight depression.  My next doctor an internal medicine specialist, said I was depressed, causing my wieght gain (even though I thought it was the other way around.)  He ordered drugs that made me another person, and out of it.  Since I had a family to raise, out of it was not an option.  I gave up, waited 5 years, and to the Endricronologist I went.  I had an extensive thyroid test done, which came back negative, but my other symtoms pointed to his diagnosis of fibromyalgia.  I became pregnant, kept on excersing and eating the same as before (no "eating for 2") and lost 40 pounds.  I had a healthy baby boy, and gained all the weight back nearly right away.  I have nearly given up any hope, until now, and I am looking into finding a doctor here that will treat me like a human being with a medical problem.  At over 250#'s, I am the largest invisible person in a room.  Anyone over weight will know exactly what I mean.  I am now 41, and feel as though I have wasted a decade of my life fighting an unknown medical condition.     

I've read that taking detoxified iodine helps the thyroid function.
Has anyone tried it or read about it?

Dr. Hyman,

I recently got your book (Ultra-Metabolism) as I wanted to understand more about the science of how the body works as I am looking to adjust my eating habits to lose 20-25 pounds. (in a sustainable and healthy manner).  I am a 47 year old female who was diagnosed with an overactive thryoid when I was 31 years old.  I was fortunate to have a good GP who did thorough annual physicals and was tuned into my family medical history (my father got an over active thyoid at about 40, but sadly he suffered for a few years prior to being diagnosed), and she routinely checked my thyroid as it is often hereditary. My weight pre thyroid problem was 125 lbs, ( I am 5'4") but when I became hyperactive I dropped 10 pounds to 115 in about 2 weeks and within a month I weighed 107 lbs.  My doctor immediately referred me to an endrocinologist, but even catching it as it happened, it took over 2 years to "sort me out".  After trying to get it to regulate properly (which didn't work) I ultimately had the radioactive iodine, and that was the end of my functioning thyroid.  The trouble with that treatment is the thyroid takes a few months to completely stop functioning, so I went from overactive to underactive as the Dr would not prescribe replacement hormone until it was completely shut down.  It was at this point that I gained weight for the first time in my life.  I have been on Synthroid ever since, and I feel really good on it, although it took awhile to get the dose right.  Even with the proper dose, my body does not burn calories the same as it always had.   I believe I had a naturally high metabolic rate as I never had a weight problem without having to be diligent about diet and exercise.  Finally at 40 years old I had crept up to 151 lbs and was fed up, and changed my lifestyle by getting a personal trainer and doing weight training and cardio.   Even with a really good diet and a rigorous work out schedule, it took me 16 months to lose 30 lbs (which I believe was longer than it should have taken for the effort put in-I got to 121).  I actually lost more than 30 lbs of fat because my weight training built muscle, and my body fat ratio was about 20%.  A pretty happy story...except I have not kept up the rigourous exercise and the last 2 years and have gradually gained back to 148 lbs.  I have begun an exercise routine that will help for sure, but I do not want to have to work out as hard as I used to and I intend to lose 20 lbs at least (I was a bit too skinny at 121 anyway).  Although my diet is not too bad, I clearly need to change something and I believe there is a better solution to tune up hormonally.  I can't imagine you can reply specifically to everyone who blogs, but I would love some tips for my situation.  So much of your book talks about how to regulate your thyroid and maximize it, but when the thyroid no longer funcitions, what are the best ways to up the metabolic rate?  In addition to the thyroid issue, I went into menopause at 33 years old (just after the thyroid issue) and my endrocinologist said that although the thyroid condition itself could not be the cause, she did say that the thyroid condition is an auto immune disease, and that early menopause is a form of auto immune disease as well.  So in addition to taking Synthroid, I am on hormone replacment therapy (ever decreasing doses) as well as Fosamax to ensure good bone density.  I am already adjusting my diet according to the principles in your book, and hope that makes a difference. 

Thanks for reading...and I hope my blog in some way can assist others. 

Dear Dr. Hyman

You lectured us at IIN a few weeks ago and your lecture absolutely blew my mind away. I have bought all your books and have been using the Ultra Simple Diet plan books as giveaways for some of my clients. Also I have a client who just signed up for the UltraSimple meal plans and my father has an appointment up at your clinic in Lenox in May. Needless to say I have become a huge fan!! 

I know there is a vast amounts of information about hypo thyroidism, but I have a cousin who is suffering from Graves' disease. What are the steps that one should take to tackle this condition? I understand from some sources that Graves is an autoimmune condition. Is this true in your experience?

Here is my cousin's predicament - any input on this matter would be a huge help!

"after an initial treatment with a standard medicine for about 6 months, called, I think metamazole (I think that's the name) his thyroid remained normal for a few months and during a regular TSH T3 and T4 test last month it showed that he was heading towards hyper thyroidism again and was started again on a low dose of the same medicine. The treating physician has said that if the thyroid doesn't remain normal after stopping this course of medication then the thyroid will have to be zapped with nuclear iodine and thereafter he will become permanently hypo thyroid and will have to take medication for this for ever.
My question for Dr. Hyman is: can he treat Raees for hyper thyroidism in a way that he is permanently cured to normal?"

I would really appreciate any input from you on this matter, with regard to diet and lifestyle changes or any testing that my cousin should look into for further treatment!!

Thank you soo much,

Muneeza A Ahmed

Holistic Health Counsellor 

I like the support you bring to thyroid issues. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism @ a Dr visit about 4 yrs ago. The midwife that did my exam asked how I was doing. I said terrible. I am always tired, keep gaining weight, can't think straight, etc. She tested my blood for thyroid issues. My TSH level was so high, she said I can't believe you could get up off the couch (it was 239.75). Since then, I have struggled to lose weight, even with levothyroxine. I go to the gym A LOT, eat good and take meds, but I still can't lose the weight I know I need to and want to. I have seen regular doctors and an endochrinologist. They tell me I'm fine with the medication. They are wrong! If they were right, then I should be able to lose the weight and feel great. It is a lot of work!!! I believe more work than your average person needing to lose a few pounds. But, though I am still struggling, I will do it. I have gone from 210 lbs (I'm 5'3") to 168.

What an interesting way to get people interested in reading! Book trailers are like movie trailers, but for books! You can find them all over the internet now, but here is a site that's featuring them on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/booktrailers

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto Thyroid when I was in my 20's  - I am in my late 50's now.  It has been a struggle to get on the right medications and of course find a doctor who asks you "how you feel" vs what your tests say.  A few years ago I found a doctor who has helped me.  I went on Armour Thyroid and had some good results.  However, I developed what we think is an adverse reaction to the Armour - I was sweating and overheating constantly.  It was not menopause as I had gone off all thyroid treatment for 6 weeks and felt awful, (went off to get a thyroid uptake test)  but had no overheating and sweating at all.  I switched over to L-Thyroxine 50mcg and Cytomel - I feel better and the heating and sweating has been reduced but now I feel it is coming back again.  I am gluten sensitive and follow a gluten free vegatarian diet.  I am active with my work (walking and lifting) I could get more exercise.  I can't seem to budge my weight - I have gained 25 lbs in the past 8 years.  My choleterol is high (I do take Omega, and drink green tea). My HDL is good.

I am very frustrated as I feel I have been doing the right things but just can't seem to make progress and be free of the overheating,sweating and weight issues.  My last test showed my TSH at 0.0, T4 at 0.6.  My doctor has increase my L-Thyroxine to 75MCG.

I appreciate your article and will try some of the recommendations you make.  I do wonder if people with thyroid problems ever get off the rollercoaster of feel better, now feel worse and be able to get to a level of well being that last for longer than a few months without having to constantly tweak what one is doing to improve the thyroid function.  Thanks for listening. 

I gained the weight of the baby plus 10 lbs with each of my 3 pregnancies.  After my second child was born, however, I gained 30 lbs. AFTER DELIVERY!!  (My husband asked if I was sitting home all day eating bon bons?  With a toddler and a newborn ---- yeah, right!)

I thank you very much for all the information you give on the web site. I have all the symptoms you are talking about. I have struggled with these problems for the last 10 years and I'm only 26. I am having issues finding a doctor that will do these tests. I am already going to a Endocrinologist and he tested my thyroid with the standard test. He said there is no need to do more. He also sent me to an Oncologist to g et my lymphatic system checked. I have had swollen lymph nodes since I had my tonsils take out November 2006. I also have a family history of Lymphoma and diabetes. I have been diagnosed with PCOS, ICS, Celiac, Chronic Fatigue, fibromyalgia, Asthma, and allergies of all sorts. In the past 4 months I have had 3 cases of bronchitis, and now pneumonia. I do think that a lot of my issues are from thyroid issues. I did read your book ultra metabolism and have followed the diet, but I only lost 4 lbs. I try very hard to exercise regularly on 40 minutes walks with my dogs, yoga, and my Nordic track. My best friend is a professional trainer and is absolutely puzzled on why I can't loss weight with how active I am. These blogs help me understand a lot of questions I have. I just wish I could find a doctor I could work with better.

I was diagnosed almost two years now and it has been a battle in a lot of ways for me.  I had been working out with a trainer and had lost about 15 pounds only to start putting it on all of a sudden.  Neither my trainer nor myself could understand why and then one early morning I got out of bed and my heart starting racing uncontrollably.  I was taken to the E.R. and the doctor ordered a blood test and told me I was hypothyroid.

Since then no matter what I do the weight will not come off.  I'm taking Armour because I don't believe in the synthetics.  I don't eat bread anymore, I'm taking the right supplements that Dr. Hyman recommends and still can't seem to lose the weight.  It's very frustrating.  I am under alot of stress so maybe that is part of my issue.

I have been hypothyroid for years and take synthroid and cytomel.  Recently through increased exercise and cutting calories way back, I'm 5' 6" and went from 143 to 124 pounds.  I noticed heart palpatations and my recent blood tests show I am now hyperthyroid.  My Doctor reduced my synthroid, but recents tests show I am still hyper.  I am feeling all the symptoms of being hypo and gaining weight back so I don't want to keep decreasing my synthroid.  Could this be related to detoxification as you stated and any suggestions on what I should do?  Any recommendations for a Functional Medicine doctor in Seattle area.  Thanks!

I had to go to four different endrocnologists before I found one who would swicth me from Synthroid to Armour Thyroid. I was having the prime sympoms of Hypothyroidusm - feeling cold, low body temperature under the arms on arising, losing hair, depression. One Doctor told me it was all in my head and thqt I needed a Psychiatrist. I am not an idioi, I have a Bachelor of Music fromBoston University, a Bachelor and Master's degree in Science from Juilliard on scholaeship, a PHd etc.

Once my current endricronologist switched me to Armou Thyroid my symptoms left. So did my depreesion. I woprk out twice a week with a personal trainer and was working out on a treadmill every day intil I had a leg accident. Until I recover I am doing only upper body and crunches with my new trainer. (the other one injured me) I swim 32 laps every day ionmy pool if it is sunny.

Losing weight is my goal now. Aftrer reading your lates article I will start a toxiv cleanse as soon as I find the right product. Can you recommend one to me?

I am seventy one,

Floridafred

Hello All,

I enjoy the discourse about thyroid issues.  I got 'hooked' on Dr. Hyman about a year ago (via my boss who is a patient).  I follow a diet very similar to his plan suggestions.  Here's my 'interesting' situation regarding my thyroid journey.

I was diagnosed as borderline Hashimoto thyroiditis back in 1993.  Over the past year my thyroid levels (all proper testing per Dr. H's suggestions) have been off ... most likely due to Lyme disease.  My Lyme doc and my OBGYN referred me to an endocrinologist since they both felt that I should be balanced out ... preferrably with Armour.  Well here's what was said to me ......  "Hashimoto thyroiditis is merely an indicator that at some point in time I will suffer from thyroid disease.  I should have blood tests done to monitor the 'collapse' of my thyroid so that I can be put on medication at that point in time."  My response (which I commend myself for being short of shaking this doc silly) was surprise that they would want to wait until my situation was critical.  The response was ... "Due to the possibility of 'thyroid storm' they would not recommend treatment until that time."  By the way, I had to wait until my next appt. with my Lyme doc to have 'thyroid storm' explained to me.  The endocrinologist also had no recommedations regarding what I could be doing to help keep my thyroid healthy and prevent this 'inevitable collapse'.

Where I stand now .... my Lyme doc is ordering complete thyroid tests every 3 months.  I continue my (very) healthy diet and other suggestions based on my Lyme disease treatment.  I have a far infrared sauna at home that I use.  Oh, and ... duh ... I never intend to step foot back in that endocrinoligist's office again.  (And finally, I continue to count my pennies to see if there is any chance at all that I can afford Dr. Hyman as my doc.)

Be well.  Regards, jenboy 

Years ago my daughter was bedridden with pain and migraines (she was only in 8th grade).  After her being in bed for almost 2 years and many tests later I finally found a chiropractor who put her on cytomel.  It eliminated most of her "fibromyalgia pain" and slowed the onset of her migraines.  Since that time we have switched her to iodine (100 mg).  She is doing well but her energy level has never been the same and in times of stress she can backslide.  I keep her on vitamins, fish oil and extra B.  She seems about the same on the iodine as she was on the cytomel so....  She also had some burnout of her adrenals and now tests low normal. Her limbs go to sleep very easily and she has low blood pressure (although it is better than it was).  Recently, we began using a GP here and he has ordered the appropriate tests for her thyroid but we have yet to get the tests done.  We will see what they show as to her current status.  We will be doing the saliva test for her cortisol levels. I am discouraged but at least we got her functioning again.  She is struggling to control her weight with no apparent relationship between what she eats and her weight gain.  So sad as she is only 19.

Thank you, Dr. Hyman for addressing hypothyroidism. Awhile after I had my daughter, I went to my doctor complaining of an irregular and racing heart. Even though the doctor had her own thyroid problems since high school, she did no test for thyroid, and instead gave me a heart monitor and scheduled an ultrasound on my heart. The good news was, my heart is in great shape, but it took several months of living with a thyroid that sped up and slowed down, until I was treated for hypothyroid and put on Synthroid. It's been over 10 years now, and the Synthroid has helped. But I still experience too many of the symtoms to feel that it is enough. It's great to hear about more options, and I plan to try as many as possible, and write back with results. It's great to read what others have experienced too.

There's a lot to be said for proper nutrition and healthy diet, supplements, etc to help combat this issue.  One really great thing to try is extra virgin coconut oil in addition to healthy nutrition and exercise.  It's all natural and is really good for the body and can be of great assistance to proper thyroid function.  It's certainly worth a try.  I've been taking it now for a week and seen great improvement in my overall health.  Others I know have been taking it for quite sometime and seen very good results.  It would be nice to see an in-depth study of that posted on this website.

Cheers, and to good health!

WHAT ARE THYROID BUSTING EXERCISES?

Last week I had an ultrasound of my thyroid.  I am 62, healthy female.  I was watching the screen as it was done.  Bright lights were all over the right side, but the technition could hardly find the left side.  She said it was shrivled up, with no blood flow.    That to me sounds serious,  but because the lab tests are in the normal range, the Dr isn't concerned.  Should I be concerned, even if the Dr. isn't.  Seems like if it is shrivled up it could be pressing against other important organs.  I do cough a lot for some reason.   Do you have any opinions on this? 

How does the 7-step program relate to someone who has to rely on medication .  I had RAI twice in my life and have done many things to help my situation.  So, what would your plan be for someone like me?

For years doctors tested me for hypothyroidism with the TSH test and it was always normal.

I read a book that suggested a different test. I asked for a TRH stimulation test. The endocrinologist ordered the test for me, but I am sure he never would have without my asking for it. I think he was surprised that the test revealed something useful. This test confirmed that my thyroid was not working, but still no one could tell me why....

Does anyone use the TRH stimulation test anymore? I don't think it was widely used when I had it done.

I am 42 years old now, but in hindsight I believe the warning signs for my health challenges were there from the time I was around 10 years old.

In 2002, when my father died, I got serious about my health again and tried to get help. I am 5'5" and was 185lbs at the time and I felt terrible. I wanted to feel better with the life I had left!

I saw a dietician to help me lose weight. I basically used a diet like a diabetic would use, though I am not diagnosed with diabetes. I did a lot of research on nutrition on my own and learned about transfat (before labeling was required) I stopped drinking soda and eating my old favorite --Snickers bars (I really don't even miss them anymore) and bought a water filter with extra filters to filter out fluoride. I also got a Vitamix blender to make smoothies and buy mostly organic food. I cut way back on sugar in my diet. At first, for a short time, I used artificial sweeteners before I learned of the health consequences, but now I sweeten my tea with stevita brand stevia. (It's a blend of stevia and erythritol --no bitterness!) I lost 25lbs in my effort, but since I quit measuring and timing every meal and snack I put back about 5 lbs. I stay between 161-165 lbs. the last 3 years or so. I got down as low as 159.5 once, but haven't broken that 160 lb. barrier in a long time.

Now I see a health practitioner that is supportive of holistic health practices. I take Armour and Iodoral (iodine supplement) I also take a supplement called DIM and a magnesium supplement. (I chose magnesium taurate after some research) I also use a custom cream formula made just for me by Sabre Sciences to balance my hormones. These are all on the advice of my P.A..

At my last visit with my P.A., she suggested that I consider going gluten free and said that if I am gluten sensitive, and stop eating it, my hormones might just correct themselves. I am reading a book about gluten now and trying various gluten free foods, but I haven't gone entirely gluten free yet. I think this would be the hardest thing I have ever done.

Last December I bought a portable FIR sauna and I think this is a great thing! Mine is the type where I sit on a chair in a kind of tent and my head sticks out. It's nice because my head doesn't get hot. Over time, I noticed that I sweat faster than I did when I first started using it. I would like to get a BioMat, but haven't afforded one yet (I used one at a health show to try it, and I want one! It felt so nice!)

I use homeopathic medicines for the little things that come up, and they work very well. I also bought a neti pot to clear congestion, but I don't regularly have sinus problems anyway.

I pray and meditate regularly. (I think it helps that my daughters are no longer teenagers as far as stress goes!)

I used to supplement with NAC and R-Alpha Lipoic Acid to help get out heavy metals, but now I get these some in my custom cream and in the whey protein drinks and green drink powders I use.

My P.A. said to get 20 grams of protein in the morning to help with the insomnia/hormone issues I have. I sleep on a more normal schedule most of the time and my sex life is improved. (Most days I do not get sleepy in the afternoon anymore.) I am also a big fan of fresh salsa with lots of cilantro, which is a heavy metal chelator. Every now and then I also use an herbal cleanse from Renew Life. I have used their CleanseSmart and also their Heavy Metal and Liver Cleanse herbal formulas with very good results. These are easy to use products. (My P.A. works in a practice with an endocrinologist and they offer IV chelation therapy, but I haven't tried this.)

I snack on raw nuts and I drink organic green tea and other herbal teas. I use essential oils on my skin and use natural soap & hair products. I have a rebounder (that I don't use as often as I should) and whenever I can get my husband to join me, we take walks (I wish this were more often. I do feel better with walking, but do not want to walk alone.)

What is "thyroid stimulating exercise"? Is this any exercise, or a specific exercise for stimulating the thyroid?

I hope my answers help you or someone out there. I am doing pretty well, all the changes added together made a big difference. I feel better now than at any time in my 30's.

I have tried all of this, nothing works.  I take t3/t4 combination, bhrt, supplements and eat a healthy whole foods diet.   execise and started yoga 9 mos ago for the stress. Adrenals are stessed, cortisol is high.  Any success with similar conditions?

Please explain "celiac panel" and what is thyroid exercise. Also what do you do if you have high mercury in your system? I am 56 and can't seem to get any weight off. Address the problems that hypothyroidism has with the heart, please. Is it beneficial to be on HRT?I am currently on 60 mgs of armour. Thank you.

Please explain "celiac panel" and what is thyroid exercise. Also what do you do if you have high mercury in your system? I am 56 and can't seem to get any weight off. Address the problems that hypothyroidism has with the heart, please. Is it beneficial to be on HRT?I am currently on 60 mgs of armour. Thank you.

Together, this curse is more than I can stand.  I don't recognize myself physically or emotionally.  I don't live in the US so I have to figure everything out on my own.  The doctor's here think I'm depressed so they want to give me anti-depressants.  No thanks, I'm frustrated and now I include my lack of patience with the docs into the fold.  I was a stick growing up and didn't know how to diet, never needed to know.  Now I'm 55 and paying for all of the sins in my weight, and poor eating habits.  I had one doc that seemed to understand me, but then he wanted to give me botox!  Sure, that's the answer.  Two other docs recommended improvements to my lost libido of "wear makeup" and "dress nicer" - my young husband is clueless about this curse and if I had know I'd end up here, I don't know what I would have done, but.... I never thought the quality of my life would change so drastically.

I've spend thousands on meds, bio-identicals, compounded bios too, accupuncture, homeopathy and lots of tests in two countries.  I'm trying this USD because I'm convinced my liver and toxic body are blocking ANYTHING else from working for me.  I am putting all of my eggs in this basket.  I thought thyroid problems were the disease du jour.  My thyroid doesn't work or is confused. 

I would appreciate any sharing that anyone else wants to do regarding this subject.   Thanks for listening.

Hello Doctor-

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism by my internest who has a very holistic approach.  She diagnosed me through discussing my symtoms and testing. (although, I tested in the "normal range" I was very low in the scale).  My question is this.  How do you know the right level of hormone replacement?  I am currently on 120 mg of Armour daily, I encouraged my dr to increase it to that level based on your book.  I still have hair loss, I do not seem to be able to build endurance/strength when exercising (at moderate levels) and I cannot lose weight.

I am gluten free, sugar free and very minimal dairy (I added it back in because I did not notice any difference), this has been since Oct 2006.  I completed the Ultrasilm diet plan and stayed on it for religiously for four weeks without losing a pound.  I am about 15-20 lbs overweight.

My doctor also told me that I have extremely high level of toxic metals in my system (this from a 24 hour urine test).  Can this be impacting things?  She currently has me taking Captomer 400mg, once and weeking and juicing with green leaf vegetable and taking minerals the rest of the week to help detox.

What would you suggest my next steps might be.  What questions should I ask?

I was just researching more about hypothyroid disease and came across this site. I just turned 22 years old last month. I'm 5'4 and currently weigh 170lbs.                                  Ever since I can remember I have been overweight. Finally at age 10 my mom took me in to get my thyroid checked & I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and given 75mg synthroid medication. Every year I am tested and my dosage never changes. I wieghed 120lbs in fifth grade and my weight just kept going up. Finally sophmore year in high school I weighed 190lbs. I was sick of being fat and started to not eat and met some thin girls that would purge and I also took on that weight loss method. I finally, after almost a year of living that way, got down to 135lbs. I was still not happy. I was mean and edgy and depressed. I started eating again and gained weight. I went to college and worked out alot. Took a weight training class & an aerobic class and ran every other night on top of that and didn't eat very much & all I could maintain was a 150lb weight. I know I was more healthy but still had all this fat around my muscles I had gained. I also suffer from severe pain in my intestines & constipation. I was told I have IBS. I would sometimes have so much pain that I would pass out at the toilet. I had a colonoscopy done only to find nothing wrong. I was perscribed pain medication that helped but finally this last year I realized that I don't think I need all of this medication; antidepressants, miralax, weight watchers, pain relievers, zelnorm, etc. I'm 22 years old and have suffered so many years it's depressing in itself just to even think about it. I feel like I'm 50 years old. I have went to a number of doctors. One of them telling me that nothing is wrong with me that it's all in my head. Although he did up my synthroid to 100mg.  Finally my most recent visit to an Internal Med doctor, said he thinks my thyroid has been underdiagnosed and he took blood tests. I'm to go back and see him next week. But my test results say my thyroid is as high as it can go on the TSH scale. My level was 3.45. How can my thyroid be as high as it can go yet I'm suffering with so many symtoms? Dry skin, thin hair, overweight, intestinal problems, depression, tired & sluggish, cold hands & feet, etc. I get so cold my teeth chatter & everyone else is fine. I get so sick in the heat I'd rather stay inside during summer.                                                 I feel hopeless and this article just reminds me that no one can help me.                                                                                                               ~JACQUELYN

Here is why I am so frustrated (obviously) o      I work out at least an hour every day 4-5 days of 45-60 Minutes of High Intensity Interval Cardio/ 3-4 days High Intensity Lifting (I have had a Metabolic Gas Exchange Profile done, & paid also to meet with Angela Pittman) o      I am eating below 1700 calories a day (Angela’s recommendation was 1900), all low fat & Low Carb, High protein, no white flour, lots of salad & lots of fiber & some minimal fruit. o      Cut Alcohol all together, quit smoking back in September 07, have been religious in my workoutso      Can’t seem to lose weight…& I am working my ass off, something doesn’t jive 

I am on .175 of Synthroid 1X Early AM on Empty Stomach, .5 Cytomel 2x. Byetta 2x day pre Meal (Breakfast & Dinner)

Any sufggestions? My most recent Blood Work was on 2/28/08

My TSH is .79, T3 Free (Non Dialysis) is 4.5,T4 Free (Non Dialysis)  1.4, Testosterone 349, IGF I - 201

As convenient and easy as it would be to treat subclinical hypothyroidism based on patient's symptoms and a TSH greater than or equal to 3.0.  I do not believe that is what the American College of Endocrinology is promoting.

Here's a copy of their statement from their 2002 consensus statement

Treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism remains

controversial, and recent arguments for and against treatment

have been proposed (19,21). We believe that treatment

is indicated in patients with TSH levels >10 μIU/mLor in patients with TSH levels between 5 and 10 μIU/mL

in conjunction with goiter or positive anti-thyroid peroxidase

antibodies (or both). These patients have the highest

rates of progression to overt hypothyroidism. An initial

dosage of levothyroxine of 25 to 50 μg/day can be used,

the serum TSH level should be measured in 6 to 8 weeks,

and the levothyroxine dose should be adjusted as necessary.

The target TSH level should be between 0.3 and 3.0

μIU/mL. Once a stable TSH level is achieved, annual

examination is appropriate.

Please note the TARGET TSH is less than or equal to 3.0, NOT the level AT which you start treatment.

Dear Dr. Hyman,

I had my thyroid tested with these lab results: Free T4 0.9, Total T4 8.0, and Free T3 at 2.3. I was started at 30mg of armour 2 weeks ago and feel much less fatigued and no constipation but Im still steadily gaining weight despite daily cardio and weights. Im a 46 year old female. My question; Is my dosage too low? And how soon can I have the amount adjusted? Also, my vitamin D level was at a 38 ng/ml value. Any feedback would be helpful.

I recently received my lab results for TSH and they were 4.99 (fasting) and 5.96 (repeat non fasting). Free T4 was normal.  My physician has decided to not begin treatment.  What do you suggest.  I believe I should be placed on Armour Thyroid and should pursue treatment.   What are your suggestions? I am a registered nurse.  Thank you!

Taking iodine in the form of Lugols helped lower my TSH by more than a full point from 4.2 to 3.1.  No doctor would treat me with a TSH less than 5.  They all said my thyroid was "normal" despite low body temperatures and weight gain.

I still have a long road ahead of me but at least I'm going in the right direction.

I would like to know the best way to treat myself naturally  since my thyroid has been removed. I have been on Synthroid, but don't always feel like I have the amount of energy that I need to do my daily activitires.

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's/Hypothyroidism over 10yrs ago.  I've been on Cytomel & Synthroid.  I am currently on Armour Thyroid - 60MG.   It has kept my blood test levels in the correct zone but I have not lost an inch.  I'm over 180 lbs and only 5'3".   I'm 40lbs overweight and nothing works.   I've tried Atkins, Nutrisystem, Weight Watcher, Jenny Craig, health clubs, etc.  I've even tried appetite suppressants.  They work for about 2 days and then I become immune to them and they no longer work.   I have no self esteem and am completely disgusted with myself.  I eat healthy.  Mostly organic when I can afford it.  All my food is weighed out and measured.  I try to eat about 1200 calories a day.  I also try to stick to high protein since carbs just put me to sleep.

I don't know what to do anymore about my weight.  If I had the money, I'd go have liposuction. 

I was diagnosed with Hyperthyrodism about 11 years ago, my doctor decided to give me radioactive treatment which made me hypothyroid, (i am on synthroid) since then i gained about 40 pounds, i workout regularly, eat healthy but nothing seems to work i can't seem to loose even an ounce.  HELP what can i do?

I have a Glucose level of 102, TSH is 10.74, Thyroxine Free is 0.9, T3 is 85. I have been taking Synthroid 100mg for years. I have a lot of belly fat & despite exercise I cannot lose weight. I am 56 years old & in good health. I do have a lot of stress in my life but I try to sleep about 7-8 hours a night. I have just started taking Byetta in the hopes of helping the situation. Do you think this is safe? 

Lin

Hi... I am a 52 year old woman who has lived with type-1 diabetes for the past 14 years... I was diagnosed at age 39 (not exactly juvenile!). Two years ago I developed what they call Hashimotos which is another autoimmune disorder and very common in t-1 diabetics I have come to learn. I take 100 mg of synthroid daily. I am wondering if it is possible to reverse Hashimotos? Can a diet with iodine, kelp, etc, stimulate my thyroid to start working better again or are the cells killed off as in my pancreas with insulin??? My endocrinologist says they are dead and I will always need a thyroid med.... so I am wondering your take on this.

After reading this article I am amazed. Each and every symptom listed in the previous blog, I can honestly say I suffer from and the story of the 30 year old female patient listed above is me to a tee.

I turned 27 8 days ago, I am 5' 4" and 151.6 lbs. and miserable. I work out twice a day five days a week and my diet is impeccable. Nevertheless I can not get back down to the 128 I was 2 years ago (when I went on an extreme NO carb diet). In fact I continue to GAIN weight. I feel sluggish all the time, getting out of bed is a chore, my moods are extreme to the point of my physicial suggesting antidepressants and I can go without having a bowel movement for weeks whioh is a huge problem for me right now other than the weight.

I had my blood work done back in November of 2009 and all of my levels are within reason, they are suggesting tests for vitamin D and collagen but I am reluctant to go back after being told on several occassion by many doctors that there is nothing wrong with me 'this is normal for females your age'.

What do you suggest as my next plan of action?

Warm regards,

Casi J.

Rosie1213

I had radiation for Graves disease 40 years ago (I'm 59) and spent the last 26 years on synthroid, and then Armour. I had to go off both because I had so many hyper symptoms despite a normal or above normal TSH. I tried to supplement with Iodine and nutrients but my TSH went up to 60. It's taken me over a year to get my synthroid back up to .100 - I was on .137 before I went off - and my TSH to 2. When I was hyper I was 50 pounds overweight. Now I am very thin and bounce back and forth between hyper and hypo symptoms. While I am sensitive to the synthroid I do much worse with Armour. I am exhausted most of the time and working is a challenge. I eat mostly organic food and my diet was already in line with the Ultra Mind Solution. I have seen a variety of health practitioners and my endocrinologist, naturopath, and family doctor all agree that synthroid and armour are bad for me. They have no idea what to do with me. Where do I go from here?

Anyone else have this problem? 

We have a history of Thyroid issues in our family (maternal side). A grandmother had a goiter removed. Unfortunately, I have the problem the worst of anyone else. I have been to Doctors - no help there.  Naturopathic Physicians - no real help, although I believe in doing things naturally, not with chemical drugs.  Been on Synthroid, Armour, nothing helps. No one seems to know what to do with me. I absolutely cannot lose weight no matter what. I have always had problems losing weight and the older I get, the harder it is.  I had pneumonia last year and something "broke".  I put on 10 lbs almost over night and since then cannot lose any weight. I have A LOT of weight to lose and this is beyond frustrating. I don't know what to do. I have just found this site and am going to follow the 6 week program. I'm sure I'll feel better - I just hope it will help me start losing weight. 

Hello -

I need help!  I am a 40 year old female, and I've been training for fitness competitions since 2003.  Over the last few years, it has become significantly harder for me to lose the weight needed to be ready for each competition.  I eat a very strict diet (mainly oatmeal, chicken, turkey breast, lots of egg whites, cashews & almonds, peanut butter, and lots of veggies).  This year, I've trained and dieted for 7 weeks and have not lost a pound!  I finally had to go to eating about 1,000 calories a day, while still doing at least an hour of cardio a day and weight training. I have lost between 1-2 pounds a week for the last 2 weeks, but I'm sure it should be coming off faster than that.  I am extremely tired in the morning, and no matter how much sleep I get I could still nap during the day if I sat down long enough.  My doctor tested my thyroid and said it was fine, but there's got to be something wrong.  Please help me figure out what to do!!!

 Thank you!

Hi, I'm in Australia.

I don't think we get Armour here and I've seen on the internet that there are shortages in the USA too ???

 I've seen ads on the internet to get Armour in Canada.

Where might I get this (sounds like a miracle drug)?

Rose 

The first thing that comes to mind when reading this post and all the good folks replying and asking for help is, NEVER NEVER NEVER let a doctor give you synthetic thyroid or adrenal or aldosterone. Make the effort to seek out the natural substances. We have enough poison going into our bodies every day, we sure don't need more. Also, don't forget that most of us are now iodine deficient, so supplementing with iodine tablets or Iodoral can be a lifesaver. It was among the things that brought me back from the brink of death and despair. Don't give up hope, but don't believe those traditional doctors who don't care to seek out the truth for the benefit of their patients (and even good doctors can be misled by their cronies and media...)

My endocrine system crashed after several years of crushing stress, and I was so depressed I had almost constant suicidal ideation (yep, that's planning suicide, all day long, in my mind!) I lost 50% of my hearing, had no energy, libido, etc. I was having episodes of blindness in both eyes. I was dying. The doctors ran the tests that the insurance company would pay for, and not having a clue what was wrong, wanted to give me antidepressants along with sinus meds, meds for IBS, Xanax to help me sleep (which is an amnesiac, made me lose my memory - no doctor mentioned this) meds for acid reflux (which I didn't have, most of us don't, we have too little acid...!) and more. I refused. I was fortunate to have time to do the research and money to buy the vitamins and nutraceuticals I needed, and after taking them for just two to three weeks, the suicidal urges, depression, etc. went away. Now, I find that if I stop taking Vit B12, especially, I get depressed again. There are several other things that I now take (vitamins and supplements, no meds) that all help to feeling good. Not rocket science, but obviously it works. 

Now, I've learned so much from my research that I'm simply outraged at the betrayal of the people by their medical community, government (who are trying to outlaw vitamins!) and the greed that drives this whole scenario. I didn't have anyone I could turn to, just like all of you, to help me in my time of need. I paid for the "health" insurance (really sickness insurance, right, since we just keep getting sicker) and sought the advice of the professionals, and they chose to write a prescription and send me home...and as to my lost hearing, which the ENT charged me and my insurance company amost $1000 to test? The good doctor told me they didn't have any idea why it was happening or what to do to prevent me from losing the rest, and if I didn't believe him, to go home and google it! Well, I did. I did the research and found out that it was failing because of my endocrine system problems, and that the vits and nutraceuticals, along with herbal licorice (not the deglycerized kind, the whole kind) have allowed me to hear and understand again...no thanks to the many doctors I asked for help. 

One site that helped me understand what was going on with my thyroid was StoptheThyroidMadness.com. Lots of good info there on how to proceed to solve the problem.

Lessons learned are to seek out help or information from credible, caring sources that have or are willing to seek solutions to the cause of your illness or symptoms, not drugs to mask the problem. Do the research, ask the hard questions. It is not right for us to be this sick and we don't have to be. 

I was diagnosed with hashimoto's disease 2 years ago, however I knew something was wrong at least 10 years. My primary doctor would have my throid tested and the result was always the same, that it fell within the normal parameters. When I turned 50, I felt the worse I had ever felt. Depressed, 30 lb. weight gain, my hair was falling out at alarming levels, exhausted all the time, etc. I decided to go to an endocronologist, and when he felt my neck, he said I had a goiter,( also had an ultrasound to confirm,) but my blood levels were still within the normal range. A year later, I went back and now my blood levels warranted medication. I am now on synthroid 50mcg daily. I feel much better now, hair is fine, not exhausted, but the weight is not coming off. I try and eat healthy, and as much whole foods as possible without additives. I also do not use toothpaste with flouride, and was tested last year for gluten intolerance,( which came back positive.) Not eating gluten, although difficult at first, made me feel like a new person. Whenever I fall off the wagon, I feel terrible so it's not worth it. I am also walking 2 miles a day. Even though I am not losing weight, I've decided to be as healthy as possible. I am hoping that this will be enough.

I have been taking synthroid for over 20 years. I recently asked my MD about Armour Thyroid but she said it is hard to get and often unavailable. I understand that the natural is better, but how does synthroid compare?

I just turned 40 and I'm convinced that I have hypothyroidism. However, I've had the thyroid testing done each year for the last 3 years and they always come back in the normal range.  (1.12, 1.19, and 2.1 TSH) However, over the last 3 years, I've experienced hair thinning, heavier and painful menstrual cycles, constipation, dry skin, brittle nails, forgetfulness, increased allergies, cold senitivity, and insomnia. I've also gained about 15 lbs that I can't seem to lose no matter how hard I try. I've worked out regularly for the last year and I eat better now than I ever have in my life. I don't eat fast food anymore, I quit drinking soda about 10 years ago, I don't eat red meat or pork and I eat a lot of organic foods. Anyway, I just really feel like my thyroid and/or some other hormone is not functioning properly for me and I'm very frustrated that I can't get to the bottom of this and feel normal and get healthy again. I feel like I really need to get it under control before it gets worse. Any suggestions?

I have been diagnosed with Graves Disease a couple of months ago and put on several medications. I had an allergic reaction to Tapazole and now swelling on PTU. My eyes, knees and ankles were swelling. My doctor told me to go off the PTU for a week to see if the swelling is connected to it. After a few days, I am already seeing the swelling going down. I think it was swelling my organs as well now that I am off it. My doctor said if I can't take the medications, we need to talk about radioactive iodine treatment, which I don't want to even think about. I want to do something more wholistic without medication or destoying my thyroid. Please help me to figure out what I can do to deal with this in a natural way. Thank you for your help.

I showed up at his office with a goiter on my neck, he prescribed antibiotics! I went home and took my waking temp. from my armpit for 3 days and called him and told him I think its my thyroid. He finally ordered a TSH and started me on Synthroid. It's been a few years now, still feel lousy.  I've asked about T3 and he says stick with synthroid, even though my T4 is high. My TSH is at 1.050.

Recent tests show Serum Ferritin at 703, hemoglobin A1c is 6.1. I'm getting scared, I see him for a few minutes, he says do one thing and then I sit for 2 months, I know it's doing damage to me, I don't feel like working and am now broke from trying to get well.

To top it off, I found out my testosterone was really low, bugged him for a year to write me a prescription for compounded cream, he just wrote it, but I have to wait because of the high ferritin level. I'm at a loss what to do, I can't even pay for more prescriptions that don't work.

Thanks for a place to vent!

Daid

In 1987 I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and my thyroid gland was irradiated at that time.  Things went haywire during a year when three of my husbands' and my parents all died in one year - I was 37 years old at the time.  Our parents were all under the age of 60, so losing them was an overwhelmingly stressful and difficult thing to experience.  Oh how I wish that you had been my doctor at that time!  My endocrinologist told me next to nothing about what was happening with my body, or how to care for myself in the future.  I am experienced so many things that I now understand were all related to my thyroid issues. 

 I now go to a Naturopathic physician who forces me to come in every 90 days to have my blood levels checked before she will refill my levothyroxin prescription.  I feel that I am being held hostage by both my body and my doctor. 

Now, at age 59, I have gone through excruciating arthritis issues in my fingers and other joints, including have joints dislocate.  All of that happens with changes in dosage or brand of medication, and it's happened consistently since I was first diagnosed back in 1987.  I know it's all related.  I also experience periodic bouts of hives as well as recently coming down with mononucleosis.  At this point I have read no less than 10 books on immunity, the lymph system and ow all of this is related.  I also own every book you have written and subscribe to your online newsletter and read it routinely. 

I'm doing my best to care well for myself, but still, I carry about 15 pounds of weight that I can't shake.  I'm a vegetarian and think that I eat well.  There is nothing in my house that my grandmother would not have recognized as food (I don't eat white flour or sugar like she would have, however).  EVerything I eat is cooked from scratch and I buy only organic.  I should be healthy as a horse, but I'm not.  I struggle with staying asleep at night and am almost always weary and tired.  I can't remember the last time I didn't feel mildly depressed.  Who wouldn't be?  I know nobody who thinks as much about her health and what she eats as I do!

 Any ideas?

Thanks for being a wonderful doctor and teacher.  I, for one, so appreciate your work.

I understand what you are telling me.  BUT, I need a doctor that understands the principles that have been stated with respect to hypothyroidism.  Can you recommend a doctor in the Rochester, NY area?

Thank you.

Dear Doctor,

Thank you for all the good information. However why use Armor?

It is from pigs! Why kill a pig when you can get a bio-identical hormone that is based on soy

from the American Hormone Society, adjusted by the doctor to exact specifications of the patient's needs. I have a thyroid challenge test done every three months and the T3 and T4 are adjusted accordingly - this is a compound. Even the capsules are vegetarian (upon request). Whether one is a lover of animals or not, it makes more sense to me to ingest a medication that a) causes no harm to any living creature and b) ensures that the source is pure, pigs are not.

Thank you,