THYROID DISEASE

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

Q: underactive thyroids?
I recently went to the doctors because I had swollen ankles. The tests came back and revieled I have underactive thyroids. I know it’s not a big deal and I will have to take medication for the rest of my life probably, but I was wondering if anyone knew about the medication I am on. It is called Levothyroxine(sp?) Does it make you loose weight?

A: It is possible that you could lose weight now that you’re being treated but it most likely will be a minimal amount of weight. I believe most people that have hypothyroidism only lose 10% or less of their body weight.

I am also taking this medication. I have not lost any weight yet. But the doctor is still trying to figure out the right dosage. My dosage just got increased so maybe that will change. Good luck!

Q: How easy have women with underactive thyroids found it to concieve?
i have done alot of research into it, just want to know from couples where the woman has had an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.

Details please if thats ok – or email me that. x x

Thankyou.
k_a – alot of places including my GP have said it can be more than twice as heard to concieve with hypothyroidism, and there is supposed to be an increased chance of miscarraige.

A: I have hypothyroidism and I had no problems getting pregnant once I was on the appropriate dose of Thyroxine.I had problems getting pregnant and I went to the doctors and they found I had Hpothyroidism , once I started taking it I got pregnant.

Q: Will diane 35 stil be effective contraceptive if taking eltroxin for underactive thyroids?

A: For thyroid information go to Aboutthyroid.com or search for Mary Shomon (she runs the site and has written several books on the subject.) Eltroxin will not affect your contraceptive at all. You are still protected. All the eltroxin does is what your thyroid should be doing for you but can’t. It’s like if you had diabetes and had to take insulin, the insulin would not affect your contraceptive either.

Q: Do anyone suffer from fibroids of the uterus and underactive thyroid?
I just wondered if anyone is suffering from fibroids of the uterus and underactive thyroids, fibromyalgia, arthritis and being deaf all at once?

A: I have an underactive thyroid and fibroids, but they are not connected to each other, according to my doctor.

Q: i am a type 1 diabetic with underactive thyroids…?
i have underactive thyroids and im a type 1 diabetc, i have no idea what to do, i have seen my doctor and had my bloods done, the doc said that my thyroids are stable, im taking 125 levothyroxine a day and roughly 25 units of insulin a day. i need to lose 40 lbs…does anyone have any advice on how i can do this??? my doc said i should just eat properly and excercise and thats what i have done but the weight isnt moving

A: You doctor is quite correct you will need to reduce your calorie intake and take more regular vigorous exercise. In the case of type 1 diabetes this must be done with the help of careful blood sugar monitoring and with the help and advice of your diabetic dietitian.

Vigorous exercise reduced blood sugar quite rapidly and intake of food must be carefully balanced to avoid sudden hypos.

Edit Disastrous suggestions from Clarissa who I just cannot believe is a nurse!

Q: 11 days an still no period with negative results yesterday.. but started thinkin, cud underactive thyroids…?
cud underactive thyroids affect the tests? im supposed to be on thyroxine tablets but i dont take them, (i no stupid thing do, but they make me feel 10 times worse) anyway, thyroids produce hormones, so could that be the reason for negative results? iv never ever missed a period in my life or never late, i do have a child already an i didnt have no pregnancy symptons with her, but these last 2 weeks, all i have felt is really sick, over tired (more than usual, i no underactive corses tirdness) hungry more, boobs dont hurt but feel heavier, feel teary alot lately aswell..

sorry if it dont make sense, but any advice will be great!

thanx in advance x

A: Hi I was exactly the same. I took a pregnancy test and it showed a very faint positive line. After going to see the nurse the following day she confirmed that I WASNT pregnant as her test was negative. I had all the same symptoms as you. I left it another few days and did another test that confirmed I WAS pregnant! I think it is to early to rely on pregnancy tests 100% and I suggest you give it a few more days before taking another. It certainly sounds to me like you are. I ended up taking about 8 tests before I believed it so just give it a couple more days. I hope you get the result you want xx

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: Does anyone here have underactive thyroids?
If so how were you diagnosed and how are you coping with it?

Many thanks

A: Diagnosis requires the results of 3 thyroid blood tests:

The T4 is low
The TSH is elevated
Thyroid antibody or TPO is positive

Treatment is easy, simple replacement with the correct dose of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxin. One the correct dose is reached the patient is absolutely normal.

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: underactive thyroids gaining weight ?
hi ive just been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and i have put on a bit weight but thort it was because i have been eating a lot of pizza and drinking lager lately i have to have another blood test before they will give me tablets so just wondering if the tablets will prevent me from gaining weight as im getting married next year aside from the fact i worked hard to lose ten stone in the first place please help me thanks

A: http://www.natural-progesterone-advisory-network.com/thyroid-function-and-natural-progesterone.php

Progesterone deficiency, for example, can cause fatigue, weight gain, irritability, depression, memory and concentration problems, headaches, irregular and painful mentstrual cycles, fluid retention, loss of sex drive, and cold hands and feet. These same symptoms are also characteristic of hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone resistance.

Emerging evidence suggests the symptoms of hypothyroidism occurring in patients with progesterone deficiency become less so when progesterone is added and hormone balance is achieved. In other words, progesterone supplementation can play a major role in balancing our hormones which can very likely include improved thyroid hormone function.

serach the web for “natural progesterone thyroid” and you will find many others

e.g.

http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/thyroidarticle.html

http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/aboutstress.html

Virginia Hopkins was one of John R Lee’s co-authors.

This link takes you to a suggested saliva hormone testing route

http://uk.geocities.com/willim_walker@btinternet.com/willim_001.html#W_180

1 do an online hormone test
2 do an appropriate saliva test and obtain results
3 get results & discuss with a NPIS doctor or educate your GP/MD

I have various links to other sites on this

http://uk.geocities.com/willim_walker@btinternet.com/willim_001.html

http://www.natural-progesterone-advisory-network.com/weight-gain-and-natural-progesterone.php

Hormone imbalance can often contribute to unslightly and unhealthy weight gain, particularly around the tummy, hips and thighs. And to add insult to injury, by simply being overweight you’re body is converting that extra body fat into a form of estrogen called estradiol that will further compound your estrogen dominance.

Certainly, there’s an inseparable connection between fat and estrogen. And the good news is that progesterone – our body’s ‘natural’ anti-estrogen – will help your body convert fat into energy.

A natural diuretic, progesterone will further assist weight loss by regulating sodium imbalance within the body, correcting fluid retention and helping you eliminate excess fluid from the body. However, it may initially exacerbate estrogen dominance symptoms which can have the appearance of weight increase which is usually only temporary.

# # #
As can be seen it is estrogen that is causing your weight gain.
Your body can only lose weight on a permanent basis when your hormones are balanced. If you are estrogen dominant the message to the body is store “excess food” as fat that is the way the huiman body works.

I hope I have given you a few pointers in the right direction

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!!