Sugar craving: Hi, I'm struggling with stupid... - Thyroid UK

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Sugar craving

misslissa profile image
8 Replies

Hi,

I'm struggling with stupid sugar cravings. Are these related to being hypothyroid? I'm recently diagnosed and a week into 25mg of levo.

I'm hoping its related but solvable once my medication is right?

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misslissa profile image
misslissa
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8 Replies
Pastille profile image
Pastille

Hi misslissa , you are on a low dose of levo so may have a bit of a way to go yet I don't know? But I binge on food much more when under active. I think I am just reaching optimal dose now on 125mcg and my appetite has decreased a bit. I only really crave the bad stuff at that time of the month and then I really do crave. But overall my diet is better at other times ( apart from the coffee which I just can't give up just yet but I've cut down ) Maybe part of it is the tiredness. Our brain mistakenly telling us that we need sugar or caffeine because we are tired ) Or us telling ourselves because that's what we are used to doing? But yes, my cravings are less since being better medicated. I also worry about diabetes so I try harder with the carbs

misslissa profile image
misslissa in reply to Pastille

I question if it's just a bad habit, sugar addictive bla bla bla but in all honesty I think there's more to it. It's like I need it, like you say because I'm tired my body is looking for a quick boost. Not healthy at all. I've gained 1.5 stone since last Feb, really feeling it now.

When I hear people saying they gain weight on levo I now wonder if it's anything to do with the drug or if it's more that being hypo gives you awful cravings.

Josiesmum profile image
Josiesmum

Sugae and carbs cause a sugar spike followed by a crash, which makes us crave more. Cutting back on these may help.

radd profile image
radd

misslissa,

Your metabolism may be readjusting as you have only just started medicating but 25mcg levo is a very small dose. An unmanaged thyroid condition may compromise the adrenal glands creating imbalance in hormones such cortisol and DHEA that play a vital role in blood sugar regulation.

Binge eating will create highs and lows of insulin which have a very negative effect on good thyroid function and the synthesis of hormones.

Blood sugar levels must be kept balanced by eating three meals a day each including protein, low GI carbs & healthy fats. Protein takes longer to digest, keeping you feeling full for longer & fats will slow the absorption of carbs. If you need something sweet eat grapes but balanced with with cheese, apple with nuts, banana and natural yogurt, etc.

Your thyroid function should be measured after six weeks so post results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment.

misslissa profile image
misslissa in reply to radd

I've had adrenals checked via BH and came back good.

My TSH is only just out of range and a bit up and down. My TPO very high too. Seeing Dr next week after 3 weeks of meds to discuss.

Do you think I should try massively cutting the sugar to break the habit? Tbh I know I need to. I've read up about carbs and hypo and going low isn't really recommended is it? I bet I eat very high carb though so could still cut.

I used to be a low carb/high protein girl so I know it can be great. I did lose weight and feel healthy.

KGeorge profile image
KGeorge in reply to misslissa

Hi i am similar to you... My results were TSH of 3.54 and T4 of 11.9 on march 29th. Tested positive with high TpO antibodies.both GP and Endo not interested in prescribing until my levels are into range...i feel so awful that i have started self medicating with 50 mcg of levo that i bought over the counter in turkey while i was out there...i am on day 14 no significant change as yet although i have had a slight improvement in energy levels and less of a foggy head. I joined vitamin D wellness group on FB and have been following the vitamin/ mineral protocal on there since feb.

I am expecting to have to ip my dose in another 2-3 weeks

Can i ask what your results were as it seems to be a very low dose to start on?

misslissa profile image
misslissa in reply to KGeorge

Hi my results have been

Feb TSH 5.98 ft4 10.7

Mat TSH 3.44

April TSH 5.05 ft4 12.3

misslissa profile image
misslissa in reply to misslissa

TPO 1300

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