Frustrated and struggling with hypothyroidism

Hi Sarah I have been struggling alot over the past few years witb hypo symptoms but all results have been coming back in normal range. I recently heard about T3 which drs dont normally test and I asked for this to be done. This came back lower than the lower end of normal. I always thought Levothyroxine did the job but recently found out it is T4 synthetic version. If T3 is low could mean that the T4 is not converting to T3 even though tsh n t4 levels are showing as normal resulting in hypo symptoms. I have been off work now with severe problems. So bad I cant afford to wait months to see an endo on the NHS so have paid private to see one - my bloods are being checked this week again for this and also antibodies which could indicate Hashimotos. T3, if required, is available on the NHS. It is a shame symptoms are overlooked and patients are not listened to more. Good luck hope u get sorted Jo x

Hi Sarah my name is Breanna I'm 25 I found out that I had hypothyroidism after I had my daughter I was 20 years old broke my heart for Months I put on the weight and I got very depressed due to my ex-husband he mentally abuse to me after our separation I was determined to work hard which I did a few pounds came off I before was using herbal remedies to help with my thyroid then after losing a baby in 2014, it was due to my thyroid so game pregnant again I really took my health seriously and got on the medication. With being pregnant I was more healthy and gained the minimum weight and lost it all after having him I was back to my pre-weight but I'm still not happy because I'm not back to what I wore really wish I was. I go up I go down I am stuck at this weight Sundays I feel good sound is a down and I eat very healthy and try very hard I have a friend who is opposite and she's 108 pregnant with her second child I am so jealous and I don't want to be but I'm so depressed and want to be my 110 again I pray that things get better for you and for anyone with this horrible disease that sucks

Sarah,

I'm praying you're still following this. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the beginning of this month (early October 2016). I'm 29, no significant symptoms. (Sure, every now and then I get tired - I've been a professional business career woman since I was 23.). Anyway, I was given a prescription for levothyroxine, following a trip to the emergency room and admission to the hospital due to a crazy, still-unexplained oral inflammation - could've been allergy- or virus- related. Anyway, the hospitalist told me I had hypothyroidism and that he wrote me a Rx for levothyroxine and that I could then be discharged from the hospital. The Rx was for a 30 day supply, no refills, and all the instructions I received was "here's a printout about the medication". I followed up with the family practice later that week and a PA basically told me "yeh, so, start taking that immediately and for the rest of your life. You'll feel better." Better than perfectly fine? I'm 29 and most days have more energy than my 23-year old, in-better-shape sister! I started doing my own research and although there some mixed info out there about the best hypothyroid diets, I started a gluten-free diet. I read that essentially gluten and the thyroid have the same metabolic composition which can cause the body to misread gluten in your system for thyroid tissue - and that's what causes your body to send antibodies that attack your thyroid. I've been a vegetarian for about 2.5 years (never felt fatigue/weak/unwell other than normal occasional colds, etc) so soy was a big part of my diet and o love my coffee - but I've cut back a lot on those and have almost completely abandoned them. I'm also working on intaking more non-cruciferous veggies and less cruciferous (I love all my veggies). I'm due for my first endocrinologist appointment this week - I can't wait for it as I'm hopeful for some more answers and direction - but also nervous my natural efforts are going to be completely shut down... I feel I have lost weight - partially due to not eating for almost 2 weeks due to the mouth inflammation - and I believe partially due to the gluten-free diet. (My scale needs a new battery so I can't say for sure, but I can tell by looking in the mirror, and others have noticed.). The biggest thing I've noticed is that my trouble spot (my lower abdomen) has flattened out considerably. I've read you can have a gluten intolerance that doesn't manifest itself with stomach issues, as most people are familiar with. I'm thinking the gluten was causing inflammation and, therefore, puffiness in my abdomen. I used to work out regularly - weight lifting, which I loved - I haven't worked out since the oral inflammation that put me in a lot of pain, left me badly dehydrated, and landed me in the hospital in early October. I have every intention of returning to the gym but I will say, considering mainly just cutting out gluten, soy, and reducing caffeine and sugar, this is the least amount of effort I've ever put into losing weight. (Diet currently consists of fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, quinoa, corn, and occasional in-a-pinch gluten-free alternative products such as burgers or pizza.)

Anyway, I'm wondering how you're doing? Is this working for you? Have you ever taken synthetic hormones?

PS - Had anyone had thyroid nodules? Please let me know your course!

Hi Sarah!  Have you found a solution to your health issues yet?  I believe that I am hypothyroid b/c I have all of the symptoms- unexplained weight gain, water weight, hair falling out, thinning brows, tired even though I get great sleep- I have to beg the doctors to do a full thyroid panel- they act like I want to be hypothyroid.  Waiting the newest results- I have to start on a medication but more confused than ever what to go on

Hi Sarah,

I completely understand what you're going through and can very well relate to it. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in Mar'15 and had started putting on a lot of weight. It was so much that I reach a whopping 85.7kg. I then read about Truweight in the newspaper which stated how they had helped thyroid patients lose weight. I started off with their 3 months program where they assured me that I would lose around 5 - 7kg. At the end of the third month I had lost 15kg. Maybe you want to browse through their website and see for yourself.  https://truweight.in/

I know this is an old post, but incase anyone see this for having same symtoms, maybe please ask your doctor about Armour Thyroid.  Helped my hypothyroidism immediately.  Been on it since Nov. 2007.  

I think you're insulin resistant, which may affect how your body utilizes the T4 medication.  I haven't found enough evidence, so this is just a theory but thyroid hormone affects insulin sensitivity which in turn affects leptin sensitivity.  Try doing a low glycemic, LCHF/keto diet, and not snacking between meals.  I really cannot begin to describe how helpful changing my diet has been for me (better energy, skin and hair, less neck pain.. ) while on thyroid medication.  I found that gluten, soy, and grains cause me to have brain fog and painful joint inflammation.

?Also, thyroid medication can increase your appetite and you may want to try taking it with some food (not iron or calcium).  Lastly, you may have poor absorption (low stomach acid), or be reacting to the dyes or fillers in the medication.  If you have been hypothyroid for a long period you could have other hormonal imbalances (low cortisol or low sex hormones....)

 

Hi Sarah, I would suggest seeing a naturopath.... alongside your GP. You will have to pay although some GPS will now refer you to a naturopath and it is covered on the NHS. Definitely worth investigating as they look at treating the whole person and trying to work out the cause, rather than treating the symptoms... and a second opinion coming from a completely different angle must be helpful if you're feeling so wretched. I think it's worth finding a naturopathic practitioner who specialises in hormone balance but the gut is always a good place to start too... good luck