Hypothyroidism...

[Juniper]

On Wednesday I was diagnosed with having hypothyroidism which was actually a relief to hear. From what limited research I've done on it so far, it seems to explain a lot of what I've been going through for a long time. I have to go back for another blood draw because they want to run a bigger panel of tests, now knowing what they should be looking for. I'm actually surprised that they haven't done this sooner... But that's not really what I want to talk about.

What I would like to know, from those of you who either live with this and/or know of it by proxy (someone you know has it/you work with people who have it):
(PLEASE - Answer only if you're comfortable doing so or PM me of you don't want to discuss it publicly.)

1. What medication was prescribed?
2. Has it worked?
3. Did it require any lifestyle changes to complement the medication or no?
4. What symptoms has it treated the most?
5. If there are other conditions, has the hypothyroidism treatment helped improve those, too?
6. Do you have any dietary recommendations to help supplement successful treatment?

That's all I have for right now.

I'm really looking forward to getting this figured out but I'm also afraid I may be getting my hopes up too high and kind of just want to brace myself for any possible hurdles that come with this.

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[Thorbjorn]

I am hypothyroid, as is most of my family. It tends to run in families. I also went for years with a doctor telling me I was "borderline". That's like being borderline pregnant... either you are or you aren't. Anyway it was his younger associate who finally determined I was truly hypothyroid and started me on medication. That was about 25 years ago.

So, with no further ado...



1. What medication was prescribed?
2. Has it worked?
3. Did it require any lifestyle changes to complement the medication or no?
4. What symptoms has it treated the most?
5. If there are other conditions, has the hypothyroidism treatment helped improve those, too?
6. Do you have any dietary recommendations to help supplement successful treatment?




Synthetic T4, known as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid; synthetic T3, known as Cytomel. Not everyone takes Cytomel, but I wasn't converting T4 to T3 efficiently. T4 is the "storage" form of thyroid hormone; T3 is the metabolically active form.
Yes, for the most part. Understand that at most two thyroid hormones are prescribed, but the normally functioning thyroid produces other hormones (yes Virginia, there is a T1 and a T2 :D) but they are not prescribed. They technology to mimic a normal thyroid doesn't exist. So we manage and control this, not cure it.
Hypothyroids tend to not use calories very well. Yes, it's a matter of calories in v. calories out but we have to work harder at it with diet control and exercise.
Fatigue, lethargy, some depression, some weight loss, muscle aches. There are a host of symptoms but not everyone experiences all of them. Hair loss is one symptom, feeling cold, just to name a few.
Most definitely... it controls cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels. Hey, it's the master metabolic hormone! ;)
Lower your carb intake, especially grains. But not too low... carbs are needed to convert T4 to T3. Probably most importantly, limit the amount of soy, if any, that you use. Soy binds with thyroid hormones making them unavailable. Now, for the euthyroid (normal) person this is not a problem because their bodies regulate the amount of thyroid hormone needed. We can't do that. If someone is hellbent for leather on using lots of soy, they should let their doctor know so the dosage can be adjusted properly.

Something further... the Total T3 and T3 Uptake reports are useless. They mean nothing, they are old, outdated and bogus tests but doctors still use them. The best reports are Free T4 and Free T3. Too many doctors also rely too heavily on only TSH. And! the optimal range for TSH is 1-2. If TSH shows at 4.7, for example, and your doctor says you're normal but you still feel like crap... guess what... it's not normal. The range is outdated and bogus. The best doctor to treat this is a metabolic endocrinologist (most endos only treat diabetes), or a doctor who is open-minded and cutting edge in his/her approach.

[monsno_leedra]

Levothyroxine is what they put me on.

Lots of symptoms that match asthma and Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

[Rae'ya]

On Wednesday I was diagnosed with having hypothyroidism which was actually a relief to hear. From what limited research I've done on it so far, it seems to explain a lot of what I've been going through for a long time. I have to go back for another blood draw because they want to run a bigger panel of tests, now knowing what they should be looking for. I'm actually surprised that they haven't done this sooner... But that's not really what I want to talk about.

I'm glad you've got a diagnosis, Juni! Now you can start managing things, which should lead to you feeling better.

I know about HypoT in dogs, but as you're a person that's not very helpful :p. My mum was having issues with her thyroid for a while, but I suspect it was a misdiagnosis because she went from HyperT to HypoT (I suspect because of the HyperT medication) and finally took herself off everything because it all made her feel worse and is now 'normal' again. So I guess my only practical advice is to get yourself under the care of an endocrinologist if possible (not sure how the medical and insurance system over there facilitates that?) and monitor yourself closely. If you aren't feeling better or if things start to swing in the other direction, get onto your doc ASAP and push them to sort it out. It's very easy for GP's to see HypoT or HyperT and stick you on a pill, but ignore the other effects that a whacked out thyroid can have on the body. So pay attention to yourself. Maybe keep a log of how you're feeling each day if you can remember... that will help you to see trends and symptoms. In the initial period you may need multiple blood tests to monitor whether the dosage of medication is correct. One medication dose doesn't suit everyone... there is a bit of trial and error to start with, based on how your individual body is responding.

[Juniper]

I am hypothyroid, as is most of my family. It tends to run in families. I also went for years with a doctor telling me I was "borderline". That's like being borderline pregnant... either you are or you aren't. Anyway it was his younger associate who finally determined I was truly hypothyroid and started me on medication. That was about 25 years ago.

So, with no further ado...


Synthetic T4, known as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid; synthetic T3, known as Cytomel. Not everyone takes Cytomel, but I wasn't converting T4 to T3 efficiently. T4 is the "storage" form of thyroid hormone; T3 is the metabolically active form.
Yes, for the most part. Understand that at most two thyroid hormones are prescribed, but the normally functioning thyroid produces other hormones (yes Virginia, there is a T1 and a T2 :D) but they are not prescribed. They technology to mimic a normal thyroid doesn't exist. So we manage and control this, not cure it.
Hypothyroids tend to not use calories very well. Yes, it's a matter of calories in v. calories out but we have to work harder at it with diet control and exercise.
Fatigue, lethargy, some depression, some weight loss, muscle aches. There are a host of symptoms but not everyone experiences all of them. Hair loss is one symptom, feeling cold, just to name a few.
Most definitely... it controls cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels. Hey, it's the master metabolic hormone! ;)
Lower your carb intake, especially grains. But not too low... carbs are needed to convert T4 to T3. Probably most importantly, limit the amount of soy, if any, that you use. Soy binds with thyroid hormones making them unavailable. Now, for the euthyroid (normal) person this is not a problem because their bodies regulate the amount of thyroid hormone needed. We can't do that. If someone is hellbent for leather on using lots of soy, they should let their doctor know so the dosage can be adjusted properly.

Something further... the Total T3 and T3 Uptake reports are useless. They mean nothing, they are old, outdated and bogus tests but doctors still use them. The best reports are Free T4 and Free T3. Too many doctors also rely too heavily on only TSH. And! the optimal range for TSH is 1-2. If TSH shows at 4.7, for example, and your doctor says you're normal but you still feel like crap... guess what... it's not normal. The range is outdated and bogus. The best doctor to treat this is a metabolic endocrinologist (most endos only treat diabetes), or a doctor who is open-minded and cutting edge in his/her approach.

That's really awesome information. I hadn't gotten to the nitty gritty sciency part of the condition yet so I found this very interesting. Thank you for the doctor suggestion, too. I think the gal I have been seeing recently seems open minded enough, to see where she goes with this, for now. But I've read a few times that endocrinologists are also the doctor to go see about PCOS (ploy-cystic ovarian syndrome), which I also have, in addition to insulin resistance.




I'm glad you've got a diagnosis, Juni! Now you can start managing things, which should lead to you feeling better.

I know about HypoT in dogs, but as you're a person that's not very helpful :p. My mum was having issues with her thyroid for a while, but I suspect it was a misdiagnosis because she went from HyperT to HypoT (I suspect because of the HyperT medication) and finally took herself off everything because it all made her feel worse and is now 'normal' again. So I guess my only practical advice is to get yourself under the care of an endocrinologist if possible (not sure how the medical and insurance system over there facilitates that?) and monitor yourself closely. If you aren't feeling better or if things start to swing in the other direction, get onto your doc ASAP and push them to sort it out. It's very easy for GP's to see HypoT or HyperT and stick you on a pill, but ignore the other effects that a whacked out thyroid can have on the body. So pay attention to yourself. Maybe keep a log of how you're feeling each day if you can remember... that will help you to see trends and symptoms. In the initial period you may need multiple blood tests to monitor whether the dosage of medication is correct. One medication dose doesn't suit everyone... there is a bit of trial and error to start with, based on how your individual body is responding.

I'm so glad, too. I really fell like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. The more I hear about it, the more I realize that this diagnosis should have happened a long time ago and probably would have saved me a great deal of emotional breakdowns. But all I can do now is move forward and make the best of what I get. Great advice about keeping a mood journal (aka diary? Lol). Tracking this will be interesting for me, for sure.

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[Thorbjorn]

That's really awesome information. I hadn't gotten to the nitty gritty sciency part of the condition yet so I found this very interesting. Thank you for the doctor suggestion, too. I think the gal I have been seeing recently seems open minded enough, to see where she goes with this, for now. But I've read a few times that endocrinologists are also the doctor to go see about PCOS (ploy-cystic ovarian syndrome), which I also have, in addition to insulin resistance.

Well, I'm a geek from way back. :D I am glad you are confident in your doc. That is really important. I have insulin resistance also... actually it's Metabolic Syndrome if there are 4 or 5 accompanying issues in any combination... high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high b.p., abdominal fat. I have all those except the high b.p. As a male I don't have to deal with PCOS, but that is definitely something that goes along with hypot. I understand many women who are hypot suffer through it. Best of luck, and do keep us posted. ;)

[anubisa]

I have hypothyroidism too. They diagnosed me when I was in my early teens. I take synthroid for it. The general name is levothyroxine. You can go to synthroid.com to find out the side effects, etc...

[Ula]

1. What medication was prescribed? I take Synthroid since I was diagnosed 10 years ago. They had to tweek the dosage till we got a balance.
2. Has it worked? Yes, if you miss a day or two of doses you will notice.
3. Did it require any lifestyle changes to complement the medication or no? You need to just look at what you can and can't do with the meds. Like not eat for a hour after you take it, drink water with it, don't take vitamins with it.
4. What symptoms has it treated the most? Sleepiness. I get exhausted when I don't take it, It's hard for me to stay away once I am sleepy when I do.
5. If there are other conditions, has the hypothyroidism treatment helped improve those, too? None for me. I don't have anything else,
6. Do you have any dietary recommendations to help supplement successful treatment? None I am aware of

[Willow]

I wish I could help, but the only "person" I've ever known with a formal diagnosis was my cat and we took her to a fancy vet 2 hours who helped us get it under control. She's doing ok now. :)

But I am glad to hear that you've found at least one answer for your recent misery and that you can start taking the steps to alleviate those symptoms and get back on your feet. Kudos for adulting (yep, creating a word) up and going to the doctor to get some blood drawn. I have a really hard time forcing myself to go to the doctor for stupid little things, needles make me run for the hills. :)

[thalassa]

I have hypothryoidism as well (since my early teens). Mine is an immune disorder, rather than a familial thing. The biggest thing is to stay on top oF your meds and your labs. My endocrinologist thinks my still birth was likely a result of my meds not being right during the early part of my pregnancy (late 2nd/early 3rd trimester stillbirth is common in undiagnose and poorly managed hypothyroidism).

='M on the phone, annd we all know how much that annoys the crap out of me for posting, so I'll come back to this.specially the girly issues, because there are a ton of them.

[anunitu]

I have decide to give Juni a 'Nick name....Ya know I do these things from time to time...Ok...Juni is now "Sweet pea" May the sky honor and acknowledge this christening using the water of life,pure beer....So it be said,so let it be.

[Juniper]

Lol Anu. I hate peas, though. :/

[anunitu]

So,perhaps you like instead "Sweet Tea"?

[Juniper]

So,perhaps you like instead "Sweet Tea"?

Nope, I like unsweetened tea. But I do like honey.

[anunitu]

ok doki,we gonna go with honey chile...My final offer....

So...........


http://youtu.be/wxhO-qZIrJc

[Gleb]

Nope, I like unsweetened tea.
Me too!!! :)

[Juniper]

ok doki,we gonna go with honey chile...My final offer....

So...........

Video Link: http://youtu.be/wxhO-qZIrJc (http://youtu.be/wxhO-qZIrJc)

Deal.

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[Juniper]

Something further... the Total T3 and T3 Uptake reports are useless. They mean nothing, they are old, outdated and bogus tests but doctors still use them. The best reports are Free T4 and Free T3. Too many doctors also rely too heavily on only TSH. And! the optimal range for TSH is 1-2. If TSH shows at 4.7, for example, and your doctor says you're normal but you still feel like crap... guess what... it's not normal. The range is outdated and bogus. The best doctor to treat this is a metabolic endocrinologist (most endos only treat diabetes), or a doctor who is open-minded and cutting edge in his/her approach.

They did another blood draw on Monday and checked the free T4 and free T3, but it came back normal so she's not sure if it's HypoT after all. I'm bummed out now. We're going to double check that again in about a month. She's also running a lab on Vitamin D and checking white blood count again. The UA came back clean of UTI so she wants to see if there another infection at play.

My metformin is also getting changed from extended release (yesssss because those horse pills are hard to swallow) to regular.

I still have nausea but not quite as frequently anymore. So that's a plus.

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[Thorbjorn]

Keep in mind that the results of each should be in the upper 2/3 of the lab range. You could be sub-clinical hypot. That means you have the symptoms but the labs don't reflect it. It is not at all uncommon. It's good she's running more tests soon. Vitamin D should be at least mid-point of the lab range. You said she seems pretty good, so that's a big plus... she'll nail it down. ;)

[Falhalterra]

1. What medication was prescribed?

I was prescribed Levothyroxin and I've been one it for almost 2 years or so now. I know my dad has hypothyroidism, and he had his thyroid removed...which thank goodness mine is balanced in the blood work I get every year or couple of months (it's something I'll be discussing with my GP when I see her again).

2. Has it worked?

Yep. :) I've been very happy with it, but I am also thalassemic (so is my mom and brother), so I'm quite used to lethargy and fatigue, but I deal as well as I can and remember to keep up on my B12 as well.

3. Did it require any lifestyle changes to complement the medication or no?

Other than just working on losing weight (which I am doing currently and is always kind of a struggle since I also have PCOS, which is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), not much. I've also committed to reducing my soda-intake and I've just been feeling so much better in general.

4. What symptoms has it treated the most?

Some of the tiredness (it's always a battle), I have been steadily losing weight with quite a bit of changes in my diet and an increase in exercise but I have been off the wagon with exercise for a few days and am going to correct. I don't lose as much hair as I might have, but I have quite thick hair so I don't notice too much (and with PCOS, you never know which is causing which at this point). My dry skin is improving, but it is winter right now and getting more water is always recommended. I've also been less depressed and irritable, and I've never struggled with low libido, so we're good there. :P

5. If there are other conditions, has the hypothyroidism treatment helped improve those, too?

In a way, I think so, but thalassemia is hard to pin down. I don't know if I should go see the hematologist because I've been diagnosed even when I was a baby/toddler with the same diagnosis, and right now I'm just self-treating, losing weight, and maintaining a healthier mindset and I think I'm doing good. So unless I feel compelled to do so, I'm just going to keep on doing what I am doing now.

6. Do you have any dietary recommendations to help supplement successful treatment?

I really wouldn't know. : \ I don't try to abstain from anything really, but then I think I suffer a strain of IBS/nervous stomach, and even I don't know how to pin that down because anything can cause a spasm, and I also don't have a gallbladder, and haven't had one since Feb. 2008. Your guess is as good as mine. xD

[Briton]

On Wednesday I was diagnosed with having hypothyroidism which was actually a relief to hear. From what limited research I've done on it so far, it seems to explain a lot of what I've been going through for a long time. I have to go back for another blood draw because they want to run a bigger panel of tests, now knowing what they should be looking for. I'm actually surprised that they haven't done this sooner... But that's not really what I want to talk about.

What I would like to know, from those of you who either live with this and/or know of it by proxy (someone you know has it/you work with people who have it):
(PLEASE - Answer only if you're comfortable doing so or PM me of you don't want to discuss it publicly.)

1. What medication was prescribed?
2. Has it worked?
3. Did it require any lifestyle changes to complement the medication or no?
4. What symptoms has it treated the most?
5. If there are other conditions, has the hypothyroidism treatment helped improve those, too?
6. Do you have any dietary recommendations to help supplement successful treatment?

That's all I have for right now.

I'm really looking forward to getting this figured out but I'm also afraid I may be getting my hopes up too high and kind of just want to brace myself for any possible hurdles that come with this.

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I hope it's OK to reopen this.

If there is anyone in the world who is hypo, it's me. I was born without a thyroid gland. They call it congenital but since there is not a soul on either side of my family who knows of anyone way back who had it, it's hard to tell where it came from.

1. Levothyroxine
2. Definitely, I was sick from new born
3. Less so than my paternal inclination for blood cholesterol and heart disease
4. Fatigue, largely, but pretty much every function the gland is meant to control. Oh and death. I'm not dead, that's an important one.
5. No. I was diagnosed as having ADD as a child, but personally I think it's because I didn't fit into or appreciate the mould required for doing well at cookie cutter state education.
6. There are a lot of stories about this sort of thing, but insufficient science to back it up. NHS, who don't benefit from you cutting out food unless it improves your health (less strain on them), don't suggest cutting out any food generally.