Medication Levels and Reactive Hypoglycemia

[Cookie2213]

I was diagnosed earlier this year with Hahimoto's and told that once my thyroid levels were back to normal I would lose weight and feel better.  Well, my last test showed by levels were back to normal, yet my fatigue remains, so does the insomnia and depression (for which I take anti-depressants).  My weight gain continues and I suffer from reactive hypoglycemia - yet it seems inconsistent.  I track my food daily and often eating similar foods on consecutive days - most of the time I'm ok, then I can repeat a meal and have an attack.  Don't understand why.

After an attack, I take sugar and eat fruit/yoghurt, sometimes a sandwich, yet I have even suffered a second episode straight after taking sugar and eating something.  I discussed this with my doctor, who thought I might have insulinoma, so I spent three days in hospital fasting and having blood samples taken.  The result?  All clear - even lost 5kgs until I had breakfast and lunch in hopsital - put on 2.5kg straight away!   So what now?  My weight continues to climb, even though I usually eat 1200 or less calories a day and exercise.  Do I need to increase my dosage?  I have been on medication for six months but I'm not feeling any better.

[Cookie2213]

Tests consisted of blood taken from fingertips and arms every 6 hrs during the fast to measure glucose, insulin and c-peptides for insulinoma.  Seems all was in the normal range.  No testing on calcium.

[dizzy52]

Cookie2213, Hi, just wondering what type of blood tests they ran in the hospital. Did they tell you?  Do you have insulin resitance?  Did they test your calcium level? Dizzy52

[Barb135]

First off, yes, some of us have weathered the storms, but we don't always have smooth sailing.  With Hashimoto's, your thyroid levels gradually go down, as thyroid function is impaired by the Hashi; this requires periodic, sometimes frequent adjustments to your med. I still have bad days.

Hypo symptoms will go away, once your thyroid levels are right for YOU.  Just being "in range" is not good enough.  Many of us have to have our FT3 in the upper 1/3 of it's range, and FT4, at least mid range.  

The best way to control hypoglycemia is to eat small frequent meals, in order to keep your blood sugar levels stable.  It's best to stay away from sugar, sodas, high sugar fruits, products made with refined flour, etc, as they are simple carbs, which enter your blood stream very quickly and tend to make your blood sugar spike in a very short time, then the bottom drops out again, so you have another attack.  It ends up being a vicious cycle. Stick with low glycemic foods, that will allow your blood sugar levels to remain stable.  BTW - eating sugar and a lot of fruit also contributes to your weight gain, especially if you aren't exercising right after you eat them, as the sugar will turn to fat, quickly, if not used for energy.  

[RenKat]

I battle the same issues that you do.  After the birth of my child 20 years ago, I started to have some troubles.  Was dieting, going to school and the gym, and put on 10 lbs overnight, with serious chest pain.  After the blood work revealed that I was hypo, I was put on Synthroid.  I lost weight, felt better, but adjusting has been continuous.  I am not on the anti depressants, due to the weight gain, and suffer the insomnia and depression.
I have since been battling hashimotos, and after I eat, I am asleep, and I mean, completely out.
I have had the glucose test, and everything was fine, too...Mild hypoglycemia.  I am gaining as well, despite the reduced caloric intake, and been dismissed with eat less, excercize more.  Right, like it is that simple with a compromised metabolism... I am currently seeking to recover from an attempt to add Cytomel, and am considering switching to Armour.  If I have anything good to impart, I will surely do so.  Good luck to you, Cookie, and hang in there.  There are people on this forum like Barb135, Gimel, and goolarra that seemed to have weathered the storms, and are sailing smoothly now.