I’ve had cpap machine for years got diagnosed with that first - then my weight kept creeping up till got diagnosed with u thyroid
Trying to lose weight - not going well - make wrong food choices when stressed n tired !
Any one had success with the Cambridge diet ??
The Cambridge Diet is, as far as I can tell from the Wikipedia article on it, a very low calorie diet and a very low fat diet.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_C...
It is, effectively, a starvation diet. Very low calorie diets will reduce your levels of TSH and will also reduce your levels of conversion from T4 to T3, converting more of your T4 to reverse T3. I think it is very possible that such a diet will make you very ill, very quickly.
The other comment I have is that there are three macronutrients in the human diet - carbohydrates, fats and protein. The only non-essential macronutrient is carbohydrate i.e. you can live without carbs. Fats and proteins are both essential nutrients and humans can and do die without adequate intake of them.
If you want to lose weight in a healthy way a low-carb or ketogenic diet or a high protein diet might work for you. The Diet Doctor website has lots of diets of this type, and all the recipes they give are gluten-free :
Good luck.
Do you have recent test results with ranges ? What Levo dose are you on ? Is your T3 optimal ?
I read some of your earlier posts/replies. Did you manage to have vitamins and minerals tested ?
Apologies for the questions which may or may not be linked to your weight gain. The Cambridge Diet could be a shock to the system so worth checking all the basics are optimal rather than bumping along the bottom of the ranges !
Are you taking any other meds ? Supplements ?
Are your thyroid levels correct
How much levothyroxine are you currently taking
What were your most recent thyroid results and ranges
Is your hypothyroidism autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies
Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least annually
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Low vitamin levels common as we get older too
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
List of private testing options
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins
medichecks.com/products/adv...
Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test
bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...
If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3
£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via
If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease). Ord’s is autoimmune without goitre.
About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue too
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Link about Hashimoto’s
thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...
List of hypothyroid symptoms
As far as I am aware weight gain due to thyroid problems is different from normal weight gain.
A friend of mine who has an underactive thyroid went to weight loss classes (don't remember which). When she followed their instructions but lost no weight she was accused of cheating - they obviously didn't understand about hypothyroidism.
Weight gain is most likely to happen if your thyroid is undertreated.
Hi
Fad diets don't work, unfortunately to lose weight and more importantly, keep it off, you've got to make long term, permanent changes to your lifestyle. A diet like the Cambridge, and those milkshake or meal replacement diets, doesn't teach you about making healthy choices.
They're a quick fix and weight loss is rapid but unless you're going to live off milkshakes for the rest of your life they're not sustainable. They are very low calorie, you get bored and hungry very quickly and they aren't cheap either.
The Cambridge diet plan comes with a diet advisor if memory serves, a coach who gives support as well as the product. That is expensive.
I lost a lot of weight by going low carb years ago. I found I needed to eat less because by eating far fewer carbs my blood sugar remained stable and I didn't get the blood sugar spikes and troughs that lead to low energy and craving sweet or fatty food.
When dieting you do need a diet that's healthy, balanced, sustainable, not boring or faddy and affordable. There are hundreds out there, you just need to try them but I would steer clear of the Cambridge diet myself.
Hi
I’ve had recent bloods tests which say everything is fine with new Gp
I take 50 levothyroxine daily
I tried Cambridge for short while - 2/3 products with a low cal meal - did lose 1/2 stone
But then stopped cos had a HUGE amount of stress - well a lot of it is still there - wish could wave a magic wand and make these conditions disappear my life hard enough being deaf without these things and now mental health intertwined with it all 
Sorry just had a very tough couple weeks and wake up achy everyday - not sure I want to be living on paracetamol etc everyday just to get me going - scared I’m going to have to go off sick again
Hi
How long have you been on 50mcg, its only a starter dose and most people with hypo need to increase their dose by 25mcg every 6-8 weeks until their thyroid levels are good.
Do you have your blood test results and the lab ranges available. If you're undermedicated then can make you sluggish, achey, tired and stressed. Plus stress can greatly increase cortisol production which can increase weight gain and cravings.
There's unfortunately not much that can help you reduce the stress in your life, that's out of your control. All you can control is your reaction to it. Maybe try and look at ways of reducing stress in a healthy way like finding an exercise you enjoy, going for a walk, having a luxurious bath, breathing exercises, meditation or mindfulness. If youn manage to reduce your stress levels you might feel better.
I'm so sorry you are going through such a lot. Maybe you've got enough going on at the moment and worrying about losing weight shouldn't be a priority right now. Maybe focus on your stress levels and general health first.
Thank you for taking the time to reply - I’ve been on 50 for about 4/5 yrs since I started them No results available at mo but think I need to go back to the doc it’s just endless circle of them saying it’s all ok. , it’s the stress n trying to get me on the anti ds which I can’t take the side effects are awful
Hi
Yes indeed they are, I have fibromyalgia and chronic pain is an unfortunate side effect. Most painkillers either don't work or I'm allergic to them. I have morphine prescribed for when it's bad.
Some antidepressants are good for chronic pain and are often prescribed. I was on amytriptyline for a while but hated the side effects, sweating, dry mouth, headache, just felt crappy. And the higher the dose the more side effects.
When I finally decided to come off of them the withdrawal was awful, I wasn't taking them for depression but really struggled with very low mood, tearfulness etc.
Don't get me wrong, they have their place and are lifesaving for many people but I sometimes think doctors hand them out too readily. And don't look for physical causes, like underactive thyroid, which causes depression and anxiety.
I'd be inclined to get your last few blood tests from your GP and post them here. You get them online or ask the receptionist to print them off for you, there's no charge.
I've got a strong suspicion that you are undermedicated and it's thyroid related depression. Staying on 50mcg for 4-5 years with no increase seems off. I only got diagnosed in 2020 and I've had 3 dose increases already. When were last bloods done?
Last bloods done last 2 weeks ago Not really in position for private tests - but I’ll look into the Thursday thing n links
I’ll go and get the results and put up here coz really I’m going round in circles
Achy muscles / joint pain / back pain / dry eyes / dizzy episodes / increase of tinnitus / low energy and feeling really down all come back now after a time of Okish !
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
Link re access
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Low vitamin levels common as we get older too
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
Achy muscles / joint pain / back pain / dry eyes / dizzy episodes / increase of tinnitus / low energy and feeling really down
All these are hypothyroid symptoms
But also
Joint pain - low vitamin D
Dizzy and Tinnitus- low B12
So sorry to read you have a GP who is not caring for you correctly.
When a GP says your results are OK/Normal - they mean they are in range ! It is where you are in the range that is so important. Also we read here almost daily that the NHS rarely tests the FT3 which is the most important thyroid hormone - needed in every cell of your body. This is why it is SO important to have copies of all test results with their ranges - you are legally entitled to them so you can monitor your own progress and check what has been missed !
As others have said your dose is a starter dose and you should have been tested every 6/8 weeks until you were on a decent dose and your symptoms were improving.
Are you in a position to have private testing done through Thyroid UK - kits sent to your home and results by email - Special Offers on Thursdays 
Lots of helpful links above from SlowDragon
You are having a difficult time - so without sounding harsh I think it is time to take back control of your health and follow some of the advice given here .... we are here to support you. So start with obtaining all your test results and post them in a new post ....
Thanks Marz - I will do that 👍
Once you start to be your OWN health advocate the world will seem a brighter place ! Positivity will then return !
Surprised you’re functioning at all
Levothyroxine doesn’t “top up” failing thyroid….it replaces it
50mcg levothyroxine is only standard STARTER dose
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine
Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking
Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription
How much do you weigh in kilo approx
guidelines on dose levothyroxine by weight
Even if we frequently don’t start on full replacement dose, most people need to increase levothyroxine dose slowly upwards in 25mcg steps (retesting 6-8 weeks after each increase) until eventually on, or near full replacement dose
NICE guidelines on full replacement dose
nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145/...
1.3.6
Consider starting levothyroxine at a dosage of 1.6 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (rounded to the nearest 25 micrograms) for adults under 65 with primary hypothyroidism and no history of cardiovascular disease.
Also here
cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hypo...
gp-update.co.uk/Latest-Upda...
Traditionally we have tended to start patients on a low dose of levothyroxine and titrate it up over a period of months. RCT evidence suggests that for the majority of patients this is not necessary and may waste resources.
For patients aged >60y or with ischaemic heart disease, start levothyroxine at 25–50μg daily and titrate up every 3 to 6 weeks as tolerated.
For ALL other patients start at full replacement dose. For most this will equate to 1.6 μg/kg/day (approximately 100μg for a 60kg woman and 125μg for a 75kg man).
If you are starting treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism, this article advises starting at a dose close to the full treatment dose on the basis that it is difficult to assess symptom response unless a therapeutic dose has been trialled.
BMJ also clear on dose required
bestpractice.bmj.com/topics...
Having been left woefully under medicated for years you’re likely to have low vitamin levels too
Get hold of your recent test results from 2 weeks ago
Was this test done as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
EXACTLY what vitamin supplements are you currently taking, if any
Hi yes I didn’t take any Levo for the blood tests , I did eat n drink
No vitamins taken atm
The brand is accord
Yes I feel like a zombie atm - just finishing a course of antibiotics cos had a impacted wisdom tooth flared up
I’m exhausted
I’ve got a appt with pyschirist Moro cos I said I can’t take any more anti ds - think it must be all to do with something not right or my thyroid meds - the dizziness, feeling low etc is awful - I’m supposed to be doing a demanding job and I m struggling big time
I’m going to text message the surgery now see what they can do
You need to explain to psychiatrist that you are woefully under medicated for hypothyroidism
Depression and anxiety are EXTREMELY COMMON hypothyroid symptoms
To have been left so poorly treated for 4-5 years is terrible (but sadly not as rare as it should be)
Request psychiatrist test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 and test thyroid antibodies for autoimmune thyroid disease (if not been tested yet)
Having been left very under medicated for so long, you may need to increase dose levothyroxine slowly - 50mcg and 75mcg on alternate days
Accord brand levothyroxine doesn’t make 25mcg tablets. Request GP increase number of 50mcg tablets per month. Then cut 50mcg tablets in half to get 25mcg
Get weekly pill dispenser, so easy to remember to take correct dose levothyroxine everyday
Hi I'm so sorry you've been so neglected by those who are supposed to be looking after your health. Please let the psychiatrist know about your thyroid issues, push for complete throid blood work and let us know how you get on.
I don't know if they can test your vitamin levels like vitamin D and B12, they can certainly contribute to low mood and feeling very rough if they aren't high enough.
Thanks it’s actually like I’m back at the beginning except now fatter
The U.K. weather / dark nights drawing in doesn’t help - just read your story - how wonderful 😀
How much do you weigh in kilo
Multiply your weight in kilo x 1.6 = is likely the approx dose levothyroxine required
But we have to increase dose SLOWLY upwards in 25mcg steps (especially as you have been left under medicated for years)
Get printed copies of your blood test results
TSH should be under 2 as an absolute maximum when on levothyroxine. Most thyroid patients will have TSH around or under one when adequately treated
gponline.com/endocrinology-...
Replacement therapy with levothyroxine should be initiated in all patients to achieve a TSH level of 0.5-2.0pmol/L.
NHS England Liothyronine guidelines July 2019 clearly state on page 13 that TSH should be between 0.4-1.5 when OPTIMALLY treated with just Levothyroxine
Note that it says test should be in morning BEFORE taking levothyroxine
Also to test vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin
sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploa...
Low vitamins linked to being under medicated
Low vitamin levels tend to lower TSH
So it’s essential to regularly retest vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Frequently necessary to supplement to maintain optimal vitamin levels
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