Hypothyroid and weight loss

[RosieGressett]

Hi ~ I was diagnosed with being hypo when I was 11 (now 34). I never really had an issue with my weight until after I had my children. I had my son 8 years ago and my daughter almost 2 years ago. After having my son, I wasn't able to completely get rid of the weight and then after having my daughter, not only did I NOT get rid of the weight, but I gained another 40 lbs!! I am VERY unhappy with my weight. I am ONLY 5 foot tall and I feel horrible!! What is the best most effective/rapid way to lose the weight? I try and eat healthy. Granted, not ALL the time, but we do our best. We try and eat as much organic as we can. What has been successful?

[Paus]

Hi, gimel,  not yet i dont have health insurance  but my parents will help me to find a dr. in a public & for the mean time i will look for a job, or even a partime, my condition right now is good no sign of symptoms.

[gimel]

Hi Paus, good to hear from you.  Have you located a good thyroid doctor in your area yet?

[Paus]

you got alot of symptoms try to check (test) your blood works?

about my weight yup always weight lose my height is 5`6 only 126lbs, i think  its normal weight. maybe because sometimes loosing my appetite.
sometimes got lite symptoms too like a lower back pain, my joint, a lite tremor.& a blurry vision like foggy eyes my last blood works was jan 2012

anyway my 4th yrs anniversary with hypothyroidism. :-).

[gimel]

When you can get testing done for thyroid, I urge you to request Free T3 and Free T4 (not the same as Total T3 and Total T4), along with TSH they always test.  If the doctor resists and makes excuses that it is not necessary, just insist on it and don't take no for an answer.  It is that important because Free T3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Scientific studies have also shown that Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate.  

If you haven't been tested for Vitamin D, B12 ferritin, RBC magnesium, and a full iron test panel, that should also be done.

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  Test results are valuable mainly during diagnosis and then afterward to track Free T3 and Free T4 as meds are revised toward symptom relief.  You can get some good insight into clinical treatment from this letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he sometimes consults with from a distance.   The letter is sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.  

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

In the letter please note this statement.  "the ultimate criterion for dose adjustment must always be the clinical response of the patient. I have prescribed natural dessicated thyroid for your patient (Armour, Nature-Throid) because it contains both T4 and T3 (40mcg and 9mcg respectively per 60mg). This assures sufficient T3 levels and thyroid effects in the body. Since NDT has more T3 than the human thyroid gland produces, the well-
replaced patient’s FT4 will be below the middle of its range, and the FT3 will be high “normal” or slightly high before the next AM dose."

When you go in for testing, it might be a good idea to give a copy of the letter to your doctor and discuss that you would like to be treated clinically, as described in the letter.  If the doctor has a problem with this then you will need to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so.

When test results are available, please get a copy of the lab report and post test results and reference ranges and members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.

[RosieGressett]

Feeling tired (fatigue) and sluggishness
They Symptoms I have now are these:
Weight gain
Joint and muscle pain, aches, and stiffness
Pale, dry, rough, and thick skin
Dry, thinning, or coarse hair
Brittle nails
Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
Infertility
Depression
Slowed heart rate
Decreased ability to exercise

From the age of 11 through 33 I took Synthroid. I now take Armor Thyroid. I am at 90MG. I was taking 125mcg of the synthroid. I haven't had a test done in awhile where I would remember the numbers, but I know that I should be due for one. Sorry I can't give you more info =(

[gimel]

A person's weight is largely associated with metabolic rate, dietary habits and amount of exercise.  If the basic metabolic rate is low, due to low thyroid levels, it becomes a very difficult task to lose weight, and even more difficult to keep it off.  If you get your thyroid levels correct, then the increase in metabolism will enable you to lose weight.

So, some questions for you.  First, if you look at this list of 26 typical thyroid symptoms, which ones do you have?

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

Second, what thyroid med are you taking and what is the daily dosage?

Third, please post your thyroid related test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report so that members can assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment.