Hypothyroid and searching for a diet to help me lose weight..

[ladygee12]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed hypothyroid 3 years ago.  At that time my weight was up to 190.  I put on synthroid and dieted and exercised and got my weight down to 141. Recently I started having problems with my thyroid again and my doctor increased my synthroid.  Of course I gained 15lbs before I even thought to have my thyroid checked. Just wondering if anyone has found a particular diet that has been sucessful in helping them succed losing weight?  Should someone who is hypothyroid count calories or do a low carb diet?  I have hit a wall.  What I have done in the past is not working and just wondering if anyone out there has any suggestions.  I am so frustrated right now and I am working out and trying to eat right but nothing is happening.  

[ladygee12]

Thanks again for the info!

[gimel]

Make sure that you request to be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones which are Free T3 and Free T4, not Total T3 and Total T4.  If the doctor resists and makes excuses as to why it is not necessary, just insist on it and don't take no for answer.  I would even go so far as to make sure the lab people know that it is for Free T3 and Free T4, so they don't overlook and just do their usual of Total T3 and Total T4.

When lab results are available, you should remember that Forum members, myself included, report that symptom relief for them required that Free T3 was adjusted into the upper third of the range and Free T4 adjusted to around the midpoint of its range.  Test results that are in the low end of the range are typically inadequate, because the ranges are far too broad.  

Since hypo patients are frequently low in other areas I would also suggest that you get tested for Vitamin D, B12, iron/ferritin, zinc, and selenium.  

[ladygee12]

Thanks Gimel for the info.  I will have to check it out and see if I am still experiencing some of the other syptoms.  As far as the test results my doctor didn't give me a break down on them.  I am going to get my blood drawn this week since it has been 6 weeks since I increased the synthroid and I plan on asking the doctor for a copy of the lab report.  I appreciate your help! :)

[gimel]

With the treatment for hypothyroidism that many patients get, it is always possible that you may still be hypo.  If you look through this listing of 26 typical hypo symptoms, would you say that you still have some, in addition to the possibility of having low metabolism?

http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html

Also, if you will please post your thyroid test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, members will be better able to assess your testing and treatment.