Hypothyroidism and exercise

[teisibell]

I am 66 have been working out daily for 30 years,4 cardio days and 3 weight training days. Diagnosed 1 yr ago with hypoth. Am now on 112mcg past 4 weeks but am still struggling. Doc said TSH of 3.3 should have been ok. Any ideas?

T.

[PinkNinja]

If you are on thyroxine your TSH should really be below 1. In some other countries a TSH of over 3 is often considered hypothyroid so no wonder you are still struggling.

Dr Toft (former chair of the British Thyroid Association) states that TSH should be below 1 (and in some cases below range) and T4 should be at the top of the range. He states this in his book "Understanding Thyroid disorders" which is published in association with the BMA so your GP shouldn't really argue with him.

Also thyroid treatment guidelines state that dosage should be increase until symptoms disappear but with blood results within range. Your symptoms still haven't disappeared and there is plenty of room for an increase in thyroxine.

Also ask your GP to test your iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D. These all carry similar symptoms. If he does these tests please post the results with ranges on here so we can interpret them for you. What the NHS considers normal isn't necessarily always optimal or even adequate. Deficiencies in any of the above can also affect how well your body uses thyroxine.

I hope you get the increase in dose that you need so you can feel well again.

Carolyn x

[teisibell]

Thank you CarolynB. I really appreciate the prompt response.

I live in Canada where the lab I use has just reduced the upper tolerence levels from 5.5 to 4.2 lower from .35 to .29 so I guess that is progress! I have had blood tests for some of the above but not all. I will request more and an increase in thyroxine. I am petite 5ft 2 and 106lbs so maybe my Doc. is being a bit careful because of this although I don't have any other medical issues.

Thank you also for the book reference.

T.

[Hidden]

Hi - I thought I'd mention something relating to exercise, which you may already be aware of:

Halfway through 2010 - the year that I felt dreadful prior to being diagnosed with Hashimotos, I decided I would train for a half marathon I had ran in the past as a way of a 'pick me up'. My previously rigid routine of yoga & running several times a week had all but disappeared due to feeling ill, but I thought at the time my lack of exercise was contributing to the reason I felt ill. I struggled through some long runs and although I couldn't understand why I still wasn't feeling on top of the world, I was ready to run the 1/2 marathon. The week before the run I went to a supermarket and picked up a couple of heavyish bags and put them in the boot. By the time I got home - a 5 minute drive - I could barely get out of the car because of absolute agony in my back. Over the following months I spent a fortune at the chiropractor, my GP sent me for an x-ray and found nothing wrong. Four months later (and I am so relieved it was only four months) I was diagnosed with Hashimotos disease and put on levothyroxine. It took about three months until my back stopped hurting and another year until my various other symptons had gone away.

Anyway, I digress - I simply wanted to say that I have since read that exercising whilst hypothyroid is dangerous and can cause injury. I can't recall why, scientifically - I'm sure someone on here will be able to - and you may already know it, but in the event you weren't aware - be cautious with exercise whilst you feel ill. Also - if my TSH was 3.3 I wouldn't feel well. I am quite lucky with my GP and have frequent tests and I am stable eventually at 1 ish and able to run and exercise again and (touch wood) have had no more injuries.

[S-JGB]

Thanks so much for this information. As a fitness professional, my career & personal life has been hindered these past 9 months whilst awaiting treatment, which I finally have been on about 10 days now - 50mg of levothyroxine. I did my first hour long BOKWA cardio workout last night & was aware my body temperature reduced because need 3 covers to sleep. However I am recovered this morning but this said, am going to wait until Thursday, when I instruct Bodypump, to exercise again. Apparently it's approx a month until the treatment is up to speed, so to speak &'ll wait until then before making a judgement about the dosage.

Good luck to you both with regards to your continued recovery. We are worth it. Sarah-Jane.

[S-JGB]

Thanks so much for this information. As a fitness professional, my career & personal life has been hindered these past 9 months whilst awaiting treatment, which I finally have been on about 10 days now - 50mg of levothyroxine. I did my first hour long BOKWA cardio workout last night & was aware my body temperature reduced because need 3 covers to sleep. However I am recovered this morning but this said, am going to wait until Thursday, when I instruct Bodypump, to exercise again. Apparently it's approx a month until the treatment is up to speed, so to speak &'ll wait until then before making a judgement about the dosage.

Good luck to you both regarding your continued recovery. We're worth it. Sarah-Jane.

[Hashi_since_age9-1988]

A TSH of 3.3 is too high. keep it below 2. I find 0.5 is good for me.

[Hidden]

Just a word of caution re; exercise with hypo.

I used to be extremely fit pre-hypo and now I'm feeling well again I decided to build up my fitness. Injuries were not something I had pre-hypo but I have had several injuries since becoming hypothyroid and I was extremely careful leading into my new regime.

I'm currently recovering from a knee injury (running) and this morning I felt a 'pop' in my lower back as I was bending to pick something, so I'm resting and back on the anti-inflammatories.

I think the constant injuries are due to several issues;

Unable to keep fit during pre-diagnosis stage when all I wanted to do was sleep.

Weight gain - nearly four stone increase and now a BMI of 29, therefore big additional strain on my body.

Muscle weakness.

Vulnerability of body to injury; muscular-skeletal system is no longer strong and I suspect my hypo status has weakened everything on a cellular level.

When I recover from my current injuries I'm going to cut out all running and stick with walking, cross-training and light weights. I'm sure fitness is possible, but I have to accept I cannot do what I took for granted in the past. This for me is my biggest challenge at present - I'm not very patient or very accepting at taking on board restrictions!

Good luck with your recovery.

Liza

[Hidden]

Just a word of caution re; exercise with hypo.

I used to be extremely fit pre-hypo and now I'm feeling well again I decided to build up my fitness. Injuries were not something I had pre-hypo but I have had several injuries since becoming hypothyroid and I was extremely careful leading into my new regime.

I'm currently recovering from a knee injury (running) and this morning I felt a 'pop' in my lower back as I was bending to pick something, so I'm resting and back on the anti-inflammatories.

I think the constant injuries are due to several issues;

Unable to keep fit during pre-diagnosis stage when all I wanted to do was sleep.

Weight gain - nearly four stone increase and now a BMI of 29, therefore big additional strain on my body.

Muscle weakness.

Vulnerability of body to injury; muscular-skeletal system is no longer strong and I suspect my hypo status has weakened everything on a cellular level.

When I recover from my current injuries I'm going to cut out all running and stick with walking, cross-training and light weights. I'm sure fitness is possible, but I have to accept I cannot do what I took for granted in the past. This for me is my biggest challenge at present - I'm not very patient or very accepting at taking on board restrictions!

Good luck with your recovery.

Liza

[Sandybeach1964]

Even be careful with walking. I power walked and reduced two stone, however it helped cause tender heel pad which is excruciating. I ended up with an injection in my heel, which when administered I couldn't scream loud enough! I have regained the weight and more. Now 4 stone overweight which obviously doesn't help my heel problem. Have been hypo for nearly 30 years and its a vicious circle regarding exercise.

[greygoose]

I would agree with all that has been said here, and would like to add two things :

1) Exercising uses up your hormones. If your thyroid is healthy and working, it can replace these hormones as needed. But yours obviously can't and you are having to take your thyroid hormone by mouth. If you use up all that hormone with exercising, you won't have any left for the other things for which it is needed, such as repairing damage to the body.

2) Same goes for calories. If you use up all the calories you ingest in exercising, you won't have enough for bodily functions like convertion, and if you don't convert your T4 (which is all you're taking) into T3 then you will become more and more hypo. It's a vicious circle.

Given that hypos tend to put on weight - you haven't said you do, but it's quite common - they tend to eat less calories to try and loss it, and/or they don't have much appetite and therefore don't take in enough calories. Either way, exercising is just gobbling up those calories leaving you deficient.

As LizaSahara says, we have to accept that that we can no-longer do all the things we did in the past, and your exercise regime - whilst laudable - does sound excessive for a hypo and could be one of the reasons why you still have a TSH of 3.3 - which is way too high - on 112 mcg of levo.

Hugs, Grey

[chapers]

Reading this is so interesting I have been on Levothyroxine about 20 years, I am now 62, no one has ever mentioned my TSH or T4 levels, but I will ask my doctor this week.Last year I had to have six weeks off work diagnosed with hypothyroidism and I my intake was increased from the 150mg I had always been on to 250. My job was extremely stressful and lots of bullying by the new manager ( not just me I am one of only 8 staff left from over a hundred!!) My dad was in hospital (86) so i visited nightly which meant 14 hour days , and my only sister bad so I hadn't realised how worn out I as until I stared turning up for work at 1am in the morning to teach and forgetting things ( I thought I might have Alzheimer.

This year I was tripped up at school and smashed my face lost a tooth popped a cartilage , I also felt tired again and then I lost all my hair in the space of 7 weeks. I have been diagnosed with stress and Alopecia which is my fifth autot immune problem I am already and my thyroxine lowered to 125 mg ( the lowest i have ever been on coeliac and suffering from lichen planus . I was told my last test was okay and so have not had a further blood or thyroid test. I still feel rough and so tired so decided to exercise but just a couple of week in I woke up with excruciating pain in my side and back it's been two weeks but now I am thinking perhaps this is why?

Jennie

[greygoose in reply to chapers]

Did your doctor really increase your levo from 150 to 250 in one go? And then decrease if from 250 to 125 in one go??? The man should be shot if he did! Those jumps are far to big and bound to stress the body. Increases and decreases should be done in 25 mcg jumps, no more. I'm not surprised you felt rough and tired. Deciding to exercise at that point was probably not the best decision you've ever made! lol

Hugs, Grey

[chapers in reply to greygoose]

yes he did and that typical of me but same doctor said I was depressed even though I argued I was fed up at loosing all my hair but not suffering from depression but I thought lots of walking and exercise is supposed to be good for depression just in case I was and hadn't realised, because when you are so tired you cant think straight or argue where as before I would have eaten him for breakfast so to speak!! Anyway have made lots of notes written down all I have learnt and going back to see him tonight !!

[greygoose in reply to chapers]

I wish you luck! He sounds particularly ignorant!

[chapers in reply to greygoose]

Just to let you know went armed with a list of requests didn't have to ask new lovely doctor who asked all the right questions very understanding told her fed up but not depressed just knackered all the time ! Sent me for lots of blood tests results in 10 days result!!Thank you to everyone on on this site for their information support and help

[greygoose in reply to chapers]

Well, that's great, Chapers! I'm very pleased for you. Hope things continue to go well. x

[chapers in reply to greygoose]

Thanks I will let you know. x

[Duchy82]

The main reason we struggle with exercise and probably are more prone to injury is because our muscles do not react the same as pre hypo, they contract the same but are slower to relax again, i exercise as it is the only way i can lose weight and it helps with the pins and needles but i stick with swimming a low impact sport on joints and muscles and gentle walks.

[teisibell]

Hi, Pollyjane, S-JGB, Lizasahara, Sandybeach, greygoose, Chapers and MCoates,

Wow I had not expected to get so many comments! I am new to blogs and interactive websites so forgive me if 'replying to all' is not appropriate.

It is all very heartening though as I was begining to think I has some other disease as well as Hashimotos. The main messages I am getting are: I should increase my levo. relax somewhat on exercise ( like you Lizasahara that will be a challenge), maybe take look at my T4 levels and just 'suck it up' and realise that I may not regain my former exercise regimen

Thank you all for this info it has been really helpful. Nice to know there are so many kindred spirits out there.

Hugs to all.

[jaxnbreeze]

Should we not be back to our previous levels of fitness once thyroid levels are in balance, allowing of course for the ageing process?

[greygoose in reply to jaxnbreeze]

The problem is, even once one is optimized, that we are on a fixed amount of hormone. A healthy, working thyroid gland will make hormone as needed - more when we are extra active, less when we're more static - when you are taking your hormone in the form of a pill, you can't go up and down like that, it's not as flexible. We could take an extra pill from time to time when we judge it necessary, but we would only be guessing at the amount and it might be enough or it might not, or it might be too much. And if you take it in the form of T4 then the action is far from immediate, we have to wait for it to be converted into T3, so... Not easy, I'm afraid.

[teisibell in reply to greygoose]

Yes, thanks from me for that information too. It makes sense that a normal thyroid might fluctuate as needed. Like Jaxnbreeze I thought, that once the meds kicked in at the right level, it would be back to normal for me but apparently not!

I do think however that I am doing ok when I see how others appear to be suffering with this.

[greygoose in reply to teisibell]

Well, you're certainly doing well compared to me! lol I have never, in my whole life, been able to excercise like you, or enjoy exercise or go out of my way to do it. It is something I have always hated because it has always been painful in various ways, and difficult in others. I have been hypo all my life.

[penninethyroidgroup]

Oh how I wish my family would come and read the comments on this site! Despite having improved tremendously since being diagnosed I still find it difficult to wake up in the mornings/afternoons (usually around noon!). I have no energy and breathing isn't good. The doc increased my inhaler to a stronger one which has improved my peak flow ever slightly from 2.2 to nearly 3. If I try to do anything I get breathless then have to rest for ages. I got told its asthma but it doesn't feel like asthma. I've had an xray and got told I don't have anything there. But the worst thing is everyone judging me as being lazy! I have found people are walking away and leaving me to it as they think I am not trying. How I wish I could be the person I was who walked for hours on the moors with the dogs! Thank you all, you keep me sane.

on 100 eltroxin also type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gastric ulcer and asthma so the meds I take me shake rattle and roll! Not listed those at there are so many!

[Terricotta in reply to penninethyroidgroup]

Hi penninethyroidgroup, I 100% suspect that your problem is lack of energy, rather than needing thyroxine. Lack of energy in the way of adrenal function. Not being able to wake up in the mornings and afternoons suggests that when you're needing to become or remain awake your adrenal levels aren't sufficient enough to sustain you (I speak from experience). Increasing adrenal function would also minimise some of the other problems you are encountering, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma. These are inflammatory conditions which reduce with sufficient levels of cortisol being produced by the adrenals. Some adrenal-supporting foods would assist you, particularly cheese, and some good liquorice (be careful with this - too much can make you jittery). Oats in the form of porridge or other cereal are an excellent adrenal-supporting food. Try not to overdo it at first, take it slowly over a three week period.

Kind regards

[jaxnbreeze]

Thanks for the information greygoose. It seems to me that it is all the more important to be allowed to self-medicate within reason.

[teisibell in reply to jaxnbreeze]

How would one do this? My thyroxine is available only on prescription here in Canada. Don't know if my doc, reasonable as she is, would go for this.

[teisibell in reply to teisibell]

Haha sorry I guess if one was self medicating the doc. would be out of the loop. But seriously how would you do that?

[greygoose in reply to teisibell]

But as I said before, it would only be guess-work. I suppose as you got more used to doing it, you might learn more about your body and guess more or less accurately, but it would still be very hit and miss.

Maybe, one day, they will come out with something like diabetics have where you can test your blood and get an instant reading on blood levels and know how much T3 - but it would have to be T3 - you would need to go and exercise...

But that all sounds very science-fictionish and there is nothing like that for us at the moment. Plus the difficulties one has getting T3 out of a stone-like GP... It certainly isn't for tomorrow!

[teisibell in reply to greygoose]

Wouldn't that be nice! Won't be around for that I'm afraid!

[penninethyroidgroup in reply to greygoose]

certainly would be good - if only!

[alchemilla]

hi

whilst I agree that caution is often needed in not over exercising I would just add that exercise helps our bodies convert T4 to the active T3 which is stored in the muscles and liver. over exercising stresses the adrenal glands of course which as we know are already under stress in hypothyroidism but I think we all need to exercise in whatever way we can within our limits.

[jaxnbreeze]

I am very lucky because my dr. allows me to take extra depending on how I am feeling. I am on 50mc. per day but if I am feeling whacked during the day I take an extra 12.5 (split 25mc tablet) and within an hour I am fine. I am very careful not to allow a build-up as I can soon feel hyper. I know it's naughty but you can always 'stockpile' a few tablets and split them. Almost all the hypo. people I know personally do this.

[teisibell]

Is there no danger that the thyroid will eventually get totally out of whack by doing this? How long have you been diagnosed?

[Hidden in reply to teisibell]

To Peninethyroidgroup. You would probably benefit from seeing a Consultant in respiratory disease. The reason I say this is that I am a lifelong Asthmatic and my symptoms changed over the years and then with the help of an MRI I was diagnosed with a different respiratory disease called Aspergillosis (farmers lung) which has to be treated more aggressively than any old respiratory infection. It needs a blood test to diagnose and exclude allergies (which this is) and an MRI to have a good look at the little air sacs which an xray won't do. If all of your Vitamins and Minerals are good that is the next step.

[penninethyroidgroup in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Phoebs its one to consider although for me asthma has not been a major 'ailment' in my life. I had one very bad occasion back in the 70's which was when they decided I have asthma (after a cold/flu infection) and another in 2005 again after a cold/flu infection. In both cases the infection was over a period of three weeks progressively getting worse to the point I was told it was asthma. Other than that nothing till now - my husband passed away very suddenly late sept last year and I was given Mertazapine and since then I have been breathless and no energy.

[Hidden in reply to penninethyroidgroup]

Hello again. I am so sorry about your husband it must have been very traumatic for you. I expect you know that Mertazapine can have an effect on your breathing, have you discussed this with your GP? As others on here have said, wth Thyroid disease it is crucial to have all of the pertinent bloods within range, this is so important and to get well thyroid wise it is a very slow road unless your GP is right there with you and you know what you should be doing. For depression in particular your Vitamin D3 needs to be boosted right up so your next step is to go to the GP armed with the information you have got from here regarding getting the appropriate blood tests and then post the results of your visit on here. Your GP may not agree to do certain tests and if so you will need to write to him to formally request them before resorting to having them privately tested. Onwards & Upwards!