Hashi's & Menopause/HRT - weight loss help!

[Partiallythere]

Hi all,

I have Hashimoto's and have been on levo 75mg with combined HRT (oestrogen patch and progesterone pill) for a few years. Had a total hysterectomy almost 2 years ago, but they left my ovaries, due to extensive endo, adenomyosis and fibroids. But I have literally been stuck in limbo since then.

It's not so much that I can't lose weight, it's more that every week I feel like I'm expanding. Everything that used to work no longer does. Have read unending no of menopause books (more protein, less carbs, the key vitamins) but nothing's working and I think the missing link is that I'm also hypo and there's nowhere I can find to help with losing weight with both hashi's/hypo and menopause.

I started to bump up my levo with half a grain of NDT but I'm not yet feeling any better. I am absolutely terrified of taking too much oestrogen (and causing endo growth) but also worried about overdoing the levo/NDT and becoming hyper (ended up in hospital with crazy heart rate before) so feel like I am just stuck. And in need of expert advice to move me forward, in the right direction.

Does anyone have any advice/tips? I am exhausted from trying and failing, and failing, and failing.

[greygoose]

The only advice I can give you with so little information is to get full thyroid testing done:

TSH

FT4

FT3

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

worried about overdoing the levo/NDT and becoming hyper (ended up in hospital with crazy heart rate before) so feel like I am just stuck.

Well, you can't 'become hyper' for a start. You have Hashi's so you are basically hypo (although you can have false 'hyper' swings after an immune system attack, but those are only temporary, and nothing to do with your thyroid hormone replacement).

You could be over-medicated, on the other hand, but we can't know if you are - or are likely to be - without seeing some numbers: blood test results and ranges. But, it's really nothing to worry about because you'd probably feel so bad that you'd drop your dose pretty quickly. Being over-medicated for the space of six or so weeks between blood tests is not going to do you any actual harm.

So, you're not really as stuck as you think you are.

Post your results and ranges on here when you get them and people will advise on the next step to take.

[derenna343]

Adjusting thyroid medication dosages requires careful monitoring and guidance from a medical professional. screenmirroring.onl/how-to-... Gradually increasing your NDT dose under medical supervision may help alleviate some symptoms, but it's important not to self-adjust without guidance. While there's no one-size-fits-all approach, focusing on a balanced diet that supports thyroid health and overall well-being can be beneficial. Working with a registered dietitian who understands thyroid conditions can help you create a personalized nutrition plan.

[Regenallotment]

this sounds rough, poor thing.

My thyroid hormone replacement started working very effectively when my ferritin rose (after taking a heme iron supplement), so much so I am now over range and coming back down.

Get a few things tested and you will know where you are.

Weight loss happened for me when all these hormones and vitamins were optimal/aligned, (I’m 49, peri with fibroids and Hashi’s) 1kg a month steady weight loss for 11 months. Plus as it came off and I felt better I’ve been able to exercise more and tone some muscle.

Until then eat a balanced veggie rich diet, don’t starve yourself. Zoe podcasts on diet and protein are eye openers. There are a couple on menopause too. Well worth a listen.

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podca...

Maybe consider autoimmune diet too, I went GF and more importantly dairy free which made a huge difference for me. Isabella Wentz books on AI diet are highly recommended, I’ve adapted her recipes to my budget and they make me feel better too.

Lots to explore, keep your chin up, keep the faith, it can be better than this for you 🤗