I have just started posting here but have been reading all the posts with great interest. Thank you health unlocked.
My question is can strict dieting cause hypothyroidism? My Endo says not but I am not sure this is true.
23 months ago my THS was 2.8. Then I dieted very stricktly, but sensibly, for eighteen months and lost 20 kilos/44lbs.
I felt a lot better and looked a lot better.
Next blood test showed THS 8.7 so sent to an Endocrinoligist.
I have been on Levo three days a week for four months starting on 25 then 50 now 100mgs and my levels are now stabilised and in a good healthy thyroid range.
What I want to know is does anyone think this could have been due to my dieting.
PS I have now put 8 kilos back on. Not dieting and eating sensibly. Not pleased with this and it seems to be caused by the Levo!!
What ideas on this question would be gratefully received.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
The thing is, when your TSH was 2.8, you were already heading into hypothyroidism. Anything above 2.0 is abnormal - despite the "normal" range - and shows that something was not quite right.
So no, dieting didn't cause it - you were already heading there, I'm afraid. It was probably the reason you put weight on the first place.
Oh, and if you haven't lost the regained weight, I'd lay money on you not being on an optimal dose of thyroid replacement hormone. Unfortunately though, doctors think results in the normal range are ok. They usually aren't. {sigh}
Smaffles, extreme dieting and anorexia can induce hypothyroidism but as JazzW said, your thyroid was already struggling for you to have TSH 2.8 before you started dieting, so in your case, it's not due to dieting.
Are you really taking 100mcg 3 x week? Levothyroxine is usually taken as a daily dose.
The 8kg weight gain may be due to undermedication. If you post your thyroid results with lab ranges (figures in brackets after results) we'll advise.
I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.
Well, 300mcg of Levo a week works out at 40 something micrograms a day - which isn't even a starter dose of levothyroxine. Most on levothyroxine feel much better with a TSH of less than 1.0. Given your latest TSH, you really do need a raise in dose. Your levels are indeed in a "healthy thyroid range" - but your thyroid isn't healthy, so it isn't enough any more.
Your remaining symptoms are linked to undermedication. Strictly speaking, you don't have subclinical hypothyroidism if you do in fact have clinical symptoms - you simply have hypothyroidism. Nothing subclinical about it.
Wendy, the good news is antibodies are negative so you don't have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's).
You are undermedicated to have TSH rise to 3.07 from 2.82. Most people on Levothyroxine are comfortable with TSH 1.0 or lower. A dose increase of 25mcg daily or 175mcg a week will probably be enough to reduce TSH and boost FT4 and FT3 which are on the low side.
VitD is replete 75-200 and most people are comfortable around 100. 100,000iu monthly is a good dose in addition to a daily dose.
You may stress less when you're optimally medicated but I have to admit I no longer handle stress they way I used to and opt for avoiding stress rather than coping with it.
I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.
My Endo says Levo has a life of two days and taking three times a week is okay. Bad sleeping is another concern
of mine and I often only have 4/5 hours a night. Last night was four. 😬
Endo did raise dose by 25 mcg last week of middle dose.
I started with 25, then to 50 three days a week, then 100 mon. 50. wed. 100 frid. Now to 100 each of those three days.
She seems to think she has me sorted. I see her again in three months so will question it all thoroughly.
Not sure what my bit B 12 is?
Cheers Wendy.
PS you are probably in bed by now. are you in the UK? I have two children living in London. We visit every year. Son, Adam, is arriving tomorrow for three weeks with his family. First visit home in four years. 🎄😍
Hi clutter Now I'm confused by this post I've just come across today. Is the Person referred to as Smaffles/Wendy/ Auntywoo - all one and the same person? Very weird!
Yes I see the occasional later responses as Wendy/Auntywoo!
I just wish people would stick to one and same 'smiley username' ! Then at least if they put their real name I.e.Sambs, the I'm Shirley - it all sounds more plausible!
So sorry I have confused you. I tried to change from Aunty Woo to Smaffles but it didn't work hence the double up. Yes I am the same person. It seems I am still coming up as Aunty Woo. I am Wendy. I tried to cancel the Smaffles with no effect.
Taking vit D3 will raise your levels of calcium anyway. And you should be taking vit K2 with it. You should certainly be taking vit K2 if you're taking calcium! Vit K2 ensures that the calcium goes into the bones, and not the tissues - like the heart, and the kidneys.
Leg cramps would suggest to me that you are low on magnesium. Vit D3 and magnesium work together, so it might be a good idea to try taking a little. There are other things, but one thing at a time!
As you're losing your hair, you could be low on iron. Best to get that checked, too. Also your vit B12, because hypos often have low B12.
Your endo really doesn't know much about thyroid, does she. You really, really do need an increase in dose. 100 mcg three times a week is a stupid dose. Your FT3 is very, very low, and that will make you continue to put on weight.
Yes... I lost three stones with slimming workd, having been on levo only for several years. It was only after i lost the weight, i realised i felt really hypothyroid. It took a whille to change meds and i ended up on liothyronine. (T3).
Much later, i read somewhere that losing weight can permanently hinder t4 to t3 conversion. If you cant turn your t4 into t3, you end up hypothyroid, even with good free t4 levels.
If i can find the paper which describes it. I will post a link.
Yes but not too low. Ate most things. Gave up alcohol except for a glass or 2 of red on Saturday nights with the pasta breakout I had most Saturday's. I was determined to lose it was 92 kms at the beginning got down to 71.4. Now 79. 😬🙄
I lost 3 stone prior to underactive thyroid diagnosis and couldnt understand why when i was doing all of the right things...eating healthily and exercising why i was starting to put weight on...personally i think i was overdoing the exercise whilst probably not eating enough and i reckon i depleted my T3. I am now heading for 6 stone heavier than pre-diagnosis and am still trying to figure it all out!
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I'm going to stir me stumps and go downstairs and grab a snack though.
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Can hypothyroid be cured spontaneously 
Can you go from hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism?
Can we talk about diet and supplements please? 
