thyroid

[amybelle2000]

what is a good weight loss program for someone who has Hypothyroid?

[curious26]

I had my thyroid removed on July 31 and I had RAI on Oct 1.  My TSH level was at 44.6 on Sept 4th and never tested again.  I started taking 125 mcg of levothyroxine on Oct 4th (I went with no meds for 2 months).I have also gained 15 lbs in the last 6 weeks.  In the last couple days I am having bouts of naseousness and major irritability.  Is it caused by the medication or is it just a side effect of the raised TSH level?  I handled the RAI with no issues.  How long before the TSH level will start dropping and I start to feel better cos I feel lousey!!!  I just read on another website that it may be months before the synthroid starts to work!  I work out most days (I alternate between weight training on the Bowflex and 20-30 minutes on the elliptical machine).  I try to stay on a high protein low carb diet with alot of fruits and vegetables.  I am thinking of going back to Weight Watchers but right now it seems useless to pay too close of attentionas all I do is get frustrated.  How long does it usually take to get your TSH levels back in a normal range after they are this far out of whack and will my weight start to get back to normal??

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The same as anyone trying to take off some weight -- regular exercise, portion control with balanced diet, etc....

Keeping TSH around 0.5-2.5 is recommended for most hypothyroid patients.

Most weight problems are not thyroid related --- even for patients with hypothyroidism.