Effect of diet, exercise and genetics?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi all

Lately I've been feeling very lethargic and tired out, and in googling came upon a list of hypothyroidism symptoms, many of which I think I have. I will go to the doctor for a blood test as soon as I can, but I wondered why the the symptoms have suddenly become so much more intense. I've had lots of difficult exams lately, so have been exercising less and eating less healthily. Do you find that these things make your symptoms worse?

Both my parents have thyroid conditions (one hypo, one hyper). Do you know if this makes it more likely that I will? I've googled this but can't find anything!

Thanks

Els

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Els, yes I believe there is a hereditary link to thyroid disease.

    I'll private message (aka PM) you a link to a good article and website that explains more. When you see the doctor to request a blood test, if you can, tell them what you've said in this post about being stressed and ask them to test your adrenal glands as well. Adrenal glands can suffer when you are stressed, and this has a knock on effect on your thyroid. There are ither things you can do to help your thyroid - diet, exercise and sleep are top of the list, so you have probably been counteracting a genetic disposition to thyroid disease by the healthy lifestyle you've been leading (well done!).

  • Posted

    Hi ella07334

    I am feeling emotional at the moment so please excusee me if this e mail does not flow as it should.

    In answer to your question egrding causes of hypothyroidism.

    .

    From my research I have learned that stress  and infection as well as some drugs can trigger off a thyroid disorder.

    Other members of this Forum are more knowledgeable than myself but here is my contribution .

    PLEASE SEE BELOW.

    Yesterday I was so disgusted by contradictory information given to me on June 12 by a consultant endocrinological sirgeon that I actally bought a book  costing me £4.85 p from a chemist that was written by a medical doctor.

    By reading part of the book I discovered that some drugs can cause hyperthyroidism for example amioridine.

    I also read that hyperemesis which is a fancy term for excessive vomiting in pregnancy cam also cause a temporary thyroid disorder.

    pregnancy can cause a thyroid disorder.

    AUO IMMUNE DISEASES ASSOCIATED WIth HYPOTHYROIDISM.

     Vitamin B12 deficiency aka pernicious anaemia.

    ADDISONS DISEASE>

    DIABETES MELLITUS.

    Premature ovarian failure.

    VITILIGO.Skin condition in which there are areas of white pigmentation.

    UNDERACTIVITY OF THE PARATHYROID GLANDS.

    ANGINA may be the early sign of hypothyroidism.

    Also feeling cold.

    Muscular spasms and stiffness .

    Hope this helps .

    Jeaan

     

  • Posted

    Hi Ella

    I had omitted to say that there is a genetic link to thyroid disordrs. I have been told that thyroid disorders can even skip a generation so that is important to tell the dr all of this.

    Due to a very bad consultation with an endo surgeon last week I am still feeling at a very low ebb I am afraid.

    However that does not mean that you will get poor treatment.

    Sorry to burden you with this.

    Kind regards

    Jean

     

  • Posted

    Hello Ella: 

    I am an RN- Nurse and live in the USA.  I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease and it runs in familes.

    In short, YES you can inherit thyroid problems from your parents.  Some of the reasons is DNA is your genetic code and you get half from Mum and half from Dad. In certain people it runs dominant in the genes. 

    Now in other cases, some people can get a virus like Epstein-Barr also lnown as "Mono"  and it can cause a lot of stress on the gland.  Also if you get chemo-therapy for cancer it can burn out the gland.  So it can happen from other causes and reasons.

    Thyroid conditions hit women more than men, because our bodies change monthly and we have several hormones that change with our monthly cycle. men can get it, but it is likely to be less bothersome, as they have less changes in their body. It can skip generations also. 

    You can get tested for it and I would recommend it. Also aunts and cousins could have it.  Let your doc. know about your Mum and Dad and ask to be tested.  It is a blood draw and they can see your levels.

    I hope this helps.  be well, Shelly

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