Hello, I am new here and would value any feedback people may have.
I have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroid (hashimoto's). Is it still safe to do exercise e.g. running, gym and swimming when I feel able to or do I now need to be considering this in light of now having hashimoto's?
Thanks.
Of course it’s safe as long as you can manage the energy for all those things lol. I love working out myself but lately I only have energy to go to work after that I’m dead tired!
Understand and thanks. I too have times of exhaustion.
'Safe' isn't exactly the word I would use. I would say 'advisable'. And, that depends on how much levo you're taking, how well you convert, your FT3 level, how you feel after exercise, etc. As you don't give us any details, it's difficult to say. 
I don't have my results to hand but will post when I do. I have an apppointment next week for further blood tests with GP. Is your FT3 impacted if you overdo exercise then?
Let's say you need a good level of FT3 to be able to tolerate exercise. This is defined by how you feel in the following days. If you are knocked out and achy for the next couple of days, then your FT3 levels are not sufficiently high for the level of exercise you are attempting. And, you should restrict yourself to gentle walking or swimming until your FT3 level rises.
Thanks Gregoose. Of course I have another question or 300! Yes, I am very much achy and tired after exercise days after. Sometimes worse than others. I guess the question is complex as to how you ensure your FT3 level is sufficient and relates to medication?
Not sure I understand that question. You ensure your FT3 level is sufficient by ensuring that you're taking enough medication. But, you would have to get your FT3 tested to know what level it was, and how well you convert levo (T4) to T3.
Hi,
I would do anything that makes you feel good. Listen to your body- if you are tired, go easy with the exercise. I’ve cut back on running since having thyroid issues as it makes my palpitations worse, but I still enjoy spinning & Pilates. Having Hashis has made me think more carefully about having a balanced life & I no longer head to the gym if I’m tired or under the weather. Instead I might just rest or follow a meditation CD.
I don't appear to struggle with palpitations. I have noticed that my heart rate appears to be slower than what I can remember it to be a few years back when I was able to do exercise. Now when I do exercise I have noticed I cannot get my heart rate up to what I know it used to be. There is no way I am fitter either! A question I plan to ask the GP when I next visit. That doesn't mean I don't have other symptoms like exhaustion and pain after exercise though, just not palpitations.
Somewhat restating others but absolutely you should carry on with fitness but don't fight what your body is telling you and concurrently take time to learn about this condition as the role of thyroid is complex with many unknowns and a diverse array of symptoms across public. Its taken me a year to get to grips with my diagnosis and I still learn stuff every month.
Consider this.... your thyroid is like an on-board computer regulating your energy pack. Thyroid issues can affect metabolism and how food is turned unto fuel in your body (i claim no deep expertise). This is something one would want to understand if carrying on with a fitness regime.
However, people can be put on Levothyroine (t4) just because they have elevated TSH blood test. Its risk managament as untreated hypo issues can have negative consequences further down the line. . I have a friend like this and she has no symptoms at all. Hopefully with your GP in short time you will find out where your particular condition is.
After a year of since initial hypo diagnosis and getting over the worst of the fatigue, brain fog, muscle ache and finding myself in bed at odd times of the day I joined a tennis club/gym.
Currently playing tennis 4 x a week, I gym PT session, and odd swim chucked in (and a fair few saunas ).
I have never felt better though in truth I have also spent alot of the summer on a boat so getting very high doses of sunlight . The winter will be telling as it was last winter when I took a dive after thinking I was back on track. This was when I learnt about role of vitamin D (see below).
p.s. At my worst pre-diagnosis I was running out the office door at 5 to go home and dive under the covers for several hours, you'll never get to the gym when like that (and probably shouldn't.)
A couple of other things.
Vitaman D can be good for 'hypo' and sunlight is a great source for this. So if you can exercise outside - all the better. of course do you own research and take expert advice.
Be aware that it is difficult to lose weight when 'hypo', some say impossible. So if you are not achieving your weight goals don't be surprised and cut your self some slack.
oh one more thing don't assume extensive expertise or advice on this subject from your GP, you'll discover more why through this forum over time. not all are up to date on this subject.
good luck
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