Thyroid & Weightloss: Hey all ... I’m sure many... - Thyroid UK

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Thyroid & Weightloss

Aslangal profile image
138 Replies

Hey all ... I’m sure many of you on here with hypo conditions will have something to contribute here.

Précis of my story so far ... RAI treatment 12 years ago. Battle to lose weight gained. Lost a massive amount then gained it again. Feeling more like myself again now treatment plan corrected so want to lose weight for good now. Still not confirmed by Doctor if I have Hashimoto’s but my private tests showed high antibodies. Things seem to be steady with my readings and I’ve introduced daily:

Vit D 3000 Better You spray

Selenium 200mg

B12

B Complex combination

Cod Liver Oil

Is a ketogenic eating plan ok with thyroid conditions? I know about GF and introducing that slowly too. I’m not coeliac. Find things like WW demoralising as slogging my guts out and lose no more than 1lb over 8 weeks meanwhile women eating takeaways and drinking heavily lose 2lb a week!

Any advice appreciated. Foods to avoid etc., I’ve got a couple thyroid/Hashimoto’s books to study.

What about weight training? Kettlebells?

Thanks in advance 👋😉

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Aslangal profile image
Aslangal
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138 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

Things may be steady, but are they optimal? Do you have a copy of your latest blood test results? You'll find it very hard to lose weight unless your FT3 is optimal.

Also, is your weight-gain actually fat, or is it mucin/water? If it's not fat, diet and exercise are not going to shift it.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply togreygoose

This is my fear! Have a full thyroid panel booked in for retest next month. Unless I privately test myself again... they did not test my FT3 at my last one! (In spite of me asking and pointing out that it is the most important one) 🙄

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toAslangal

The NHS is very reluctant to test T3. It's not quite clear why. Doctors will tell you it's because it fluctuates, but that's obviously rubbish, so I think it's because they don't understand it. Be interesting to see your full thyroid panel when you get the results. :)

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply togreygoose

Is it a cost thing??

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toAslangal

No, an FT3 test is no more costly than any of the other tests they routinely do and which are of no help to hypos! It's an ignorance thing. Or something more sinister…

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply togreygoose

Bloody ridiculous then! I’m taking in my list for the next blood panel. Don’t see why we should keep paying privately for our tests. I’m writing to my Endo too. 😡

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toAslangal

Even if the doctor orders every necessary test, the lab can refuse to do them. The lab has the ultimate say-so, I'm afraid.

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply togreygoose

This is the looneyist thing I have ever heard a lab over riding a doctors order. This is just wrong the lab people need to stay in their lane and do what the Doctor ordered.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toBatty1

But, the NHS gives them the authority to do that. So, they do it.

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply togreygoose

Well that's wrong and this is a tactic to keep cost down. For me personally I don't want gov't running my healthcare most these people who makes these rules probably never have your problems since they probably get top of the line healthcare and any test they need....terrible.

carriegod profile image
carriegod in reply toBatty1

T3 is used in Europe and elsewhere, the cost is a fraction of here in the UK, where unless you can prove by way of a test not available on the nhs that you cannot convert T4 to T3 your left to feel like 's**t. It criminal how thyroid patients are treated here. Awful.

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply toBatty1

The Labs are instructed to not test anything else if the TSH is in range. When I had my thyroid storm last July I saw my GP a couple of days after as advised by the hospital. It was an American Doctor who was a locum and very good he requested a full thyroid function test. What he got was just the TSH and the Lab threw in a liver function test instead. I did not see him again and after a few days I rang the GPs to be told by the receptionist I wasn't required to make another appointment because everything was normal. I did say I was taken to A & E with a thyroid storm but she repeated your bloods are normal. I then logged into to the GP online services and saw the results myself and my TSH was 0.79 so within range so nothing else was tested except the liver which showed I had been drinking at the wedding. I think that set of my thyroid storm as well as the champagne so I try to avoid them now. I was at my friends wedding in Shropshire so I don't usually drink champagne all the time btw. The NHS does not seem to care about thyroid patients we are being neglected and a lot of people are undiagnosed. I find it scandalous and I am going to continue to badger my newly promoted MP who is now a cabinet member. I think they will now be spending more time in London now and won't be spending much time where I live. I might be wrong but I think my MP is very ambitious.

Mitch27 profile image
Mitch27 in reply toLora7again

Can I ask what a thyroid storm is please and why does the alcohol affect you or is it only certain alcohol ? Asking because since thyroid problems I swell a bit when I drink any wine .and instant red cheeks ...don't drink anything else ... It's like I've gone allergic to alcohol or something ...🙄 I have hashimoto

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply toMitch27

It is when your thyroid dumps too much thyroxine in your blood stream (I have a multinodular goitre). My heart rate increased, as did my blood pressure and I started to sweat and shake. I thought I was having a heart attack so my husband drove me to A & E. I staggered in and collapsed and the nurses took me into a room where they had to hold me down to take an ecg. I though I was dying and kept asking to ring my children to tell them goodbye. That is how terrifying it is but it did pass and the Doctors in A & A told me my heart was ok and they thought it was my thyroid. I presume it was the alcohol but I had also had two cups of coffee with my breakfast which I don't usual do because caffeine can make me feel jittery.

Mitch27 profile image
Mitch27 in reply toLora7again

Thanks .. ever so scary for you ! Luckily it passed ...👍🏼

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAslangal

Cost thing in that if they go t3 route they would be in position to prescribe and it seems levo is very cheap alternative ......no use to poor convertors sadly

Good endos do prescribe if needed

BadHare profile image
BadHare in reply togreygoose

They can’t see we need it if they don’t test, so pretend it’s not important. 🤡🤠🤦🏼‍♀️

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toBadHare

I'm pretty sure that's one of the reasons, yes. But, even if they did do the test, would they actually be capable of recognising the need?

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

Big NO as if in range at all you are ‘normal’

.....i cant grasp a lab can oversee a doctors request ! How can that be

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toCup-cake7

I don't know how it came about, but that's the way it is in the UK - nowhere else in the world, but it is in the UK.

My granddaughter recently had thyroid tests here in France, and the GP ordered TSH, FT4, FT3, TPOab, TgAB, TRAB without me saying a word! He also tested liver, kidneys, diabetes, and a host of other things. It was a really thorough test. And the lab did the lot without question. But, it's not like that in the UK, I'm afraid.

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

No def not could do with that for sure!! All about the consequences i guess, that range of tests very impressive i feel a macdonalds coming on 🤔. Joke

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toCup-cake7

lol

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

And how do they get their ranges i wonder

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toCup-cake7

Ah, that was all explained in a post a while ago, but I didn't bookmark it - silly me! And I can't remember who posted it - helvella maybe?

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

Not important just wondered if its same format

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toCup-cake7

You mean the same method of determining ranges? Or the same ranges? As far as I know the method of determining ranges is the same as in the UK, but ranges seem to be more universal - and totally different to UK/USA ranges, from what I've seen.

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

Ok. Thanks.

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

Ps. If you wanted any tests, way to go maybe?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toCup-cake7

What? Come to France and get them? Might have been an option last year. This year, who knows!

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

Lol. No i meant if you ever wanted your own numbers - seem to remember you cant get private testings as in Medichecks etc

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toCup-cake7

As far as I know, there are no private testing companies in France, no. But, there's probably not much call for them, anyway.

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

No esp as thorough.......what a sad nhs its feeling

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toCup-cake7

It is sad, yes. And, it can't be blamed on the NSH being poorer than the French health system, because they're always going on here about the deficit - le trou dans le Sécu! - probably caused by gross over-prescribing by the majority of doctors! I was even prescribed bicarbonate of soda, once! When I could have just gone to the supermarket and bought it - it was the same box! The pharmacist was amazed to discover it was sold in supermarkets! lol But, I'm rambling again…

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

....yes similar things here are cheaper off shelf than paying for a script!😳 mad

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

Probably bad use and control of finances to benefit drug companies obvs

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

Yes. La folie !!🤷‍♀️

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply togreygoose

Ps

You Would possibly need to act a bit despairing of your symptoms so doc ran the tests for you 🤔. May not be easy peasy to do but doable,

Im sure you ok without your numbers 😊 just a silly

JGBH profile image
JGBH in reply togreygoose

In France they are thorough in investigation, usually. NOT the case here!

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply togreygoose

I don't know how it came about, but that's the way it is in the UK - nowhere else in the world, but it is in the UK.

Sadly for Canadians, it is true in Canada too.

thyroidpatients.ca/2019/10/...

Edit : Wow, this post appeared miles away from the one I was actually replying to!

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply tohumanbean

Really? I didn't know that. That's terrible.

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply togreygoose

Does your granddaughter have thyroid disease as well? I was just wondering because I think my daughter is getting it. She refuses to have a more detailed test and is having treatment with a voice coach for her vocal cord nodules. She also has high liver enzymes and low iron as well as a TSH of 2.4. She is on a permanent diet and would not eat any pudding when she stayed with me over the last few days.

Mitch27 profile image
Mitch27 in reply toLora7again

My daughter the same ..suddenly putting on weight for no reason and battling to lose it and very high ferritin ..I told her to get doctor to do full thyroid tests as mine was undiscovered for years .. they just put me on low doses of levo and kept increasing with no signs of improvement .. until a doctor finally diagnosed hashimoto about two years ago .. and still left me in levo .. however I now self Medicate !!!

in reply togreygoose

The reason I was always given is it's because I don't have thyroid cancer. My DIO2 gene is faulty and no blood tests show this. Even going privately Dr Barbara McGowan had never heard of it and that cost me £250, she therefore did routine bloods, came back normal so wrote to GP I didn't need meds!! Be careful which private Endo you pay to see

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to

Lol Well, you have to give them credit where it's due! They can come up with some ingenious excuses!

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply togreygoose

My FT3 3 months ago was 4.73 looking at my earlier post.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toAslangal

Please always put ranges with results. Results cannot be interpreted without the ranges and ranges vary from lab to lab.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply togreygoose

Ranges below

Fran6500 profile image
Fran6500 in reply togreygoose

Hi there, would appreciate you clarifying how to know if it isnt fat? What is mucin?

Only have fat on my stomach/mid section and cannot seem to reduce although I have lost a couple of kilos over several months. but not in that area!!

Just been prescribed T3 - one week in and only taking a quarter of a tablet with 88 mcg of Levo - but hoping the blood tests due early March will allow an increase in that dosage and therefore assist with more weight loss.

Appreciate any info.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toFran6500

Mucin is a componant of skin. It is a substance very much like mucus. Hypos have an excess of mucin under their skin, and it attracts and holds water.

If your excess weight is due to fat, you will be able to pinch your skin up, the skin will be loose. If the excess weight is due to water-filled mucin, you won't be able to do that.

Good that you have been prescribed T3, but you are only on a very small dose of thyroid hormones still. Hopefully you will get an increase soon. :)

Fran6500 profile image
Fran6500 in reply togreygoose

Many thanks. Great information - will check my fat area later!

Yes, very low dose. Doctor is very careful (I live in Portugal) but am hoping to have increase after next blood tests. Fortunately (or unfortunately) her husband has thyroid problems so she really does her research and tries to understand how to treat it. But it has taken nearly 2 years to be prescribed T3 and I have to find one specific Pharmacy to provide it.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toFran6500

Yes, being too cautious can be a drawback. Staying too long on too low a dose can make it harder to recover. If I were you, I'd chivvy her along a bit. You can increase T3 by 1/4 tablet every two weeks quite safely.

Fran6500 profile image
Fran6500 in reply togreygoose

thanks. 24 days till I see her again after the blood tests so will think about that.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal

Sorry (flicking between screens) 4.62 pmol/L Range 3.1 - 6.8

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toAslangal

That's rather low. Not even mid-range. You'd probably need it higher than that to be able to lose weight.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply togreygoose

Honestly @greygoose it is exasperating. I ask every single time, even with the Endo, what is my FT3? They still have not checked it beyond my private result I just gave you. I’ve a friend who is a Phlebotomist. Should I get a Medichecks blood draw thyroid panel and get her to do it?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toAslangal

Might be a good idea, yes.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toAslangal

When you want to draw a member's attention - and I note you've done it correctly i.e .@greygoose but you have to wait some seconds so that a selection appears below and when you click on the name it turns to blue i.e.

Aslangal

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toshaws

Ah right! 😉 thanks

Kip4 profile image
Kip4 in reply togreygoose

I’m following Keto, I’m GF and currently lose about 1lb a week. My T3 result was 3.7, range is 2.60 - 5.70. Would you say it would need to be higher to lose quicker or should I just be happy I’m losing at all? Thank you in advance.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toKip4

I don't think it works like that. How do you feel apart from the weight-loss? Personally, I would want/need my FT3 a lot higher than that. But, we're all different.

Kip4 profile image
Kip4 in reply togreygoose

I feel well, sometimes tired but that’s lifestyle. I’ll quit while I’m ahead then, thank you and I wish everyone well on your journey 😃

Linzd profile image
Linzd in reply togreygoose

If your FT3 is low, what can you do to improve that? My doctor is ok with my thyroid #s since my TSH is .88 and says that is not what is causing me to not be able to lose weight, which I do not agree with. Is there anything I can do to increase my FT3 without increasing my thyroid meds?

fuchsia-pink profile image
fuchsia-pink

Don't bother with the diet shakes - most contain soy.

I agree with greygoose : it's near enough impossible to lose weight unless your T3 is good.

I do the restricted eating thing [at least 6 days a week, I eat in a 12 noon to 7pm window] and that has kept my weight stable and has other health benefits. Others have found it effective for weight-loss.

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply tofuchsia-pink

I had and Endo tell me if I wanted to lose weight after my thyroidectomy I should drink 2 diet shakes per day and a sensible dinner (salad) is what he meant.... You can pack a ton of calories into a shake!

I told the jerk I wouldn't need to drink diet shakes if he just did his job, fired shortly after he was just horrible.

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply toBatty1

When I was ill I had no appetite so I lived on complan because I was worried I would become too thin again. I have been a size 8 in the past. I am now a size 10 and weigh 9.12 stone after losing 1 1/2 stones without trying. I think my thyroid is working well at the moment because I am eating loads of food and I am always hungry.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal

My weight has stayed exactly ... exactly the same to the decimal point every single time I have been weighed at appointments. I think that’s proof right there on the T3. Will write out my list and take it in. If they don’t check it all - I’m going private.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal

What test tells you if you are insulin resistant?

MMaud profile image
MMaud in reply toAslangal

Fasting blood glucose, plus a fasting insulin test allows that to be calculated.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Make sure you test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 too

Are you on strictly gluten free diet?

Or tried it

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toSlowDragon

Yes will retest those. No just starting to cut things out anyhow by following Ketogenic/low or no carbs in past two weeks 😀

FancyPants54 profile image
FancyPants54 in reply toAslangal

I made myself very unwell going very low/no carbs a number of years back. I did it because my gluten free diet and exercise regime had stalled on weight loss and it was all the rage. I felt like death for a month and even though I reintroduced carbs, I have never been well again since. That's when my thyroid became a problem and other things kicked off.

Beware the very low carb. I don't think it's good for us. We are already broken. And to say you are doing all that and still only loosing about a 1lb a week, something else isn't right.

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAslangal

Think we vary but my t3 similar number the slimmjng world i lost nothing so that showed me i needed fats as we do

I lost 1st 9 in 8 months ( still hypo) by strictly good fats protein lots of veggy and no sugar, hard but got me into wedding outfit

We Can!!!

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toCup-cake7

Well done and am sure you loved your Wedding Day to remember.

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toshaws

Thnx. Yes a proud mum if bride in reasonable outfit 🙃 Weight went straight back on just by a few old ways

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toCup-cake7

Encouraging!

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAslangal

Good luck, my t3 was still down there at the time

Was strict, but felt better for,the food, gf mainly. And bread rarely just when I wanted egg on toast lol. But so nice with butter on

Had peanut butter on gf oatcake for,treat, had popcorn if desperate and in options so,didn't feel deprived and some sugarfree sweets. They not good for kidneys so not in multiples

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toAslangal

Inspired me to get cracking. That was options btw. Got to be naughty lol

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply toAslangal

I'm going to try and rewire my thought process this is (going to be hard) instead of worrying about weight LOSS I'm going to try to become healthier (going to tell myself that I need to be healthier) so I'm not so disappointed when weight loss doesn't happen but maybe feeling healthier will be good too. Right now I feel like a snail and actually think a snail is faster then me 😉

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toBatty1

When I went gluten-free the weight dropped off. Family were worried and started to convince me that I had gone a little too far :) I'm now back to 'normal' weight.

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply toshaws

How much overweight were you? How much did you lose? I tried gluten free never felt better or worse.

My biggest issue is psoriatic arthritis it's nearly impossible to exercise without being cripple for a couple days afterwards. I cut back on my calories although right now sucks because my kitchen is torn apart because of kitchen reno..

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toBatty1

First I'm very sorry you have psoriatic arthritis which must be awfully painful. It's stated if we have one autoimmune condition we can develop others. I have four (I hope I don't get any more).

I wasn't particularly overweight, I thought I'd go gluten-free as it was stated that it can be helpful when you've an autoimmune disease. I have four.

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply toBatty1

Being gluten free did nothing for me either.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toshaws

Had you struggled before @shaws?

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply toAslangal

I had struggled to get a diagnosis - I was told this that or anything but hypo.Even had an operation on my throat which was unnecessary. I myself had known no-one who was hypothyroid and levothyroxine, made me feel much worse. I then went onto T4/T3 and improved a lot but it wasn't until I went onto T3 alone that I recovered. Unfortunately for us who struggle with hypo and don't get an optimum dose that suits us, it can be a long and weary road. Going gluten-free reduced my weight too much.

The fact too that it seems Endocrinoligists or doctors seem to believe that levothyroxine alone suits everyone but that's definitely not the case. For instance some people can eat a particularly food but another person may be badly affected. We should definitely be permitted to trial whatever may make us well again, which is a great feeling when it happens.

Many members have had to source their own thyroid hormones which, I think, is beyond the pale. We shouldn't be forced to, but again the 'supposed to be experts' wont change their minds that some people cannot recover upon levothyroxine alone.

Scientists and researchers have also proven that T4/T3 can work wonders to relieve symptoms. Other patients find that NDT works best for them. Isn't it unfortunate that the 'experts' have had to deny that for some levothyroxine doesn't improve patients health and may, in fact, give them more unpleasant symptoms than before they were diagnosed.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toshaws

Yep! 👍🏻 I feel like I’m in an episode of The Prisoner (before my time I might add 😉) ... ‘I’m not a number! I’m a thyroid sufferer!’ 😂

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toBatty1

👍🏼

Jodypody profile image
Jodypody

I think as a hypothyroid sufferer it’s more difficult to shift weight even when your T3 levels are optimal but it’s a damn sight harder when they’re not. I think as a nation we over estimate how much we can eat because of the age old 2000 calories per day crap. Honestly if I are 2000 calories per day I would pile weight on. I weight train most days of the week for an hour and I’m talking heavy weights followed by sprints on the treadmill and following a 1400 calories per day (strict tracking) and I’m barely losing a pound a week. I’m only 5ft 3 so that makes a difference and 51. If you do a BMR check you might be surprised as to how little you are entitled to calorie wise. 2000 just isn’t realistic unless you’re a 6ft Amazonian 😂 or metabolically blessed which we aren’t. Sorry to harp on but we have to accept the cards we are given and fight this disease

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toJodypody

I was trying to stay to 400 cals or less for each meal x 3

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply toAslangal

1200 calories, how did it work for you did you lose or stay the same?

If you can you should check out this magazine by Time Magazine (The science of weight loss) interesting reads but of course has nothing about having thyroid disease or being thyroidless but interesting stuff that talks about the biggest loser participants (U.S. tv show) almost every participant gained 80% of their weight loss back EXCEPT 2 gained back their loss and more while 2 actually stayed the same. It's interesting magazine and it does make you think about dieting and weight loss.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toBatty1

Thanks will look at that

Jodypody profile image
Jodypody in reply toBatty1

That’ll be because it’s easier to obtain than sustain

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply toJodypody

That’s true but according to science and this magazine they are saying that people who lose weight I think it’s 50lb or more (I could be wrong) don’t have article in front of me essentially cause their bodies to need 700 less calories per day and if they gain weight back it does not change this calorie deficit you will always need 700 less calories ... I wonder If this is really true and how Does this plays into people without a thyroid mostly those that have lost weight loss prior to thyroidectomy and gained it back after....I never stopped exercising and dieting after my surgery and yet I still gained weight even reducing my diet from the recommend 1200 calories and how many less calories does someone without a thyroid really need ? I gained on 1200 I can only think I need 600 per day which is dangerous territory.

Most thyroidless from my reading gain weight after surgery is this because most of us had lost weight prior ? I’m just shooting out a thought, no proof behind what I’m saying but it does seem plausible.

Jodypody profile image
Jodypody in reply toBatty1

I found I put weight on when I tried to do 1200kcal per day plus doing insanity (HIiT) for 44/50 minutes 6 days per week before I got my diagnosis. I have to be optimal or close to for anything to happen but boy it’s really easy to put on. Going down to 600 is not advisable. Getting within optimal range is but even then it’s bloody hard. Going back to dieters though it’s difficult as people don’t realise that it’s a lifestyle not a diet.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toBatty1

Ordered that article Batty1

vocalEK profile image
vocalEK in reply toJodypody

My trainer advised me to not do weights 2 days in a row. She explained it this way: Lifting weights creates little tears in the muscles. When these tears heal, the muscles build up -- get stronger. You need to take time off from lifting to allow the muscles time to heal.

So I meet with her on Tuesdays, when she give me my new program. I go back on Friday and Sunday mornings to practice the program. She writes it out and takes a photo of it with my phone so I know what to do.

Another issue might be that exercising too much or too hard seems to slow down the metabolism for some reason.

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply tovocalEK

I would be careful using weights my son who is super fit and goes to the gym several times a week has a bad back now. He is paying to see someone because he is pain and I blame the weight lifting. Also my son-in-law who is a similar age and also does weights with his personal trainer has a groin strain. I had to chuckle when his little son accidentally kicked him in that area when being struggled with because he did not want to get dressed.

vocalEK profile image
vocalEK in reply toLora7again

My personal trainer is very skilled in working with elderly out-of-shape folks like me. She doesn't have me dead-lifting barbells loaded with tons of plates. I work with small (5 lb to 10 lb at most) dumbbells and kettle bells. She is very careful to make sure my form is good so that I don't injure myself. When I first started working with her I couldn't get out of a chair without using my upper body (e.g., a counter to grab onto). Now I do squats holding an 8 lb kettle bell.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply tovocalEK

Brilliant! Well done 👍🏻

Jodypody profile image
Jodypody in reply tovocalEK

Honestly? That would only apply if you were working the same body part day after day and even then.... Your body will let you know. Do what you feel. You may surprise yourself

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toJodypody

I used to do weights when I competed in karate but working different body parts on alternating days but ... it’s been a while! 😱

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply toAslangal

Lol

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply tovocalEK

Trainers telling you not to do weight training 2 days in a row to prevent (DOMS) delayed onset muscle soreness and it takes a long time to see any real muscles (being a lady and all) we have more fat and Men however are blessed because they naturally have more muscle then us ladies:(

Jodypody profile image
Jodypody

That’ll do it as long as you’re consistent. It’s an uphill battle (literally) but worth it in the end. As I say we’ve been dealt these cards and you either shrug your shoulders or knuckle down. It gets me down now and again when my partner is so in shape and can eat so much more than me and gets great results doing half as much!!!

mandyjane profile image
mandyjane

weight issues are so very complex. I can only share my experience of what has helped me. You do need to get your thyroid treatment optimal and that is unlikely if you rely on a doctors opinion and treatment so post your bloods. I think when we are hypothyroid our bodys crave food more than healthy people, it is trying to get the energy and nutrician unavailable due to our illness but often because we are poorly treated and unaware long term we resort to dieting and exercise that leads to disordered eating and habits that a hard to break. It can be hard to find a way to normalise eating. One of the keys for me has to have been looking at' how' I eat rather than' what' I eat. I have in the past been impulsive, tending to crave and binge and I have eaten too quickly. I have found regular mindfulness has dealt with those habits and I have also found calories counting that aims to reduce weight very very slowly or maintain weight a good way to normalise eating. I have also watched for cravings of particular foods seeing that if something is addictive and I have been craving long term, like for me cows milk, it is probably not good for me. Short term cravings or non specific craving I have often found to be due to low iron or magnesium. I avoid sugar as it tend to make me want more and more. Over eaters anonymous is a good place to observe your eating habits and get support around making changes. Finally I have decided to try to eat in a way that is consistant with me as a person and am gradually moving away from eating most meat. I could never kill a pig or big animal and if feels out of character therefore for me to eat one. I have killed fish before now, to eat and think I could shoot a pheasant so I have become a game eater both fish and bird so that my eating is consistant with who I am.

I do exercise that I enjoy. my build is not that of a runner but I enjoy aqua fit and walking in the countryside

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply tomandyjane

Thanks for that. None of us are the same are we and it’s good to remind ourselves of that. 😀

Aunds profile image
Aunds

Hi Lynn193. I have Hashimoto and the only time I’ve lost weight is on the Keto diet, that said it only works when your T3 is in the upper 75% of the range, but then Keto does work. I did it with my husband who seems to have a fast metabolism and less to loose than me but we were loosing about the same each week. I would say if you do Keto it has to be the less than 20g carbs per day to loose weight, it’s harsh and I felt unwell for the first week. Thereafter I settled and once you’ve lost the weight you want you can increase the carbs to a healthier number so you can eat fruit and more vegetables. I hope this helps I know how miserable it is.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toAunds

What about eggs (a LOT in Keto!) and dairy? How did you manage that? 😀

Ozzyfudge profile image
Ozzyfudge

Hi Lynn 193 have you had a blood test to see if you are deficient in Selenium ? Only I was told to take it by my endo I asked him if I should have a blood test , he said if you want ! So I did and I was at the top end so he quickly told me not to take it as it is toxic if you gave too much , I too can’t lose any weight it makes me very depressed, good luck to you x

Cup-cake7 profile image
Cup-cake7 in reply toOzzyfudge

Hi iv wondered about iodine test? Medichecks have stopped this one unsure why

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toOzzyfudge

No but advised by Endo that 200ug per day was a good place to start. What test measures selenium @ozzyfudge?

Ozzyfudge profile image
Ozzyfudge in reply toAslangal

Hi blood test it’s toxic if you are not deficient in it I believe , my endo phoned me direct in a Sunday to tell me not to take it so I guess it was important for him to do that , so do check it out first x

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toOzzyfudge

Ok will check that!

BadHare profile image
BadHare

Try one if the forms of intermittent fasting, eating for better gut health (high fibre away from thyroid hormone intake, avoid processed foods), increase good fat & moderate your carbohydrate intake. Lots if interesting & free info on Chris Kresser’s website re all the above. I find sticking to an 8 hour eating window allows me to eat twice as much & I’m not hungry as long as I eat well & keep my gut bacteria happy.

My friend developed PA immediately after RAI. Try you B12 as sublingual to see if that helps you feel better. I inject B12 now. I haven’t list weight but need 20% less thyroid hormone.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toBadHare

@badhare thank you. Do you inject your B12?

BadHare profile image
BadHare in reply toAslangal

I do now as it's cheaper than the sublinguals that worked best for me, though the latter helped my symptoms.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toBadHare

@BadHare I missed this earlier - what is PA?

BadHare profile image
BadHare in reply toAslangal

Pernicious anaemia. There’s a HU forum for this, too.

Duchy82 profile image
Duchy82

I've lost a total of 26kg or 4st over the years since I got diagnosed, that's all the weight I gained when my thyroid stopped working and some on top as I've always been overweight before diagnosis. The trick is to be patient, find something that you can stick to and find easy to do. I have done that through calorie counting and naturally reduce my carbs but not low carb. I have gained some weight back (I had lost 5.5st in total) so I'm going back to it and try and include exercise but been a little lazy on the activity front which is probably why its crept back on.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toDuchy82

Well done. I lost 7st before but on Lighter Life. No way am I doing that again. 😀

Duchy82 profile image
Duchy82 in reply toAslangal

Wow that's a lot of weight I'm kind of familiar with lighter life that's quite a strict plan. I use an app to calorie count so I'm only as strict as I want to be.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toDuchy82

Don’t do it. Try keto or the intermittent fasting/low carb

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toAslangal

By the way ... I reckon I had Hashimoto’s probably and depressed about knocking my pan in exercising and depriving myself for months at WW - I turned to LL in desperation. It worked but eating real food has to be better way and also more sociable 😉

Duchy82 profile image
Duchy82 in reply toAslangal

Haha I had no intention to go anywhere near I like food too much. Calorie counting seems to work for me, 2lb down this week so I'm happy with it 😊

AnneTeke profile image
AnneTeke

I was diagnosed with underactive thyroid 20 years ago and have been on thyroxine 100mg for that time. I really struggle with keeping my weight down. The most effective diet I have found is the Keto. I found the book The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate living by Jeff Volek and Stephen phinney very helpful.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toAnneTeke

Thanks I’m paid up on Diet Doctor so combining that with Meal Prepping to avoid snacking and impulse eating through not wanting to cook.😀

Phoenix605 profile image
Phoenix605

It took me a long time to get diagnosed and then optimal, first on levo and then on NDT. By that time I had gained 7 stone. Years ago i tried both WW and SW with some success but not once hypo. I came across a post on here about keto and found a site called Diet Doctor very helpful, explained it very well including how difficult the first month can be and how to reduce the effects of Keto flu. I wasnt convince I could do it but it was a last resort!

There is no getting round the fact the first month is very hard especially if you are used to a fair amount of carbs and starches, you go through withdrawal and the symptoms can unpleasant and reminiscent of hypo - tired, achey, irritable, lack of energy, headaches. But if you persevere it does subside as your body adjusts

I am losing weight at a reasonable rate and if I dont it is purely because Im not sticking to it properly. I did need to play around with the numbers a bit, I find I need to keep to 15g of net carbs a day to stay in good ketosis and i do regulate calories a little, i found my best weightloss is at around 1800 much higher OR lower stalls me. On the plus side it is a gluten free plan and when I do stick to it religiously my blood pressure drops back down to normal as well.

I have not found any adverse effects in relation to my hypo since going keto, my bloods are still optimal and I feel as well as if not better than I have in a very long time and I have lost 3 stone, hope that helps.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toPhoenix605

That’s great info. Well done on your weightloss. 👏

Mitch27 profile image
Mitch27

It's Been an interesting read on this post ladies .. in one way it's nice to know you're not alone in the forever never losing weight battle !! I remember each time I'd tell the doctors I keep putting in Weight for no reason ..you could see their brains ticking .. yes right ...secret eaters I'm sure as you don't just put on weight for no reason!!! 🙄🙄 It's been very frustrating going from 8/9 stone to 15 stone ...the first three stone in put on in three months !!! I battled and battled to loose and weight ..eve. After contracting hepatitis A on a work trip to Africa ..sick for weeks .. but the first week I ate nothing at all .. drank very little except hot water ...and lost not even 1kg ....how is that possible ???? 🤔🤔.. now finally 15 years later a new doctor explains I obviously don't convert T4 ..sends me to a new endo where basically she just confirmed hashimoto. My doctor said why didn't she put you on T3 ? No idea ... Do doctor rang endo office to be told they no longer prescribed T3 due to cost !!! So this is when I first heard about all the conversion stuff .. T4 to T3 etc ... I joined some support sites like this one ...and learned even more ..that my sad story was not just by own ..but like reading my life story over and over again through so many others struggling with weight and symptoms. .. and I wasn't a nutjob imagining it all !!!!! I have now ditched levo and self Medicate .. my endo tests me and helps to find the right dose as that fluctuates as well .... I also lost nearly 2 stone over 9 months ...no change to my diet at all which just proved that levo was not helping my me in any, way ..besides the weight all the aches and pains as well. I'm now at a point where weight loss has stopped and levels all over the place and very high ferritin ... (Been referred to haematolgist for this ..).. and once again frustrated ... But hey ho .. it's all a learning curve with hashimoto and trial and error regarding diets and cutting down on things .. I'm just hoping it will a kick in again with diet and exercise as I have my daughter's wedding in December and a dress I have to fit in to as I love it and I bought it two sizes smaller as it was the only one that had ...😂🙈🙈. Good luck to us all on this rollercoaster ride ...🤞🏼🤞🏼

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toMitch27

Aw Mitch ... that sounds very similar to me. And you are right. Thank God for sites like this and the help Thyroid UK & British Thyroid Association give. Or where would we be?? I’m sure you will get in to your dress 👗 for your daughter’s wedding 👰Keep persevering on. 😀

DGHT profile image
DGHT

Hi Lynn193

I have always struggled for years, even before my diagnosis (I have Hashimoto's Disease) to keep my weight close to the healthy BMI range. This often required a lot of exercise and keto diet and being so strict and depriving myself of things.

Nothing had worked since being diagnosed. I have calorie counted and tried slimming world commiting myself to both for 4 months each with minimal weight loss which was very frustrating and disheartening when others around you are easily achieving their goals without too much effort or deprivation .

I went GF as I still had lingering pain, swelling and inflammation and this helped a lot with this. I remain Gluten Free and plan to forever.

I did a lot of research around Intermittent Fasting and decided to give this method a fair trial and have succeeded in losing 23 lbs so far in 6 months. I started eating within an 8 hour window and now do a mix of eating in a six hour window and four hour window during the week and eight at the weekend but it did take months for my body to adjust to the shorter windows.

Weight loss is often 1/4-1/2 most weeks, some weeks with no weight loss but I now eat anything I want, I have a very calorific and satisfying lunch or evening meal, often followed by dessert and a cup of tea and bar of chocolate every day. I have one meal out and one takeaway (at least) every week. Even though I am mindful of having nutritious food, no food groups (except gluten) are off the table. I do not limit carbs or sugars or fat. I eat till I am full and satisfied and it is so so nice not to have to deprive myself of anything (except gluten) anymore.

I joined some FB groups online and people often lose a lot more than me weekly but I accept that my journey is different from theirs and because I find this lifesyle so easy because I am not missing out or depriving myself, it is much easier to accept the weeks I don't lose weight as I know a week or two later the scales will be moving in the write direction again.

This year was the first at Christmas when I overindulged and ate whatever whenever I fancied that I only put on 0.8lbs instead of the usual 8-10lbs!

I still have more weight loss to go around 9lbs to be my pre pregnancy weight, but I am hopefull I will a achieve this in time. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's following the birth of my child.

The only exercise I do is gentle Yoga once a week and this hasn't changed for three years. I have a damaged shoulder so weight training is off the table. Personally I have found that I have to continue to be gentle with myself as too much exercise knocks off the equilibrium I now have with my health. I can do the odd walk or bike ride okay.

I am on T3 only (40mcg in three divided daily doses. When my endocrinologist tests it (at my reqest) it is often over the upper limit as he will only test it a 'peak serum' level so he makes me keep taking my medication as normal and not leaving the 12hr window. I know it is not what is recommended but if it is what is necessary to keep prescribing T3 only, I have to follow his direction.

Although I actively work on my nutritional issues, they continue to not to be in the optimal ranges and I continue to lose weight.

I wish you success on your weightloss journey.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toDGHT

Dear DGHT

Thank you so much for your reply. Very helpful and resonated with me on so many levels. I have a Labrador so walk her at least twice a day if not three times most days but have a multi gym anyway so was going to add in a little legs and arm work. I can’t believe how much I have learnt about that wee butterfly 🦋 organ in our throats over the past year! And how complex and intricately made we are. It definitely pays to be proactive and invested in being our own advocate with regards to our thyroid conditions. 😀

SuzieD profile image
SuzieD

Hi. I am doing wheat belly way of eating. You can find this on fb. Dr Davis wheat belly. Lots of closed groups for wheat belly too. It’s made a massive difference to my symptoms.

Dr Davis is quite tuned in on thyroid too. Plus he also has thyroid problems. He’s a top heart specialist too. Knows his stuff.

He has even given me advice for my thyroid.

Check him out.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply toSuzieD

Will do thank you 😉

phototg profile image
phototg

I have read on another forum that a keto diet is not good for hypos. We need to have some carbs and cutting calories too drastically is apparently the single most worst thing you can do. I have read that the Macro diet is good for hypos, I've read a bit into it but not following it yet. I will try to find the link to it or you can research it online. I am now in a hurry to get to my surgery for latest bloods. Best of luck with your weight loss. I've gained 4 stone and haven't lost an ounce yet, so I am going to try the Macro diet next.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply tophototg

Thanks! I will look at that 😀

thyroidx100 profile image
thyroidx100

I have no thyroid gland and lactose intolerance last year the doctors supposedly was going to change my medication to lactose free. Still waiting I guess then only I will lose weight. Tried everything to lose weight nothing happens. I'm also asthmatic. Bloating is a nightmare.

Aslangal profile image
Aslangal in reply tothyroidx100

I can’t remember who posted a link recently but it was all the Levo brands and lactose free ones were marked clearly. Did you check your current brand has lactose in it?

Eddie83 profile image
Eddie83

If I reduce my dosage of T3 (liothyronine) too much, I start gaining. I am on both levothyroxine and liothyronine because I am intolerant of levo above the 50mcg/day level. I try to keep my FT3 test in the middle of the 2.77-5.27 pg/ml range my lab uses. I consider FT3 the single most important thyroid test.

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