Anyone with Hashimoto's Disease?

[theresa]

:wave:
Hi, I'm Theresa. Anyone here have Hashimoto's Thyroid disease? I do and am wondering how the low carb diet has affected their disease and the stumbling blocks I should expect. I'm just starting my WOL today!

Theresa :rolleyes:

[ASELB]

Hi Theresa.

I too have Hashimotos but I haven't been to my doc since I started LCing. He did tell me on my last visit though that he wants me to lose weight and said to watch my carbs. He said he used to believe that it was beneficial to watch fat but now believes that carbs are the culprit. Incidently, he was voted Detroit's #1 Endo doc in a local magazine too!

Good Luck to us both. I go back to him in June (hopefully lighter than I was!). I was supposed to lose 12 pounds and I know that I've lost about 10 since starting LC but I saw the doc before the holidays - so you know what that means!!!

Lesa

[lowcarbmoo]

This is great, at least three of us with Hashimoto's. If we pool our experiences and data, maybe we can find a pattern. This is my second time around with Atkins and the first time was not very successful. And now I am starting at an even higher weight than before. Ugh.

Let's compare basic metabolism and physical stuff, if you don't mind. For instance, I get cold fairly easily and tired very easily. I have been on thyroid medication for 26 years since I was 12 years old. My dosage has been lowered over the years as the accepted normal levels changed. I'm on 0.15 mg eltroxin right now.

Day 6 of Atikins Induction - so far, no weight loss.

Let's check in at least once a week and compare notes!

Cheers,
Moneca

[ashyr]

I just found out last year that I have Hashimoto's... and gained 70 lbs before I was able to get the medication dosage right.
:wave:
So far I'm on 150mcg Synthroid... and hoping to get on Unithriod when it comes out. I have very bad...um...oh yeah, short term memory loss ;) . I shed like crazy. I always feel a little colder than everyone else around me. I get wierd muscle cramps too... my calf and under my shoulder blades... I hate those.
I haven't been to see a doctor since last August, because I'm supposed to be moving, for my job, to New Orleans, and it takes 4 months to get an appointment with my doctor. I was supposed to be down there last October, but the project keeps getting delayed and I can't get a straight answer out of my boss.
Oh yeah... and I have a bad habit of rambling. :wiggle:

Ashyr

[theresa]

:wave:

Hey Guys!

Thanks for replying to my post. I have been on the road for the past two weeks and havn't been able to read emails very much, long enough post to the forum.

I was diagnosed almost 19 years ago at the age of 23. I currently am on Levoxyl - 112 mcg. For years, I was on a lot higher dose of Synthroid, but I did the Atkins diet almost 5 years ago and the doctors could not understand why my thyroid functioned better eating this way and they had to lower my dosage. Unfortunately I did not keep it up after losing 30 pounds and after a hysterectomy gained all of it back. Then I felt like I wasn't getting enough of it. I made a very bad mistake of going to a doctor who treated me for Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome. He put me on natural T3 hormone and took me off the levoxyl. I was to stay on the T3 for about 3 months and then go back to the lovoxyl. Now, I had a check up and my LIVER enzymes are elevated and the doctor I am going to at Duke University thinks the T3 might have caused a problem because my thyroid is now all SCREWED up. Oh well....... thanks to doctors. I'm going back to Duke today and being retested so hopefully the levoxyl has kicked back in.

Keep up the good work with this WOL. I know it works because of past experience and NOW........ I have been perfect for 11 days and have lost 9 pounds. I haven't changed my profile yet!

I have done some investigation and the low carb diet does help with Hashimoto's. In fact, one guy has posted on another website that with low carb eating and some other treatments such as green tea and others, that he has been able to reverse Hashimoto's and he NO LONGER has the antibody.

Wouldn't that be nice?????? Maybe as we get further, we can check that out together!

Have a good one!

Theresa :wave:

[lowcarbmoo]

Ashyr - you mentioned Unithroid? What is that and why are you interested in switching to it?

I have always been on Eltroxin since day one, but I've never seen anyone else on it, it's always Synthroid. I have never had any problems, at least not problems I can obviously attribute to it. Anyone else on Eltroxin? Ever had problems? What types of problems are other people having?

I used to be on Cytomel, as well for many years, but at least 15 years ago I was taken off it. The Dr. at the time said that excess T4 is converted to T3 so I did not need to take T3 separately. And yet, I've seen many msgs from folks who report being on Cytomel still as well as Synthroid or similar. Any insights on this?

As far as Atkins - still no weight loss, although I went on a business trip and ended up eating some bread on two consecutive days, so I am still getting back into ketosis now.

Everyone who has checked in here - it's great to see so many of us. Please post your challenges and observations so we can see if there is a Hashimoto's pattern.

Is there anything that folks with Hashimotos can or should be doing to make Atkins or LCing in general any more effective?

Cheers,
Moneca

[ashyr]

From what I have read on the internet and other publications, Synthroid is not approved by the FDA for use, however it has managed to stay on the market because of the "necessary for life" clause.
A smaller drug company (with less political pull and less money) came out with Unithroid a few years ago, and instead of directly being able to sell it without approval, they were forced to go through the FDA for approval... and it passed.
Synthroid apparently cannot pass approval with it's current makeup... that is why there was a pending lawsuit against them... anyone who was on Synthroid and suffered from certain side effects ( I think it was before 1990) was invited to participate.
Also, all the gossip in the medical periodicals suggests that Unithroid was supposed to come out sometime this year. I asked the local pharmacist, and she said that she has heard of it but not anything about the release date.
I'll try to re-find the exact articles for everyone to read.
:)

Ashyr

[fleadogs]

Hi Theresa!

I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My GP ran just the TSH test only (at my request) it came back elevated and she prescribed Synthroid, did not run any other tests to see about direct thryroid measurements or an antibody test. She doesn't seem interested in why it's high more of the "take this and then we'll see" type. I am looking for an endrocrinologist for a second opinion. I would love a recomendation with someone in the triangle area. Duke would be definitely a doable drive. Do you have any drs. to recommend?

Thanks,
fleadogs

[StartLosin]

Yep, I have it too. Just joined this group.

This is great, at least three of us with Hashimoto's. If we pool our experiences and data, maybe we can find a pattern. This is my second time around with Atkins and the first time was not very successful. And now I am starting at an even higher weight than before. Ugh.

Let's compare basic metabolism and physical stuff, if you don't mind. For instance, I get cold fairly easily and tired very easily. I have been on thyroid medication for 26 years since I was 12 years old. My dosage has been lowered over the years as the accepted normal levels changed. I'm on 0.15 mg eltroxin right now.

Day 6 of Atikins Induction - so far, no weight loss.

Let's check in at least once a week and compare notes!

Cheers,
Moneca

[Nancy LC]

Many, many people have posted to this forum with Hashi's. You might scan through some of the older posts and read what they found.

I think the most important thing to keep in mind is to ALWAYS get copies of your blood test results and keep them in a folder. That way you can research for yourself and see if your thyroid levels are "in range" or whether they're actually optimal.

Good luck to you all!

[whatagrl]

Hi, I'm new.

I'm a T2 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and alopecia areata.
I take Byetta, Metformin, Synthroid, Cytomel, Iron (SR) and Vitamin C for the aforementioned conditions. I see Dr. Nathan Becker at UCSF medical center. He diagnosed the Hashimoto's back in 2003, when I was severely depressed and not responding to antidepressant therapy. Turns out, it was my non-functioning thyroid (which also houses a small tumor).

[sveltecelt]

Hi!
I thought I would chime in here. I will be taking the thyroid antibodies test soon--likely within the next 2 weeks---and will know then if I for sure have Hashi's or not. ( All indications point to Hashi's, for me.)In the mean time, I research as much as I can about hypothyroidism. There has been so much I didn't know!

There are several helpful forums that will give you great info and support about hashi's and hypothyroidism. Try Yahoo's Natural thyroid Hormone (NTH) groups and also a great forum called "Real Thyroid Help". (easy to google it). A terriffic web site with good info is "Stop The Thyroid Madness".

You can feel better, have higher body temps, and possibly arrest the progression of Hashi's.

Right now I am having good results on Tertroxin (pure T3 just about the same as Cytomel). My body temps stay around 98.5 to 98.68*. Other symptoms have stopped---so far---like sore throat and joint and muscle pains. I'm even a bit less foggy. So far---only been taking Tertroxin for less than a month.


Best wishes and good luck!

[SMACK]

HEY THERE , I ALSO HAVE HASHIMOTOS........I JUST STARTED THE LC THREE DAYS AGO. MY REAL NAME IS LESA. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYONE ELSE SPELL IT WITH AN E EXCEPT ME.

Hi Theresa.

I too have Hashimotos but I haven't been to my doc since I started LCing. He did tell me on my last visit though that he wants me to lose weight and said to watch my carbs. He said he used to believe that it was beneficial to watch fat but now believes that carbs are the culprit. Incidently, he was voted Detroit's #1 Endo doc in a local magazine too!

Good Luck to us both. I go back to him in June (hopefully lighter than I was!). I was supposed to lose 12 pounds and I know that I've lost about 10 since starting LC but I saw the doc before the holidays - so you know what that means!!!

Lesa

[SuzyLC]

Hi everyone
I am also a Hashi-thyroid gal and Low Carb Queen! I have been Hashi for 5 years or more and figured out way before I found out about my thyroid that Low Carb was the only way I can eat and not get fat.
I have been able to maintain within about 10 pounds of my idea weight for about 10 years now. Still, as I get older it is harder! I quit smoking just over 18 months ago (yeah me) and gained weight for a total of about 20 pounds. Now I am almost back to where I feel good. Hoping to get some new ideas and inspiration.

[Darinbw]

I was diagnosed a week ago with Hashimoto's. I was feeling fine a few months ago and then BAM....no energy and exteme fatigue. It was confirmed with blood work. What I find interesting is that you guys are promoting a low cal diet for Hashimotos. I was very active prior to getting this....I would walk 5k (3 miles) to work, either run or walk 5k on my lunch, walk to fitness class a few kms away, do an hours class and then walk home. When my thyroid started acting up, I couldn't even manage the one walk to work let alone all the other stuff. But what I'm wondering is if my diet prior to being diagnosed has something to do with it. My weight was in the low 170's and I was down to 155. I was doing the South Beach Diet and kept away from white bread, white potatoes, pasta and white rice. I ate colorful foods, lean cuts of meat and whole grains. Plus I started to eat a medium/large sweet potatoe everyday at lunch (sometimes with other veg). It was low in calories, but I'm wondering if too many carbs can trigger Hashimotos. My father has low thyroid and is taking .100 Synthroid. My doctor started me off with .112 and it doesn't feel like its working. How long before I start to feel like myself?

[LOL79]

I've had it officially for 10 years now, probably longer before I was diagnosed.

Hope you feel better soon! It can take 2 weeks to really feel the meds.

Not sure about causes? I wonder if mine wasn't triggered by something environmental, because my childhood friend also has it, and we went to the same schools and lived 1 block apart. Then again, I was also doused in pesticide when NY decided to fight mosquitoes (to prevent encephalitis) and had helicopters spray the neighborhood at 3pm without warning. Nice. :P Now I'm rambling. But I imagine it's hard to figure out what really causes it.

[Nancy LC]

If there's an environmental cause, and it is likely because these autoimmune diseases seem to be linked together, I'm betting it is gluten intolerance or celiac disease. People with gluten intolerance have a very high likelyhood of getting a thyroid disorder.

[SuzyLC]

I have been Hashimoto's for at least 8 years. Funny think is my father used to tell me when I was little that he thought I had a goiter. I did not know I had Hashimoto's until about 2 years ago. Before I was just diagnosed with Low Thyroid. The synthroid that I took did get my TSH under control some what but my T-3 and T-4 numbers were not right. Now I take Armour Thyroid a combo of T-3 and T-4 and I am doing much better. I have always struggled with weight. I am very carb sensitive especially Bread pasta potatoes and sugar. I bloat.
I just started back on Induction because my wight loss has stalled due to the holiday and my lack of commitment. Now I would like very much to see 7 pounds gone by New Years!

[DEBBIE2007]

Hello, :)

I also have Hashimotos and have been living with it for the last 13 years.

I also have 3 small nogels on my thyroid.

I take no meds, I see my doctor once a year .At that time
I have a thyroid functional test done and thyroid altersound.

My Thyroid is functioning normal as long as it is my doc says no meds necessary. I been on a lc before and have lost over 30 pounds. put some back on but L/C again and doing ok.

my progress is slow but sure.

Debbie

[iffy]

I too have Hashimoto's - DX in 2002, switched to Armour this past August. Haven't fully committed to Low Carb keep falling off of it and I'm not sure why or what I need to do to stay on better -I think trying to handle stress better. Also trying to increase energy so I can exercise along with the LC.

[JudyJudy]

I have Hashimoto's as well. One endocrinologist told me that she thinks I also have Graves', but she never tested me for it. Numerous members of my family have Hashimoto's, and two of my sisters and three of my cousins have Graves'. I was diagnosed 10 years ago, but I suspect that I had had it for at least two decades before that. (I was told nine years before I was finally diagnosed that my thyroid was "borderline.")

I'm currently taking 60 mg of Armour Thyroid and 25 mcg of Synthroid per day. When I first started meds and got on the right dose, I felt a lot better. However, I now feel worse than ever. I have many allergies and sensitivities (which are only getting worse), and I suspect I'm reacting to my thyroid meds (possibly to the fillers). There are days when I wish I had never started taking meds and had figured out a natural way to control my condition.

[Darinbw]

My ultrasound showed multiple nodules and also that my lymph nodes were enlarged. My doctor seemed somewhat concerned and immediately got in contact with an endocrinologist who said that I need more blood work and to get a new ultrasound in 6 months. How worried should I be?

[HeatherK24]

Hey ladies! My name is Heather! I came across this forum because I did a lookup for "no longer have hashimotos". I was trying to see if there was anyone else out there who had been diagnosed with HMT (hashimotos thyroiditis) and quit their meds with no returning affects.

My story: In May of 08 I was diagnosed with Hashimotos after going to the doc. for a lump in my throat that felt like it was pushing on my airway. I also had other symptoms such as feeling overly tired, had NO energy, had a heavy period, was moody and easily irritated, and oh yeah.. that annoying fact I was gaining a TON of weight (roughly 70+ pounds to date!). So anyhow, I had an ultrasound of my neck done which showed I had an enlarging goiter. I also had some blood work done which proved me to be positive for Hashimotos. My doc. at the time prescribed me 100mcg of levothyroxin. I took it on a daily basis for a few months and wasnt seeing the progression I should have been.. so she bumped my meds up to 112mcg (still levothyroxin). I noticed my energy was coming back, I was more alert and happy, over many many months my period was lighter and was coming on the SAME day every month... I was feeling great! My levels were always good and although I wasnt REALLY losing weight, I was maintaining, so that was better than gaining still! In Feb. of 09 (for one reason or another) I quit taking my levothyroxin. I havent been tired or feeling drained. Im still lively and energetic. My period is still as light as it has been, I havent gained any extra weight... but I can tell that my mood swings are coming back. Im snappy with my kids and with my husband. Im easily irritated at everything they do and say, and I hate it! Im not sure whether or not this is the first sign of my levels dropping because I havent been on my meds or what. I dont know if it is possible to "no longer have hashimotos" but I am really hoping I dont. I just cant see myself having to take a pill EVERY SINGLE DAY! Im not a meds kind of person! Im also getting really frustrated with my weight and the inability to lose with normal metabolism levels and everything "looking great". I have gained the weight of a middle-schooler in ONE year and I struggle to even lose ONE POUND! I convinced my doc. to put me on Bontril since I had been on it years before and saw great results, but this time.. it did nothing! I think I lost about 6 pounds while I was working out everyday for 1 hour a day but the second I stopped working my butt off at the gym, it all came back! Is that how its going to be? Kill myself in the gym or suffer being fat for the rest of my life? What are some tips, tricks and techniques you can pass on? Im willing to try anything at this point! Im not good with dieting, but I am good at exercising! I think if I didnt feel like I was being deprived or starved for good food I would do just fine with a diet, but I have yet to find a diet that doesnt make me feel like I need to hold up a donut shop! lol JK (or am I?!)
ANYWAY... thats my story, thats my rant! I hope to get to know some of you well! I need a buddy who I can vent to who actually KNOWS what Im going through. Too many people out there dont know how to understand what Im going through and it makes it frustrating!

Nite ladies!
Heather

[saraz]

Im hypothyroid also. I got diagnosed back in 2007 with Hyperthyroid and then I got the radiation iodine pill to kill my thyroid off, so back in fall 2007 I became hypothyroid. Ive been taking Levothyroxine 100 MCG for about 2 years now. I think I had hyperthyroid since I was 15 because I had all of the symptoms, but I never got that checked out until I was 16 and then they told me.

[Didy]

Hey ladies! My name is Heather! I came across this forum because I did a lookup for "no longer have hashimotos". I was trying to see if there was anyone else out there who had been diagnosed with HMT (hashimotos thyroiditis) and quit their meds with no returning affects.

My story: In May of 08 I was diagnosed with Hashimotos after going to the doc. for a lump in my throat that felt like it was pushing on my airway. I also had other symptoms such as feeling overly tired, had NO energy, had a heavy period, was moody and easily irritated, and oh yeah.. that annoying fact I was gaining a TON of weight (roughly 70+ pounds to date!). So anyhow, I had an ultrasound of my neck done which showed I had an enlarging goiter. I also had some blood work done which proved me to be positive for Hashimotos. My doc. at the time prescribed me 100mcg of levothyroxin. I took it on a daily basis for a few months and wasnt seeing the progression I should have been.. so she bumped my meds up to 112mcg (still levothyroxin). I noticed my energy was coming back, I was more alert and happy, over many many months my period was lighter and was coming on the SAME day every month... I was feeling great! My levels were always good and although I wasnt REALLY losing weight, I was maintaining, so that was better than gaining still! In Feb. of 09 (for one reason or another) I quit taking my levothyroxin. I havent been tired or feeling drained. Im still lively and energetic. My period is still as light as it has been, I havent gained any extra weight... but I can tell that my mood swings are coming back. Im snappy with my kids and with my husband. Im easily irritated at everything they do and say, and I hate it! Im not sure whether or not this is the first sign of my levels dropping because I havent been on my meds or what. I dont know if it is possible to "no longer have hashimotos" but I am really hoping I dont. I just cant see myself having to take a pill EVERY SINGLE DAY! Im not a meds kind of person! Im also getting really frustrated with my weight and the inability to lose with normal metabolism levels and everything "looking great". I have gained the weight of a middle-schooler in ONE year and I struggle to even lose ONE POUND! I convinced my doc. to put me on Bontril since I had been on it years before and saw great results, but this time.. it did nothing! I think I lost about 6 pounds while I was working out everyday for 1 hour a day but the second I stopped working my butt off at the gym, it all came back! Is that how its going to be? Kill myself in the gym or suffer being fat for the rest of my life? What are some tips, tricks and techniques you can pass on? Im willing to try anything at this point! Im not good with dieting, but I am good at exercising! I think if I didnt feel like I was being deprived or starved for good food I would do just fine with a diet, but I have yet to find a diet that doesnt make me feel like I need to hold up a donut shop! lol JK (or am I?!)
ANYWAY... thats my story, thats my rant! I hope to get to know some of you well! I need a buddy who I can vent to who actually KNOWS what Im going through. Too many people out there dont know how to understand what Im going through and it makes it frustrating!

Nite ladies!
Heather

Heather, my daughter's endocrinologist told her about a woman (Hashies patient) who just got sick of taking her thyroid meds so she stopped taking them. I don't know how much time elapsed but she did end up going into a comma and almost lost her life. Please go back in to see your doc. okay? :thup:

[HeatherK24]

Over the weekend I got to talking with my aunt about me quitting my meds.. and lets just say, if I were a kid again, she woulda thrown me over her knee and beat me! lol She is also on Thyroid meds and apparently years ago, tried the same thing I did. She quit her meds for 3 months, and when she started noticing all her persky symptoms come back, she started taking them again. But for whatever reason, even still today, she cant seem to find ANY dose of thyroid meds to raise her levels! She keeps gaining weight, is tired all the time, the whole bit! She urged me to start taking them again before I really screw things up...

I also told my husband I havent been taking them, and he was less then pleased! So..... Im going to start re-taking them today. I dont like the fact of having to be on them.. but if they're going to keep me healthy, then I guess I'd better!

So step one is re-starting on my meds. Step 2, and I'll give my body a month or so to get back on track with my meds, will be losing weight and trying out a low carb diet first!... Jillian Michaels from the show The Biggest Loser says the way to diet is to ask yourself "Does it come from the ground or a tree? And does it have a mother?" If your answering NO to any of those questions... then you shouldnt be eating it! And always be counting calories!

Have a good day ALL!
Heather

[Didy]

Over the weekend I got to talking with my aunt about me quitting my meds.. and lets just say, if I were a kid again, she woulda thrown me over her knee and beat me! lol She is also on Thyroid meds and apparently years ago, tried the same thing I did. She quit her meds for 3 months, and when she started noticing all her persky symptoms come back, she started taking them again. But for whatever reason, even still today, she cant seem to find ANY dose of thyroid meds to raise her levels! She keeps gaining weight, is tired all the time, the whole bit! She urged me to start taking them again before I really screw things up...

I also told my husband I havent been taking them, and he was less then pleased! So..... Im going to start re-taking them today. I dont like the fact of having to be on them.. but if they're going to keep me healthy, then I guess I'd better!

So step one is re-starting on my meds. Step 2, and I'll give my body a month or so to get back on track with my meds, will be losing weight and trying out a low carb diet first!... Jillian Michaels from the show The Biggest Loser says the way to diet is to ask yourself "Does it come from the ground or a tree? And does it have a mother?" If your answering NO to any of those questions... then you shouldnt be eating it! And always be counting calories!

Have a good day ALL!
Heather

Shwew! VERY happy to hear that! :thup:

[DEBBIE2007]

Hi . :wave:

I have Hashimoto and have been living with it for 13 years.

I have gone off and on low carbing since 2001 and have had.
Good results. But each time I have gone off and went back on . losing weight has come off at a slower pace. and of corse I'm much older now.


Debbie 2007 :)

[Helcha55]

Howdy Gang, first let me give you some information about Hasimoto's Thyroiditis Disease. This is an Autoimmune disorder. It tends to run in families and your immune system is attacking your thyroid. Hashimoto's can cause the thyroid to form nodules, (benign-non cancerous) tumors, goiters. However, your Doctor MUST monitor your thyroid via Ultra-Sound or via which other method they choose to ensure the nodules to not change. (become-cancerous-not common though). This condition can causes your thryoid hormone levels to be low in your blood. Leading to weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, mensus irregularities, heavy peroids, etc. Once you begin Thyroid replacement, NEVER and I mean NEVER should you suddenly stop taking this medication. It can easily put your body into SHOCK, and many other severe side effects!! If it seems the medication is not working, you must follow up with your Doctor. Many times, the medication may need to be adjusted. OR, some additional testing needs to be done. Since if you have problems with your thyroid, more than likely you can develop other Endocrine problems. (, i.e. Diabetes, low hormone levels: estrogen, progesterone, and in males-testosterone). Hashimoto's Thyroidits does not go away! As previously noted, this is an Autoimmune disease. If you have family members with other endocrine problems, be sure to share this info with your Doctor. My Hubby has Hashimoto's, he's insulin dependent diabetic and has other endocrine problems. Fortunately, for him, last year I literally saved his life after he returned from an extended business trip! Being an Open Heart/SICU RN, I noticed his symptoms of Diabetes. My hubby decided to stop taking one of his steroid inhalers while away & he wound up in ICU for (5) days fighting for his life! Steroids are hormones too. His stopping the streroids, & threw his body into Ketoacidosis. I had noticed his having to run to the bathroom every few minutes to pass his urine, plus his body gave off the odor of ketones. He had lost 30 pounds in one month. This is NOT the way to loose weight. On admission to the hospital, his blood sugar was nearly 700 and his Hgb A1c 13. There are many reasons for the problem of weight difficulties while taking thyroid medication. It's a matter of helping your Doctor by being your own detective sometimes, You know your body the best. Unfortunatley, as we age, our levels of female hormones also decrease and this can lead to weight gain as well, if not taking hormone replacement. But, your GYN Dr. has to prescribe this medication and decide with you if the side effects and benefits outweigh the risks of taking this hormone replacement. Lastly, I always tell patients, "Whenever in doubt, check it out!" Which means, if you're not sure, ask your Doctor. Before you go, make a list of questions, especially if you are the nervous type. Or, see if someone else can go with you to your appointment. Lastly, do not forget to use www.WebMD.com site. Very good for anyone to look up information.
Best of Luck Debbie,Didy, Heather and to everyone else too.
Regards,
H.Strasko,R.N., CCRN-R

[paleokiai]

I don't have Hashimoto's, but my mom and most of her sisters have had it. Right now I'm only a bit hypothyroid (my ranges are normal but I get the hair falling out and cold feet), but I'm trying to take preventative measures. I agree with Nancy about the celiac/gluten intolerance. My mom loves to bake and is practically addicted to bread--she wouldn't give it up for the world... Same with her relatives.

[Scarlet]

A lot of people here seem like they are undertreated. If you are still shedding hair, still cold and cannot lose a pound you are either on the wrong med for you or on too low a dosage. Your Free T3 should be in the top third of the range and your Free T4 at least mid range. Many people don’t do well on T4 only meds such as Eltroxin. Their body does not convert T4 to the active hormone T3. Such people do better on desiccated thyroid such as armour. It is hard to find a good doctor who understands the thyroid. However, I have lists of good thyroid doctors if anyone wants to pm me.

Go to www.stopthethyroidmadness.com or www.realthyroidhelp.com for further information.

[HeatherK24]

Its odd to me to see so many of the last people talking about cold feet and hair loss.. I didnt know that those were symptoms of Hashimotos as well.. and I live with this on a daily basis. The hair loss is BAD! When I take a shower.. I lose literally HUGE clumps and even throughout the day I notice it falling out strand by strand! My feet seem to ALWAYS be cold and clammy too but I had no idea this was something to be concerned about. One other thing I have is an itchy flaky scalp. One doc. said it might just be dry scalp, another said dandruff and another said psoriasis... but I havent been treated for it yet. Im making an appt. next week because it has spread a lot! It used to be just the back of my head, not going up past my ear line... now its nearly my whole head and its starting to go past my hair line and become noticeable! YIKES! Anyone have anything like this? I've tried T-gel and other dandruff shampoo's and NOTHING has seemed to work. And Im getting really nervous that it has spread.

[HeatherK24]

Forgot to add: Some of the other symptoms I have include RLS (restless legs), dry scalp, cold feet, yellow vision (mainly only when Im sick), irritability, cracking/popping ankles (mainly when I attempt to run, but hurts bad enough I have to stop and rest them), ringing in my ears (CONSTANT! but I have had surgery on my ears before too.. when I was little), constant dry throat and lips, bloody gums (almost every morning I wake up with dried blood on my teeth, tongue and the roof of my mouth), and NO pupil dilation! The last time I went to the doc. she said my eyes were un-responsive to light and wouldnt dilate. I have never had a doc. tell me this previously so it could have just been a rare moment... but thought I would mention it anyway.
Some things I had BEFORE I started on levothyroxin (in addition to above): heavy/irregular/long lasting periods, no energy, weight gain, and pressure on my airway.
Any advice?

[Scarlet]

NO pupil dilation! The last time I went to the doc. she said my eyes were un-responsive to light and wouldnt dilate. I have never had a doc. tell me this previously so it could have just been a rare moment... but thought I would mention it anyway.

The unresponsiveness to light and lack of pupil dilation means your adrenals are shot. They have been trying to take up the slack from your untreated thyroid. Read about it here http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/weak-adrenals/?PHPSESSID=d62a54308cd6ac65cfa427ec4727299c, http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/?PHPSESSID=d62a54308cd6ac65cfa427ec4727299c, http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/how-to-treat/?PHPSESSID=d62a54308cd6ac65cfa427ec4727299c and http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/symptoms-low-cortisol/?PHPSESSID=d62a54308cd6ac65cfa427ec4727299c.

Weak adrenals generally do not do well with a T4 only med such as levothyroxin. Dessicated thyroid such as armour are what you need.

[Nancy LC]

It sounds like you have something... I'd go to a doctor with a list of those symptoms written down. You don't sound healthy at all. Maybe thyroid, or perhaps an autoimmune disease or diabetes? If your doctor doesn't seem interested, time to find a new one. I'm fortunate in that when I went to my doctor with a list like that he took it as a challenge to figure out what was wrong with me.

[mineralman]

i have hashimotos, im one 2 grains armour and 20mg HC

[Scarlet]

Hi Minerman

Are you currently raising your armour to get to an optimal dose or are your symptoms all eliminated on only 2 grains?

[mineralman]

i probably need more armour,, and maybe more HC..

my last antibodies are sky high yet,, i have heard a good number of people with hashis need 3-4grains... i will probably slowly work up to 3 grains ish based on how i feel....

[Scarlet]

i probably need more armour,, and maybe more HC..

my last antibodies are sky high yet,, i have heard a good number of people with hashis need 3-4grains... i will probably slowly work up to 3 grains ish based on how i feel....

Yes I have read and heard from people who are now totally symptom free that the 3-5 grain range is what most people need. Some people of course need even more, but usually that's due to low vitamin and mineral staus or sex hormones that need to be fixed in order to get the thyroid running.

You probably do need more HC. Most people are on the 25-35 range.

[mineralman]

yes i'll get there soon enough

i just found out i have low renin, aldo, sodium so if may need Florinef is sea salt isnt going to be enough
i'll be starting HCG soon too... wow im getting on alot of drugs


i mean diet helps alot, but when it comes to hormonal imbalances i just dont think diet is enough,, i think you actaully need to give your body the hormones its not producing.

[Scarlet]

i think you actaully need to give your body the hormones its not producing.

Well it is recommended that we treat in this order:
1. Cortisol
2. DHEA
3. Aldosterone (and/or vasopressin)
4. Micronutrients
5. Thyroid
6. Try to Wean Off Of Adrenal Support
7. Sex hormones and growth hormone


Often times sorting out those at the top of the list will sort out those on the bottom of the list. You are not really taking "drugs" as such; you are replacing hormones your body SHOULD produce. These bio identical hormones are used in physiological, NOT pharmacological doses. Have you been tested for hypopit?

[HeatherK24]

Yikes.. not a good docs. visit today! I found out that Im Type 2 diabetic and need to lose 85-90 pounds ASAP (gradually of course)! Im starting Metformin tomorrow which is an insulin reducing med that will help to stop producing so much fat. And it also helps turning sugar intake into good energy instead of storing it as fat. Im also starting a Body Analysis program in conjunction with my new meds and diagnosis. Its a group of experts that will guide me day by day, step by step in learning new eating techniques, lifestyle changes, and etc.

I also found out that I may have a kidney disease or worse, IC (Intersistitial Cystitus). I've been having some uncomfortable pain in my stomach since Monday and started having bleeding today. I gave the docs. a urine sample and they confirmed there is a LOT of blood in my bladder.

I also found out that my dry flaky scalp is indeed psoriasis. I get to see the derm. in about a month so will be getting on meds to keep that undercontrol too!

Its not fun falling apart at 24! But I am hopeful with the right diet and exercise and med control I can slowly regain my health and figure! lol I would love to be 120 again (my pre-baby weight).

Wish me luck!

[Boots23]

Hi guys,

Just noticed this forum way down the list!!

I'm 23 now, but was diagnosed with Hasimotos at 21... I am on 150mg of Levothyroxine - I am from UK, I don't think they give people 'Armour' here, I've never heard of it.

Drugs have improved the symptoms but couldnt shift weight in any way shape or form, so I am back to trying Atkins (only been on it this week, so time will tell). I've been tested for insulin resistance and various other things to see if there was some other problem, but doc couldnt find anything... Although he is not the greatest doc in my opinion!

Symptoms I still get is joint pains, still have moments where i feel exhausted but not too often, I never had hair loss thankfully!!

Have others had weight loss success on Atkins??

xx

[Scarlet]

I am from UK, I don't think they give people 'Armour' here, I've never heard of it.

Drugs have improved the symptoms but couldnt shift weight in any way shape or form, I've been tested for insulin resistance and various other things to see if there was some other problem, but doc couldnt find anything... Although he is not the greatest doc in my opinion!

Symptoms I still get is joint pains, still have moments where i feel exhausted but not too often, I never had hair loss thankfully!!



Armour is indeed available in the UK. There is tons of information for you here
http://www.tpa-uk.org.uk/

If you still have symptoms you are undertreated. Have a look at www.stopthethyroidmadness.com for further information.

[Jasmine08]

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism about two years ago and tested positive for thyroid antibodies about a year ago. To test negative for the antibodies you must test below 35 (unsure of units). . . Well I tested above 170. It took practically pulling teeth to get my endocrinologist to tell me I had Hashimoto's disease as he was not concerned with the cause of my underactive thyroid. . .

I currently take 50mcg of Synthroid daily along with a Metabolic Advantage herbal supplement. I am not symptom free and my endocrinologist insists my symptoms are not cause by my thyroid. I suffer from hair loss, dry patches on the skin, chronic fatigue, brain fog, forgetfulness, cold extremeties, sore throat and difficulty swollowing... still. I switched doctors (to a DO) and seem to be on the right path for treatment.

I just started an LC high fat diet a few days ago and am beginning ketosis. The good thing is that even if I'm going through carb withdrawls I wouldn't notice the fatigue and foggyness hahah! I lost some weight on a low calorie diet and have been at a platue for about 2 months so we'll se how this works.

Good luck everyone and remember to be proactive in your healthcare because SO many of us with Hashimoto's are undertreated!!

[Didy]

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism about two years ago and tested positive for thyroid antibodies about a year ago. To test negative for the antibodies you must test below 35 (unsure of units). . . Well I tested above 170. It took practically pulling teeth to get my endocrinologist to tell me I had Hashimoto's disease as he was not concerned with the cause of my underactive thyroid. . .

I currently take 50mcg of Synthroid daily along with a Metabolic Advantage herbal supplement. I am not symptom free and my endocrinologist insists my symptoms are not cause by my thyroid. I suffer from hair loss, dry patches on the skin, chronic fatigue, brain fog, forgetfulness, cold extremeties, sore throat and difficulty swollowing... still. I switched doctors (to a DO) and seem to be on the right path for treatment.

I just started an LC high fat diet a few days ago and am beginning ketosis. The good thing is that even if I'm going through carb withdrawls I wouldn't notice the fatigue and foggyness hahah! I lost some weight on a low calorie diet and have been at a platue for about 2 months so we'll se how this works.

Good luck everyone and remember to be proactive in your healthcare because SO many of us with Hashimoto's are undertreated!!


Grrrr! to your first doctor!! My daughter's first Endocrinologist had the nurse call her and say, "You have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Doctor wants you to come back in a year to see how things are going." What a joke! Obviously, she fired him and is now under the care of an Endo. that tests her every four weeks until she can get to a good place. :wave:

Be your own advocate for sure!! :)

[Lessara]

Hi all, I also have this I found out the hard way what happens with you stop taking your thyroid hormones! I was waking up with my arms and leggs so heavy that i could barely move, and I also was having trouble focusing my eyes and all.
To make it worse my thyroid got bigger. Why did I stop taking my meds? I lost my job and my insurance... if it wasn't for a friend who told me about walmart I don't know what I would have done.
Now I don't skip my meds and am awake!

[Merpig]

Interesting reading. I wonder how many of the folks from earlier in the thread are doing now? I was just diagnosed with Hashi's last week. I hear the story about insurance too. I'm faced with losing my job, my income and my decent medical insurance sometime in the next 3-4 months. Two weeks ago I was on no prescription medications and now I'm on *three*, all long-term. Grrr, and so it goes.

[Scarlet]

I am doing very well and losing weight. There is hope!

What other meds are you on beside thyroid?

[Nancy LC]

I get my thyroid meds without insurance. They're only $10 for a 3 month supply at Walmart of generic synthroid. And you can keep your insurance for quite some time, it's just you have to pay for it yourself. Be sure to check into COBRA. I think right now your employer even has to pay part of it for awhile.

[awriter]

I was just diagnosed with Hashi's last week. Two weeks ago I was on no prescription medications and now I'm on *three*, all long-term.
Deb, I'm sorry to hear it's Hashi's, but maybe the meds will turn out to be a blessing in disguise if they deal with the thyroid and get your metabolism working well again.

What meds are you on? Also, what about the results of your *other* tests: the Free T3 and your Reverse T3, for instance. Hashi's may be the main type of Hypo problem you have, but it may not be the only one.

Did the Endo talk about your adrenals at all? Your cortisol?

Lisa