Hypothyroidism and a low carb diet.

[Boudivella]

I was just wondering what people's views are with a low carb diet and hypothyroidism.

To manage my weight gain I have been following a low carb ketogenic diet. (I also suffer with PCOS and insulin resistance. Before I knew I had a low T3... through lots of excercise and a strict diet I have been just about able to maintain my weight through Keto). I have taken the decision to self medicate as I cannot get T3 prescribed to me yet on the NHS. I have ordered my T3s and hopefully be with me soon.

But what would the best approach be for diet and lifestyle? If I continue a low carb lifestyle for my PCOS will this still hinder my thyroid function?

I read the the thyroid needs carbs to function and that cutting them also impacts the metabolism. Is this true?

Has anyone been given any advice before?

[Simba1992]

Ray Peats diet.

raypeat.com

Google Hypothyroidism, diet Ray Peat.. The diet raises your metabolic basal rate + the T3, then you'll see the difference 😊

[Phoenix605]

I have had PCOS for around 30 years and if my newly aquired blood test history is to be believed, I have been hypo for at least 10 but only diagnosed last year 😡😡😡 I am also insulin resistant, my last couple of Hba1c have come out at 6.8 which is only just below diabetes level.

I have always had a bit of a rollercoaster with my weight and did best on a high protein low carb diet, I used the old slimming world red days. However the last 2 years before diagnosis my weight rocketted no matter how hard I tried or how good I was. I have finished up nearly seven stone over weight when finally diagnosed.

My weight has stabilised but tends to swing around within a stone range but still doesnt really want to drop. I have noticed a definite correlation between what I eat, exercise and my weight. Basically I am having to relearn everything. Cutting carbs too far definitely has a negative impact as does exercising too strongly and puts me at the top of my stone range whilst also blowing my legs up with fluid. Eating a more balanced diet and doing a more moderate exercise plan has me sliding towards the bottom of that stone. I am hopeful that once my thyroid meds are optimal (I now have a good GP) and I can get my head around having some carbs being my friend rather than enemy, I might crack a gradual downward trend.

According to GreyGoose amongst others too low carbs affects conversion from FT4 to FT3 and can encourage convertion to reverse T3 instead, exercise does the same. Basically I got told I was sabotaging myself, so I took the advice and to be fair I am far less tired and as I said my weight is way more stable. zi have addressed some bit deficiencies recently also so I am hoping improved conversion will show on my next tests.

One thing I have noticed is that my periods which have alway been regular but getting lighter and lighter had dropped down to about 12 hours. Since being better medicated on levo and more sensible they are back to a moderate few days ( they thought I was menopausal until they looked closer at my TSH and hair loss, finally admitting my thyroid issues). My acne has also had a right flare over last couple of months but I suspect my sex hormones are also resetting as evidenced by better periods returning after several years so I think it might be a bit like a mini puberty and will settle down as my body adjusts to a sudden influx of hormones of all types 🤞🤞Interestingly, the added carbs have not affected my Hba1c at all, its holding steady at 6.8. There is diabetes in my family so I think it is coming eventually whatever I do.

Not particularly scientific but I hope it gives you some food for thought. I still dont have a huge amount of carbs but try to have at least a small sandwich or a reasonable portion of rice every day.