What causes the puffy face? How to get rid of it?

[yungnog]

Hi! I have low T3 & high reverse T3. My face gets very puffy, I don’t even look like myself! It bothers me a lot. I’ve noticed that some days it’s worse than others. I’ve been on the AIP for 3 months, no change in the puffy face, but I do feel better. When I start my period, it gets even worse. What do I do?

[Ell17]

Hypothyroidism itself causes swelling/ puffiness because your system is being starved of appropriate levels of active thyroid hormone. Swelling of face/ eyelids is a classic, clinical characteristic. Hypothyroidism can also wreak havoc during your monthly cycle. It's great that you are doing well on the AIP protocol, as it helps by reducing reactive foods that can trigger autoimmunity. Unfortunately though, the only thing that will replace a much needed hormone is the hormone itself. No diet can do that. You are in the right place. Just read the many posts regarding testing, and T3/ T4 replacement and the roadblocks we all face just trying to get the appropriate treatment. Extremely knowledgeable people are on this forum and they can point you in the right direction.

All the best😊

[Ladybex in reply to Ell17]

I’m waiting to see a Rheumatologist as my face and eyes are puffy at times..

Still unsure of my diagnosis 😞

[Ell17 in reply to Ladybex]

I mistook that you were asking as a person already diagnosed with hypothyroidism (of which skin puffiness can be a sign you still aren't getting enough hormone.) In any case, I hope you can find the answers you need. 🙂

[Ladybex in reply to Ell17]

Thank you 😊

[Bertwills]

Hi take a look at the supplement NAC. It’s helped slim and remove puffiness from my face and body down a lot. Be aware though that it doesn’t suit every body! It gave my husband an upset stomach every time. There’s lots of advice and opinion online.

It worked well for me. I buy from Amazon.

[Gilbo72 in reply to Bertwills]

Hi Bertwills, what is NAC? What does it do?

[Bertwills in reply to Gilbo72]

I’m not sure exactly what NAC is but there’s lots of discussion online if you google it.

Try searching TUK too. It has been recommended on this forum before.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Gilbo72]

N-acetylcysteine

Edited to add link to my Abbreviations and Acronyms document which contains this and many others:

dropbox.com/s/og3lmxa1dqadb...

[greygoose]

Have you had your thyroid function tested?

Do you have a diagnosis of any kind?

Are you taking thyroid hormone replacement - levo of something?

I'm afraid we need all the details to be able to help.

[yungnog in reply to greygoose]

Free T3 - 2.3

Reverse T3 - 24

Free T4 - 1.4

TSH - 1.2

Doctor says my free T3 is low & the reverse T3 is too high. He says the others are optimal.

I started T3 5 days ago.

[greygoose in reply to yungnog]

Sorry, but we need the ranges, because they vary from lab to lab.

[puffyface]

Are you taking t3? Have you been diagnosed. I suffer too (clue’s in the name!) but as my levels of hormone are corrected the swelling is less. I also notice it’s worse when I have a period... but then ALL of my autoimmune symptoms are worse. My next step is to try and balance that! I think diet can help a lot...but you need the right meds too. X

[silverfox7]

Correct levels of medication needed and support in place. Get Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin tested. They help you thyroid to work better but need to be optimal, not just in range. SeasideSusie is our expert on this so look at her advice of recommended levels and how at attain that. They also help with conversion problemsand can help reduce some symptoms. Adding supplements can take time particularly if levels are low but it's well worth the effort.