Hypothyrodism

[ugholga]

I need advice. Been hypothryoid (hashimoto) since 19 yrs old - currently 47 Been on levoxyl. Went to Dr. was told TSH is 1.83, T3 271 and T4 of 1.3. Still have hypo symptoms, cannot lose weight eat less than 1200 calories/day. Dr says levels are fine and it's just pre menopause, she said my body wants to be like this.  I'm on HMO so I need okay to see endocronologist. Should I insist on seeing one or are my levels okay and I should see if there is something else wrong - unrelated to thyroid?  I need your advice. Thanks

[may25]

by the way stay away from fast food resturants like burger king and mcd's chechers etc.

regular resturant like italian spanish or any kind of sit in resturant that cook meals are ok just eat a hand ful and promise your self you will have the rest tomorrow or later

[may25]

ive been diagnose with hashi and i was able to loss 10 pounds a month for 3 months. ive been eating subway and not ordering a foot long sub and i wont be hungry for a couple of hours and i drink alot of water. if  i do get hungry i eat grapes or an apple to kill my hunger. my aunts a nutritionist and she said stress is another cause of weight gain. you can eat anything you want but all you need is a hand full of food and you body wont be hungry for a few hours. you can buy a scale and weigh your food and the scale will tell you how many calo in a partic. food. and ive been asking the Lord to help me with this problem and He helped me relieve my stress and depression now im happy and just accepting what i have to do to take care of myself and by the way i stay away from high salt or sodiam foods especially french fries or any type of patatoes. and take a walk in a mall or at a race track.

well i hope this helps some people get past this

[ugholga]

I don't believe my dr has ever done antibody panels.  She just always tests for tsh and that's it.  I'll let you know how my dr visit goes.   Thanks for all your support.  I believe I haven't been getting the treatment I need thanks for bringing suggestions and tests that I never knew of prior to this discussion.  

[Nyxie63]

How often does your current dr run antibodies panels?  If you're being treated for Hashi's, that should really be done every time you get your other thyroid bloodwork done as well, in order to monitor suppression.  If they're going up, you're not being treated properly and need more levothyroxine.

Good luck with the new endo and let us know how it goes!  :)

[ugholga]

Thanks for all your advice.  I never mentioned it, but I am on welbutrin 500 mg (250 2x per day-generic form) and 100mcg of levothyrine (not sure if it's spelled right) and 10 mg of HCT (just started the last couple of months; never had blood pressure problems before).  I called my doctor and tried to get a referral to an endo - I've seen only one and that was 19 years ago. She didn't want to provide as she said my test results were within ranges.  When I told her I was so sick of this weight problem and just not feeling well for so long even that didn't bother her.  Finally, I told her I was considering surgery to help and just wanted to exhaust all my options prior to doing something so drastic that she finally gave me the referral.  I've asked to have the Free T3 and T4 done several times, this last visit was the first time she did it, only after I insisted  I understand your frustration. I was told that I could work out more than my husband and eat much less but I probably wouldn't lose much weight.  I'm tired of them blaming me for overeating and underexercising. If they only knew how hard I've tried for so many years.  I'm not saying that the thyroid is causing all this, but something has to be contributing.  I have my first endo appointment June 6. He asked for two years of test results because he wants to be thorough. I finally feel that someone may listen to me.  I don't expect a miracle pill, but I would like someone to tell me it's not all my fault.  Thanks for the test suggestions - I'll make sure I ask to have them done.  I really appreciate all of your help.

[Nyxie63]

It is possible that your body's not utilizing your thyroid med properly.  Have your dr run bloodtests for your cortisol (adrenal) and ferritin (liver iron) levels.  If your ferritin isn't high enough, you'll probably have trouble utilizing the meds you're taking.  Long-term thyroid problems (untreated or undertreated) can cause what's called "adrenal fatigue".  This can also screw up your metabolism and cause weight gain.

It's also possible that you need more T3.  Have your dr run your FT4 and FT3 levels.  

I've heard about the weight gain problems with effexor.  Usually it's only around 20 extra pounds (*only*, she says).  75 sounds excessive and you should definitely beat your dr over the head about taking care of it.

Good luck and keep us posted! :)

[Effexor Weight Victim]

I feel your pain.  I too have hypothyroidism, (Hoshimoto).  I take the generic drug Levoythroine or something like it everyday.  My TSH hormones are different every six weeks one test they say 52, the next the say 1.6.  I have stressed so many times to the doctors that I don't think my body absorbs the medication correctly.  What do I know? Well I also take medication called Effexor it is for anxiety/depression.
Since taking this medication I "feel" emotionally great, it works really good at controlling the sadness and the anxiety but there is a huge and I mean huge side effect; weight gain!
I am 41 almost 42 year old, I have always been a small framed, thin person.  My average weight was about 125lbs and my height is 5'4".  After two kids, the last one at age 30-31 I was still at 125lbs.  I starting taking Effexor a few years ago and I am now pushing 200lbs.  My poor legs and bones can't take this weight.  I find myself out of breath too easily, I find that I can't walk but 25 feet without feeling like I ran a marathon.  So the decision is this, do I keep taking Effexor and mentally stay happy or stop taking it and hopefully lose weight and be healthy again but face the anxiety and depression?  What a losing battle!
What kills me is that the doctors really don't say much about the weight gain, my husband, through diet and exercise has lost more than 45lbs, he has probably minimal 10% body fat, I am jealous, yet when he went to the doctor they were all over him asking him if everything was ok was he taking any drugs or drinking etc. they made it seem that because he lost a lot of weight, the good way something must be wrong, yet I go in there gaining 75lbs and looking like a blown up balloon  they don't seem to mind or care.  It's just "Im not 25 anymore and I am getting older" Bull! I think it's this medication and I am so tired of no one seeing anything wrong with it!
Good luck with your fight!  I battle my own too and if I find anything that works,  I will let you know!

[Nyxie63]

Your TSH sounds kinda high to me if you're on suppression therapy for your hashi's.  From what I've been reading, most drs really like to see it as close to zero as possible in order to suppress antibodies.  

You might also want to talk to your dr about getting your adrenals and female hormone levels checked (all of them, not just FSH).  This could also be adding to your fatigue and weight gain.  If you can't get your dr to do this, then talk him into a referral to see an endo.

Good luck, be strong, and keep us posted. :)

[Nicki1433]

Are you sure it's not menapause?  With thyroid conditions you are more likely to hit menapause early.  If you are concerned though, definitely insist on seeing endo.

Good luck!