hypothyroid and over-exercise...connection???

[mcguire]

Within the past year my husband was diagnosed with a hypothyroid and colitis.  About three years ago he started training for triathlons and marathons.  He exercises for about two hours a day with that being upped to 4-6 hours on the weekends.  My question...if his body is already sensitive to stress, could his overexercising have brought on the ailments he is now suffering from??  He has a family history of thyroid disorders but not the colitis.  Doctors insist he is a model patient, but I'm afraid he's not telling them the whole truth about his exercising.  What do you think?

[Tara1313]

I was exercising very intensely at the gym and Tae Kwon Do--where my heart rate would get high for too long. Although, it was at a normal rate--I kept noticing that I was getting sick every month. Everytime I would get my workouts to where I felt good.  One day on the fitness channel they had mentioned that this woman trying to lose weight shouldn't workout all of the time soo hard because that can put too much stress on the heart and cause you to get sick. I did check with my doctor and she agreed.  

Now, I walk alot and at the gym I let my heart rate go up but then I bring it down slowly and then back up. I have asthma, psoriasis (autoimmune Disease), and some other issues.  Where exercise is a stress reducer-- if you are extreme about it--just like anything else..I believe your body fights back.

Just a thought
Ta

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I don't see a problem as long as his hypothyroid stays under control with meds.  Colitis can be stress related but regular exercise is usually stress reducing.  I would not suggest he change exercise -- more benefit than risk most likely.