THYROID DISEASE

Read and learn more about underactive thyroid. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: Underactive thyroid?
I have a few questions….once u go on medications for underactive thyroid do u have to stay on it forever? Does the medications cause decrease sex drive? Can weight loss stabilize thyroid? Can the heart palpatations lead to more serious heart problems?
I dont know the cause of it yet.

A: once on the med–you will probably have a blood test to check the level of the drug in your blood-and your meds will be adjusted accordingly–you will probably be on it for life–the meds have no effect on your sex drive–weight loss will do nothing for your thyroid-but-the proper amount of thyroid hormone in your blood may actually help with the weight loss–your thyroid actually regulates your metabolism–and if yours isn’t working uo to par-the meds just give it a boost!

Q: Underactive Thyroid?
I have only recently been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and to tell you that i am absoutely knackered, not even hearing alarms and late for work. Would i be better to take some time off sick to let the levothyrone tablets to work?

A: You would be much better asking your doctor this question.

Here’s one factsheet you could read http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/underactive_thyroid.html but I would strongly advise you to ask your doctor for more information on managing it. Doctors aren’t just there to write prescriptions, they’re there to help us manage our health too.

Here’s some more information at the British Thyroid Foundation too – hopefully you’ll be able to find some support there too.

http://www.btf-thyroid.org/

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

Q: underactive thyroid?
I was just wondering if anyone out there has an underactive thyroid? How long have you had it and how do you feel physically? How did you feel when you where first diagnosed? Explain symptoms please. Any advice for me as to feeling better.
I have an underactive thyroid and have had it for 5 years. Got it after I had my daughter and stopped breast feeding. I am on medicine and get blood work done regularly. Still feel kind of sick alot. Have had multiple tests on evrything else including my brain. Just wondering if anyone else out there has problems with it.

A: I have had hypo thyroids for 13 yrs..I have been on synthroid for yrs and not to lie to you I have never felt they way I used to..I wake up tired and sometimes so depressed that I can’t handle life ..I have gained a lot of weight but still not as much as a lot of others.I have no self confidence no more and I have alot of fears and anxiety.Going to walk the dog is hard now..Making supper for family is hard..I stay sick and get sick easy..It’s like I no longer have a immune system..I have mood swings like I have bi polar and severe menstrual problems.Sometime I don’t even have a period at all for months and then I have one that last a week and then off for a week and starts over again..I really don’t eat alot and still gain weight and it is very difficult for me to loose weight even when I follow a doctors plan..My blood pressure is low and really that is only the one good thing about this disorder..I am cold all the time and in the summer I can’t take the heat at all.I don’t sun burn but sweat like a hog…I hope you find something to help you and if you do let me know Please..Thanks and Good Luck….

Q: What happens if thyroxine doesnt work for an underactive thyroid?
My friend has an underactive thyroid and she`s now taking 100micrograms yet its showing no improvement, does that mean she`ll need to have surgery? she is very scared!!! thanks

A: Have a look at these sites…
Im sure it will help ur frnd,this are very informative sites.
Do check it….

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/besttreatments/underactive-thyroid-treatments-levothyroxine-lthyroxine

http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/underactive_thyroid.html

Q: How can I get fit when I have underactive thyroid & depression?
I am taking meds for depression (Bipolar too) and Underactive thyroid how can I lose weight? Will Wii fit work?

A: No Wii Fit isn’t really the answer as the level of exercise is so mild. It is a fun thing to do however so you can do it as well as doing other exercises. The best way to help you get rid of depression and the weight that can come from an underactive thyroid is a really good, strict diets and plenty of cardio based exercises. Have your tried running+ Start slowly and build up. A lot of my clients claim that its “natures anti-depressant” and a brilliant help when you are feeling low.

Q: Will the atkins diet help you to lose weight if you have an underactive thyroid?
I recently found out my thyroid is underactive and that is why I have struggled with my weight for so long. Does anyone know if the atkins diet will work with and underactive thyroid? I am already on meds for my thyroid and it seems to be normal at times when they check it and others off a little. I have only had blood work done twice though.

A: I also have an under active thyroid and have tried a low calorie diet, and have lost weight. My aunt does the Atkins diet and she seem to loose weight on it ( and she also has an under active thyroid). I hope it helps. I think once you are stable at a normal level, then you will just have to try a little hard then other to loose the weight. Good Luck.

Q: Does any one have any healthy tips on a underactive Thyroid?
Since being diagonosed with a underactive thyroid and having it removed, my weight has gone up by two stone, I exercise regular and watch what I eat, but there’s no shift, I just joint a gym and hope this will help, but could benefit from any tips. Thanks BB.

A: Hi. I have an underactive thyroid as a result of long-term Lithium use for Bipolar. I gained alot of weight too. I assume that you are on thryoid hormone medication and that it is checked regualarly? I have my thyroid levels checked every 3 months to make sure my medication is working.

Besides that, I try to get 30-45 mintues a day of cardiovascular exercise by walking and I lift weights 3 times a week. The weight-lifting helps the most because it builds muscle.

Also, try and get enough sleep because I have read that lack of sleep and stress can cause cortisol levels to increase. Cortisol increases fat particularly in your stomach.

Q: Can underactive thyroid affect the ability to get prego?
If you have an underactive thyroid can that affect your ability to become prego? It is hereditary for women in my family after the birth of their frist child. I have a daughter and we r TTC again. I am wondering if this can/will be a factor in our ability to concieve quickly?
Also in case its a factor, I am not taking any medication for it at the moment.

A: You definately need to be checked if you think you might have an underactive thyroid. It does make it harder to get pregnant, and if by chance you do get pregnant without treatment , they are finding links to pregnant women with untreated underactive thyroid (HYPO-thyroidism) to brain under-development during gestation to later learning disabilities.

It took me a year to concieve with untreated hypothyroidism, (normally I concieve very easily. ) My levels were still within normal even though I was having symptoms (no periods for months and months before I concieved.) This was in the 90s. So the Dr. didn’t medicate me. My son has learning problems, had speech delays, ect. Finally when I started losing hair and my levels were still on the edge of normal I started taking meds and my cycles are now perfect 28 day cycles. It makes a big difference. Be careful and Good luck.

Q: How to lose weight with a underactive thyroid?
I have an underactive thyroid and would really like to lose the weight that i’ve put on from it. I’m not awfuly overweight and I love to do physical activity. But its very hard for me to lose it because of my thyroid! it seems like whenever I lose some weight, I gain most of it back. any tips?
also, it seems working out helps more for me rather than cutting out food more (although I know I need to do both)

A: I have an underactive thyroid as well, yet I still lose weight at a normal rate. (2-4 lbs a week) I exercise and eat well, and it shows. Don’t let fatique get the better of you. You can do this, even if that means walking for only ten minutes a day. That’s sure a lot better than sitting around wishing you could exercise for an two hours. It’s great that you already love to be active!Keep a positive outlook on life and laugh often, this will give you energy and make you more positive towards losing weight. Remember, a sucessful diet has to be a lifestyle change. When you reach goal, don’t stop eating fruit and veggies and exercising.
Losing weight with a sluggish thyroid is a challenge, but defintely far from impossible!

Q: Can you lose weight if you thyroid is underactive?
I’ve had a problem with my thyroid for years and take medication. It is underactive. I am familiar with all the symptoms and I think it is underactive again and I need a stronger medication.

Thing is though – I am losing weight. Muscle weight. I shouldn’t be – I eat a lot! This has been going on for about a month now. Does this happen sometimes with an underactive thyroid?

A: It can happen.

I highly recommend finding a good chiropractor/nutritional specialist. Your body isn’t getting the nutrition it needs. A chiropractor can see that neck and spinal vertebrae are in place, so that nerves aren’t getting pinched. You would be surprised at what pinched nerves can cause.

They can also check to see what your thyroid needs. It doesn’t really need medications to regulate it, it needs natural supplements to feed it so it can heal itself. Your adrenal glands may be run-down too, because they work with the thyroid.

More and more insurance plans are covering chiropractic, so don’t delay. Good luck!!

Q: How do I treat my underactive thyroid?
I have an underactive thyroid. My initail levels were TSH 180 and T3 was 7. I am now on 150mg of thyroxine but my TSH is still high at 19. Does anyone have any ideas of how I could help this myself in the meantime as i am always tired, feeling run down. Also have high blood pressure and am on medication for that.

A: You will need to be patient. Go for frequent blood tests, every 4-6 weeks until your TSH is in a normal range. Your doctor should raise your dose after a high TSH test. If your TSH is normal and you still do not feel well, you may wish to try cytomel (t3), along with thyroxine (t4). Some people have trouble converting T4 into T3.

Take your medication, and do not eat food near the time you take it. It interferes with the absorption of it.

I had my thyroid removed, and until my medication was correct it was very tough. Even after I thought my medication was correct, it needed to be modified. I now take 200 mcg.

Q: Have other women with an underactive thyroid and menopausal gone off sex?
I am in my late 40’s and suffer with an underactive thyroid and am also going through the menopause. My problem is I have no sexual urges at all. This has been going on for the last two years and it is causing problems in my marriage as obviously my husband wants sex but I wont do it just to keep him happy. Is this normal and is there anything I can do to get my sex drive back as I used to really enjoy sex ?

A: Talk to your doctor. A drop in libido is pretty common as you enter menopause, because it’s dictated by your hormones…and well, those are all out of whack.

You could try maybe using some OTC remedies for menopause symptoms and see if that doesn’t help things.

There are also female sexual enhancement drugs marketed called Avlimil & Sentia….you could maybe look into that as well.

Good luck.

Q: I potentially have an underactive thyroid. Should it be safe for me to drink alcohol?
There is a chance that I have an underactive thyroid, but am waiting for blood test results.

I rarely drink, but soon I am having a birthday party and would be consuming alcohol.

Is this okay for someone with a potentially underactive thyroid?

A: i have an underactive thyroid and i get drunk at least 3 times a week. are you not supposed to drink with hypothyroidism?

Q: what is the medication used to treat an underactive thyroid, and how well does it work?
If you have gained a lot of weight (1-2 Stone) due to an underactive thyroid will the medication help you to lose weight?

A: Thyroxine or the non synthetic version – Armour are used to treat thyroid problems. They do not help you to lose weight unfortunately but they help to support your thyroid which should help some of the other symptoms diminish like exhaustion, irregular body temp, hair loss etc.

Exercise and a diet full of the right foods for your thyroid

Q: I have borderline underactive thyroid. Can Kelp tablets help and how long do they take to have an effect?
Doctor says will do another blood test in 2mnths but I’m tired out! The last blood test showed I had underactive thyroid so Doc did another one 2wks later and now its just borderline.

A: I really think you should allow your doctor to keep a watch on your condition for a while.
If you start taking Kelp or any other treatment the doctor is not going to be able to get a true reading and you could mask another condition.
Be patient for a little while, it may sort it self out.

Best wishes