Hi everyone
So I had normally been around 10st until getting diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I've shot up to 11st 13lbs and I feel awful and horrible about my body.
I had been able to lose weight until then but now I just am hungry all the time, work out loads but it does nothing.
Does anyone know anything I can do please?
I suffer with depression and anxiety also and this has all just been another nail in my 'I hate myself' coffin
Lupinx
Yes, stop working out!
Hypo weight had nothing to do with calories. Quite the opposite, in fact. Not enough calories means bad conversion of T4 to T3, and low T3 is what makes you hypo, and putting on weight.
Plus, when you exercise, you use up that T3, which you don't have enough of to begin with, and have trouble replacing.
If you are always hungry, it probably means you aren't eating enough for your needs. Try eating more - especially more fat. See how it makes you feel. 
How long have you been diagnosed, what dose of Levo are you on and when was it last raised?
It was last raised a month ago, I take 75mg and I'm just about where I should be but still loads of symptoms
If you still have loads of symptoms - inability to lose weight being one of them - then you aren't where you should be at all.
Anyway, who said you were? Your doctor? They have very little idea how to treat hypo. You need to get a copy of your blood test results. It is your legal right to have a copy, under the 1998 Data Protection Act. But your doctor won't just give them to you, you have to ask. You need to know exactly what has been tested, and exactly what the results are. You cannot just take your doctor's word for it, I'm afraid. 
If your doctor is going to increase/decrease your hormones according to your TSH and take no notice of your symptoms I'd look to see if there's another who will be more knowledgeable, not that it is an easy task.
Besides greygoose is right in that we cannot rely on most doctor's views with regard to how much hormones we require. We should be given sufficient to relieve all our symptoms. It's a pity that doctors are unaware of that as they appear to be fixated on the TSH and completely ignore the suffering patient who has miserable symptoms. They'll be willing to prescribe something other than thyroid hormones and that's what we require.
Before the blood tests and levothyroxine were introduced the usual doses of NDT were between 200mcg and 400mcg.
Sorry to hear you're not well.
Do you get copies of your blood test results? Would be good to see if you're optimally treated. Sometimes we need a higher dose of meds in the winter. If you're depressed and gaining weight it is not unlikely you need a bit more thyroxine or a little t3 added to it (I gained a lot of water weight before taking t3 w my levo).
Do you know if your b12, d, folate, iron and ferritin tests were good?
I actually don't know any of this.
Your blood tests for thyroid hormones should be at the very earliest and fasting, although you can drink water. Also allow approx 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the test and take it afterwards. This keeps the TSH at its highest as it drops throughout the day.
If you've not had B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate tested, ask for these as we can be deficient.
You can ask your surgery for a copy of your latest results and if they're not more than 40 days old - I think? - they will cost nothing, but a nominal fee may be made for older results. Then if you like you can post them here and it should begin to be clear where things are going wrong. Or at least it is a good start.
This is a link which may be helpful and it is not unusual to gain weight if hypo and not on a sufficient hormone for you personally.:
Hi Lupinx all good advice as you suffer with depression and exercise helps what about a small stroll in the country side or a park? Maybe do some stretching or gentle yoga so you feel your doing something? I'm in the same predicament (although a lot heavier) but Im going along the lines of it's better to feel well and fuller figured then ill and maybe thinner! You have been given great advice (as always on this site) I'm new to just read all the posts you will learn soooo much I saw a private nutritional chap the other day he was so impressed with my knowledge and its only from here my GO is even starting to listen to me now!! Get your results and take control there's always worse off I know some days you may feel there isnt I buy a big issue sometimes and read it when I feel down it soon picks me up
All the best
Both Depression and Anxiety are also symptoms of hypothyroidism which could be caused by insufficient hormone replacements. (I am not medically qualified).
Hi Lupinx. Im in EXACTLY the same (rocky!) Boat as you. Im afraid i cant give you any other advice orher than the totally amazing advice that these very lovely people on here give out. Ive done slimming world for years and years and put 2 stone on! So miserable...
I joined this HealthUnlocked forum just a week ago to lose weight when I also discovered this forum on thyroid problems! I'm already learning a lot - I had no idea about some of the problems being hypo can produce!
So I have asked my surgery for a copy of my last blood test, which, by all good fortune, just happened to be a few days before discovering this site! I've been told I can have a copy of the results but I haven't been along to pick them up yet.
A week today, 5th December, I have to go & have the vitamin blood test done that has been recommended on here. Should I go fasting? Would it matter if I still take my Levo? I wish I had come across this forum a few weeks earlier then I could have had my blood test done while fasting & having not taken my tablet since the day before.
A few years ago when I had to have my annual blood test I decided to not take my tablet the day before. I had no idea if it might affect the outcome of the test but when I went for my results, (we used to see the doctor then "vis-a-vis" not like now when the receptionist tells you or you get a text saying "No further action is required"), I told him & he said it didn't make any difference as the hormone levels need several days before a change is noted! I felt like an idiot!
I need to lose at least 10kg to approximate my weight for my BMI. I've been on the cusp of obesity for years now & I really need to do something about it.
Yes, go as early as possible and fasting.
Iron-related blood tests always need to be fasted. And if you are taking any iron supplements you should stop taking your supplements for 24 hours at the very least. Personally I stop iron for 5 - 7 days if I have advance warning of a test. In fact, personally I always take blood tests for everything early in the morning and fasting if I can wangle it.
Some links on the subject :
nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1018.aspx?...
Quote from above link :
Iron blood test
Iron blood tests are usually taken in the morning before you eat anything. You should also avoid taking iron pills or tablets for 24 hours before your test. Your body absorbs iron very quickly from food or pills, so this can raise your iron levels and affect the test results.
Iron blood tests help diagnose conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia (lack of red blood cells caused by low iron levels).
End Quote
.
stopthethyroidmadness.com/l...
Quote from above link :
For iron, we learned to be off for 5 days based on information from the Iron Institute, i.e. to see what we are “holding onto”.
End quote
Thank you for that info. I don't take vitamin or mineral supplements so that's no problem. I can't do any thing about the appointment time, I can only accept what I'm offered! Nevertheless I could forgo breakfast if that makes any difference.
Do you think I ought to leave my Levo tablet until I get back home?
Is my Dad hypothyroid?
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