Hypothyroidism

[Nickle00]

I had some blood tests taken about a week ago because I've been having some problems sleeping and my doc wanted to check out my bloodwork before sending me to the neurologist. Well it came back and I have hypothyroidism. He said my thyroid is REALLY weak and I've always had a problem with my weight. I've been working out about 3-5 days/week for about 6 months and still haven't lost weight. I'm toning out but don't seem to lose any weight. I'm now on a medication called synthroid and am wondering if anyone has ever taken it. If so, can you tell me if I will start to lose weight now that I'm on it. It should help to speed up my metabolism, right? Thanks guys!! Peace & Love!! :sunny:

[hopi100]

Hey, Nickle! I'm on Synthroid too, and it's evened everything out for me. Honestly, I started feeling better in just a couple of weeks -- which was quite surprising.

As you probably know, the results of Synthroid aren't the same for everybody, and every person's thyroid levels itself out in its own time. So, I hate to say it, I have no idea when your situation will stabilize. But I CAN say that it will indeed level out if you keep up with your daily meds and your bloodwork.

As far as weight-loss goes, I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I've found that we hypothyroid folks will always have a harder time keeping our weight under control. But with exercise, it can definitely be done as long as our thyroid is regulated. And, yes, once your thyroid is regulated again, your metabolism will probably start working its way back to normal too. :vebo:

OK, that's enough to now. PM me if you wanna! :)

[LucidAnne]

i have hypo too.
ive had it for awhile, so i dont remember really how it affected me, but i do hear other people always say theyve noticed a change almost right away.

just FYI: dont eat soy w/in 2 hours of taking synthroid ..it can inhibit the absorption. same as calcium pills.
its best to take it on an empty stomach.

if you cant, take it the same way every day...for example, if you only have a half hour before eating, take it that same way all the time... so that it is one less variable when you and your doc are trying to figure out doses.

[karenlovessnow]

My co-worker takes Synthroid. She continues to be overweight and diets continually. I think it's more that she is not committed to eating healthy or exercising. If you've only been on it a few weeks I say stick it out and see how it goes. You may need some fine tuning as to dosage. Good luck! :)

[Cissy]

My mom takes synthroid, it's helped her tremendously. It can take awhile to get just the right dosage though.

[Amy SF]

Another person with hypothyroidism. :hi:

I've been taking Synthroid (and two different generics - I've been taking Levoxyl for some time now) since 1995. I do feel that one's weight tends to fluctuate because of metabolism, so it is important to continue with a good exercise routine and proper diet. Like the others said, it does even things out.

I take a pill immediately after I get out of bed every morning. That's the easiest time for me because I'm taking it on an empty stomach and then I don't have to worry about it for the rest of the day. I then have to wait 1 to 2 hours before eating something, which is the only thing about the morning schedule I don't like because how hungry I often am at that time. But I've gotten used to waiting.

If your doctor permits it, you may consider taking a generic - Levoxyl is one, Levothroid is another - to save money, since the hormone supplement is taken for life and it adds up. Just remember, once you start on a generic, it's a good idea to continue taking that particular generic brand instead of switching to another one. I can't remember exactly why; I think it has something to do with the particular formula of that generic.

[LucidAnne]

the generic, esp w/ levothy....
can vary in the potentcy/ effectiveness then synthroid.... they work, but just a bit more ineffectively for some pple...so your dose may have to be tweaked a bit if you go generic. rarely though, some ppl dont respond enough to the generic, so synthroid can be the only one they can use... so just be aware that branding may affect you a bit too.

[heidiny77]

I was diagnosed as hypothyroid a couple months ago. While I'm not tired like I was before, I've found that I actually seem to have more of an appetite and so I think I've been eating more. I've gained weight since going on the synthroid. I, too, was hoping that my metabolish would even out and I would lose weight. I'm going to have to figure something out because I can't afford to gain any more weight!

And as far as generics, last month I was taking a generic (long story, out of town, someone got my 'sript for me) and I didn't think if was as effective for me as the synthroid. I started getting tired and stuff again.

If anyone has any tips for keeping appetite on a leash, healthy and filling snacks, or excercise tips, I'd appreciate them a lot. I'm trying to get motivated but I've been more depressed than excited lately...

[Girlfridae1]

I'm hypothyroid due to radiation therapy and have taken Levothyroxine and Liothyronine since '98. I can say that weight loss will happen but ppl that are hypo just have to be more strict/consistent than other ppl. I have 20lbs to lose and believe me, my body will fight me all the way. I've heard soy products/cruciferous veg inhibit thryoid effectiveness so I'm really trying to limit my soy and only have it at night. As for the cruciferous veg, I've read that cooking them makes them okay to eat (good thing, because kale is the main way I get my calcium). Any tips anyone can share for weight loss, send 'em my way:)

[Music Girl]

Brown Seaweed Extract can boost thyroid function.
If I were diagnosed, I'd probably try that before going on Synthroid.

Also, go very easy on the soy products. They tend to slow thyroid function, as does parsley and too many cruciferous vegetables.

Good luck. Every female in my family is hypo (except me) and sometimes I feel like I'm a genetic time bomb. So far, so good, though.