What throid med are you taking and are you losing/not losing? : Thyroid Disease : Active Low-Carber Forums

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SlimShAdY

Mon, Jul-08-02, 18:07

Sorry I meant to combine the polls But I messed up lol.. Now I'm just wondering what thyroid med everyone is on and losing/not losing.

Again, I know what works for one person dosen't work for someone else. I'm just again wondering what the majority of people are on and the results they're having.

I want to go on Armour. I heard thats a great one and everyone is losing on it.. well the majority of people anyways. I found a dr that prescribes it.... In seekonk. (Massachusets, 20mins away from me lol..so I can't even get up there)

I'm constantly getting picked on by my mom, relatives, people my MOM talks to about me (even complete strangers like the GNC guys) about how I only listen to "the people on the internet" Like they're fake or something and they're all lying. I find it helpfull. And I find that the liars are my doctor who is a regular family practice doctor.They're better with dealing with little kids who have stuffy noses. They should stick to that. :rolleyes:

Danyele

Tue, Jul-09-02, 16:23

hi,

When i was first diagnosed i was put on .100 of levothyroxine then put on .200(wow, i was zinging off the walls but still felt like crap). Then i was switched to 180 mg of Parke-Davis Thyroid. Feeling better but not great. I went and saw a naturopath in January who put me on a supplement called BMR(bovine pituitary extract, copper, zinc, L-Tyrosine and Iodine) and it brought my TSH down to 0.9, has helped with hair loss and fatigue. I can work out 6 days a week now and this is coming from a person who had to quit school and work because I was so sick.

danielle

Quilter

Wed, Jul-10-02, 08:30

Just because a doctor is in family practice doesn't mean he can't adequately treat your thyroid. My doctor has done a fine job for me, and it took many months to get the the right meds and dosages. The nearest endocronologist is more than 2 hours from me. There is no magic pill or diet. Once your levels and in "normal" range weight loss will be a bit easier but it's not going to happen by itself. It takes paying attention to portion control as well as what you eat and moderate exercise to get the weight off and keep it off. You should limit carbs, soy, and raw broccoli, raw cauliflower and raw cabbage. Avoid all white sugars and flour and products containing them. At my highest I was 350 pounds - I lost 195 pounds and have never felt better. I have problems with severe asthma and have to go on steroids periodically...then the pounds appear overnight. Once I'm off the steroids, I have to work to get them back off. But I do it. There is a lot of good information on the net but there is a lot of misinformation as well.

nawchem

Tue, Jul-16-02, 16:47

This is a great poll, I'm really curious to find out which helps weight loss the most. I've only been taking Armour for 8 weeks. I'm 40 and I feel the best I've ever felt in my entire life. I started Atkins in Jan. lost 10 pounds in the first month and didn't lose any after that. I've been eating more and exercising less and have lost a little weight the last 3 weeks straight.

SlimShAdY

Tue, Jul-16-02, 18:14

Originally posted by nawchem
This is a great poll, I'm really curious to find out which helps weight loss the most. I've only been taking Armour for 8 weeks. I'm 40 and I feel the best I've ever felt in my entire life. I started Atkins in Jan. lost 10 pounds in the first month and didn't lose any after that. I've been eating more and exercising less and have lost a little weight the last 3 weeks straight.

LOL I thought it was a great poll too. Not to many replies though so hmm guess not. :( Atleast your losing though :roll: I'm not.

Paulie-M

Tue, Sep-03-02, 08:47

:confused: I am somewhat confused about the various medications that you are mentioning. I have only ever been given Levothyroxine Sodium tablets. The only notation on the box is Thyroxine. Currently I am taking 175mcg per day made up of 1 x 100 mcgm 1 x 50 mcg and 1 x 25 mcg. My current supply are all made by different manufacturers but are all Levothyroxine Sodium.
My weight fluctuates. I have just started LCing so it will be interesting to see how things work out. I have had 4 operations on my thyroid to remove abnormal growths (not cancerous) and as a result have very little left. The consultant has told me that if I make any more abnormal growths that they would just take out what is left of the thyroid. Until a couple of years ago, I was only taking 50 mcg per day and never felt that it was enough. Every time my blood was checked they told me that I came within "acceptable levels" and that my dosage did not need to be altered. Finally, it seems that there has been some research carried out that shows that some people need more thyroxine than others to function correctly :rolleyes: Maybe they should listen to the patients more :exclm:

steffie123

Fri, Sep-20-02, 16:38

My thyroid nightmare started about 4 years ago. I was gaining weight at a rapid rate (I gained 30lbs in a year) I could not even stay awake in the car, let alone get up in the morning. I started out on Synthroid .5. I have been sort of yo yoing around for the past few years and am now on Levoxyl 137Mcg. It seems to be working for now. What I would like to know is how to keep it level. Mine seems to go out of wack all of the time. I have problems with hair loss on and off, but it seems more so lately. I would not say I am feeling a ton better, but much better than before. Weight loss is slower than most people, but it is still coming off. :(

Paulie-M

Sat, Sep-21-02, 08:32

Hi Steffi :wave: ,

I think getting Thyroid medications at the correct level is a long haul thing. In my own case, I was on too low a dosage for 14 years or so :eek: . Yet whenever my bloods were done I was showing as "within acceptable levels" . It didn't seem to matter how many times I said I thought I needed to be on a higher dosage they didn't increase it :( . I think one of the break-throughs for me was when I moved house and had to change my doctor. One of the doctors at the new medical centre is very interested in thyroid problems as she has had thyroid cancer in the past. It was only when I went to see the consultant at the hospital for my 6 monthly check up and he noticed her name on my notes that he seemed to want to listen to how I felt. He was the surgeon who had operated on her and he obviously respected her opinion.

I do hope you start to feel better soon. All I can say is keep on at your doctors and ask them about increasing your dosage a little every few months and then running your blood tests. Best of luck, let me know how you get on :)

amika

Thu, Oct-10-02, 21:11

I've started taking synthroid .05 last Sept 30 and will get tested again at the end of December. My next appointment with the endo is in January for adjustements, if needed.

Although both the endo and the pharmacist told me it takes about 4-6 weeks to see a difference, it seems I have a little more energy and my mind is not so foggy. In the morning I like to do physical stuff - walk, clean, a little feng shuiing, ;) etc. - and I do take gym classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Could it be a placebo effect for now?

Would certainly love to see TSH down to .9 :hyper:
I don't know when was the last time it was between 1.0 and 2.0 or if it ever was actually! :confused:

See ya later

Hugs

Denyse

smilin2day

Tue, Dec-10-02, 23:10

My homeopath suggested I switch from Levoxyl (the generic) back to Synthroid. She feels Synthroid is more effective. She did not say it had anything to do with weight control, however.
If you suffer from depression, you should push your MD to adjust your meds so that your lab work (TSH) is on the HIGH side of normal.

kaza

Sat, Jan-04-03, 08:09

I really enjoyed the response to the poll.
I have had an underactive thyriod for some 10 years now, at present I am taking thyroxine 150 per day.
I have been on the Atkins diet for 6 weeks and after years of low fat dieting and constant weight gains and thyriod problems this low carb plan seems to be really agreeing with my system. I have lost nearly 6 kilos and I feel well.
I would advise any other members with thyriod problems that this plan is an excellent one for us, although please do take care when taking supplements especially those muti vitamins as many do contain excss amount of zinc and iron which can play havoc with your thyriod medications, and do remember that thyriod tabs should be taken at the same time every day and leave at least 4hours between taking any other supplements.
At present I am not taking any supplements. Are they really necessary????

lisan

Mon, Jan-06-03, 12:58

SlimShAdy
Where are you in RI? Although Im in Florida Im from RI- Maybe I can recommend a Dr for you. Did you say your thyroid levels were normal? Thats a big problem when trying to get Drs to help.

Thyroid_M

Mon, Jan-06-03, 13:12

It doesn't really matter what medication you are taking, so long as it includes T3 itself, or you are on a T3 supplement.

Synthroid and Levoxyl do not have T3.

The reason you need T3 is because this is the hormone that your thyroid gland produces that regulates energy levels and metabolism.

Because your body produces more T4 than T3, and your body naturally converts T4 to T3, many doctors do not provide T3 directly. This is a mistake because although T4 naturally converts to T3, replacement T4 does not convert to T3.

For example, my mother was undiagnosed for 12 years, and then finally put onto Synthroid. Although this was a life saver, after 20 years of Synthroid she was really noticing that she wasn't as active or healthy as she would like. I convinced her to see my doctor in L.A., and he put her on a T4/T3 replacement. Since May 0f 2002, my mother has lost 32 extra pounds simply by her medication changing. It's wonderful to have a metabolism that works, and T3 is the only way to achieve that if you are hypothyroid.

If you have any questions about this, you can e-mail me at thyroid~justice.com [thyroid AT justice.com], or you can check out my web site [that is still in the developmental stages] at http://diagnosis.4t.com

Margie

martha 1

Sat, Jan-11-03, 15:16

Dear Margie,
It was with much interest I read your post as well as going to your web site. I am trying to figure out if I am hypothyroid.
I have FMS/CFS. Having admitted to that the reason I have been researching this is because I have not had much success in loosing weight. I did Weight watchers for 22 months. Initially I lost 30 pounds only to gain 10 back in two weeks during a medical crisis. I had stopped taking Ambien a sleeping aid I took for three years. I had begun a kidney detox to rid my body of phosphates through a lab in Canada. One of the benefits of the detox is renewed sleep. In spite of not eating very little for the two weeks when I went back to WW's two weeks later I had a gain of ten pounds. I continued to gain .2 a week for the next three months. Another three pounds. Not a lot, but a big deal to me. I went to my doctor who was monitoring my beta blocker, I needed to take because the withdrawal from Ambien caused much hypertension. I have been off the beta blocker for 4 months. and I am still not having succes loosing. I switched to Dr Atkins and for 8 weeks I stuck with induction, no loss. My energy soared and I was regaining my life. The ninth week my energy started waning once again. My resistance to sugar waned. I ate off my plan for a week, gained ten pounds. and am now trying desperately to get back to Lcing. It seems when my energy wanes my appetite wins out.
I have been taking my temperature for 4 days. I average 97.8
My brother 69 older just had modules removed form his thyroid gland. He said his son had no thyroid activity, age 40. He also said there is family history so I should pursue being diagnosed. Is there a alternative like Solaray thyroid caps that might help me
hugs Martha

Thyroid_M

Sat, Jan-11-03, 16:15

Martha,

According to my doctor, the fact that your body temperature
is routinely below 98.0 practically guarantees that you are
low thyroid. Throw in the fact that your brother has thyroid
issues, and VOILA! You are likely one of the many sufferers.

What you need to do is print out a list of the symptoms of
hypothyroidism, and check off which ones apply to you. You
can find a very good list posted at Mary Shomon's website:

http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa061598.htm

Then, you are going to need to find a doctor that is well
versed in this area, one that can diagnose you with this
problem. You do not want to look in the AMA or yellow pages
for a specialist or for an endocrinologist, though. You need
to find a doctor that is referred from other patients, one
that is in your area. You can also find a listing of doctors
in your area at Mary Shomon's website:

http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/bldoc1.htm

When you get to see a good doctor, they will let you know
the options available to you in terms of medication. Some
doctors will prescribe you to a combination of T3 & T4
replacement [like Synthroid & Cytomel] while others will
provide you with medication they have specially formulated
with a pharmacy they contract with. There are no herbs that
can unilaterally fix this problem, although there certainly
are herbs & dietary issues that can assist [like coconut
oil].

This is something that I would definitely follow up on if I
were you. Your weight history sounds so much like my own,
and like so many of my friends & colleagues that have
suffered similarly. Just a note - one of my coworkers was
diagnosed with hypothyroidism & on Synthroid. By convincing
her to see my doctor who took her off of Synthroid and put
her onto a T3/T4 replacement medication, she lost more
weight in Weight Watchers in 3 weeks than she had lost the
entire year previously. Granted, it was like 10 pounds - but
it just shows you how much your metabolism can be affected
by the thyroid gland.

Don't give up! Drop me an e-mail [thyroid AT justice.com] if
you have any further questions or just need emotional
support!!

Good luck,

Margie

martha 1

Sat, Jan-11-03, 18:59

Hi Margie,
Your email address does not work. so have to post here.
Thank you for getting back to me. I have much to think on now. I shall make an appointment with my PC DR next week.
I already do use coconut oil, started using it 6 months agao. I manage to cook my eggs in it other than that just do not have anyplace else to put it. I am on induction again with Dr Atkins LC diet. Today is my first full day back. Just calculated my carbs and they are low at 10. YIKES!! not even hungry. I will write again thanks again for the support
hugs Martha

Texastwin

Mon, Jan-13-03, 22:00

please excuse the lower case typing...broke my upper right arm in 3 places, 2 wks ago, so i am having to attempt to type with my utterly useless left hand! i apologize for my choppy sentances. too

just wanted to tell you which "other" med is working better for me. i am not only hypo but also insulin resistant. started on .100 synthroid and improved...HOWEVER.... when i switched to .100 unithroid....even the fatigue went! TSH started at 2.5 ( and yes I was hypo that low) synthroid dropped it to 1.5 but the unithroid dropped the tsh to .84 and i feel good but have no hyper symptoms. only time i ever went hyper was on a new refill of synthroid....tsh dropped to .61, then .49...stopped taking that refill and started new one...tsh came back up.

you did not show Unithroid as a med even though it was the 1st FDA approved thyroid med ....before Levoxyl & long before synthroid was approved

i love unithroid as you can tell

ShirleyAnn

Mon, Jan-13-03, 22:39

I've been on synthroid for about 12 yrs now. I'm curently taking 250 mcg's of synthroid a day. I had never heard of taking anything for the t3 and t4. What are the brand names on those drugs? I know that they test that when they do the tsh test. I have a really hard time keeping my thyroid stable. And it hasn't done a thing for my weight loss that I've noticed over the years.
I can tell when it's of the least little bit. I get really tired, so tired that I could just lay down anywhere and go to sleep! :daze: Interested hearing all of the moments on this topic.
Thanks,
Shirley

Texastwin

Mon, Jan-13-03, 23:20

Shirleyann,

There are numerous T4 meds...in my opinion most all of the others are better than Synthroid. Among some T4 meds there is Levoxyl, Synthroid and my preferred...Unithroid.

T3 meds are either a synthetic to be taken with a reduced dose of T4 or in a dessicated (natural pig thyroid)form such as Armour, which was the first thyroid med ever made. Testing both the Total T3 & Free T3 will tell you if you need T3 supplementation

Problem is that most docs have been so brainwashed by Synthroid that it is difficult to get them to try other T4 meds, let alone a T3 or Armour (which they call "old fashioned"...but most patient's do better on it).

Also, if you have a difficult time losing weight....what is your glucose? 110-125 is "pre-diabetic" (insulin resistant stage) Thyroid meds are one of the meds that will raise glucose. It is not uncommon for some hypo's to be insulin resistant (I am).

Best place to learn about thyroid conditions, meds, tests, etc is www.thyroid.about.com They too have a forum, which is excellant for learning & getting help w/test results, etc. MOST doctors think you are ok if you pop a pill a day....they don't have a clue about optimizing the dosage!

Thyroid_M

Tue, Jan-14-03, 11:17

Texastwin,

Do you know a lot about glucose levels and/or diabetes? I am just starting to become aware of the sugar levels in my diet severely impacting my weight situation. I would appreciate any information you can provide me, even just letting me know where to look. I have significantly reduced sugar intake in the past week, and have noticed an immediate change in my exercise/energy/weight situation. I am really curious about any information on this, specifically targeting hypothyroids.

:-) Margie

Texastwin

Tue, Jan-14-03, 12:39

Margie,

Yes somewhat as i am insulin resistant. according to ADA "pre diabetes" is 110-125 now.....that is insulin resistance. FYI...thyroid meds are 1 of the meds that elevate glucose.

I have to be somewhere in 2 hrs & since my upper right arm is broken it takes me forever to get ready! i too love mary's site & have learned a great deal from it and the forum.

I will post to you when i get back this evening....typing is not fun w/ a useless left hand!
Faye

Thyroid_M

Tue, Jan-14-03, 12:47

Faye,

I look forward to your response. So you know, I don't know anything about diabetes, insulin, glucose, or anything else related to this discussion. All I know is that when I reduce my sugar intake, I feel better. And, when shopping for sugar free products in the supermarket, I notice there are always comments about diabetes & glucose on the packages. I am very curious about what this means - especially since you say thyroid meds increases glucose levels.

I know you have a bad arm, but anything at all you can provide will be HUGE for me.

:-) Margie

Texastwin

Thu, Jan-16-03, 14:19

margie,

hmmm, all that i know about insulin resistance........

exercise is key....excess glucose is in the blood stream because the insulin isn't moving it into your cells for use by the body....to improve that, you need exercise to deplete what is stored in the cells so they will open back up and accept glucose. unfortunately some cells may never open up again :(

testing:

initially a morning fasting glucose will determine if your glucose is too high. while lab values are usually 70 (i think) up to 125, for "normal" the american diabetes assn issued new guidelines, last yr.

110-125 is now considered "pre-diabetes" (insulin resistance) and it should be approached as if patient is diabetic with diabetic counseling & diet. mine jumped from 112 to 129 after starting thyroid meds...which the ADA states is one of the meds that will elevate your glucose. i am not on any meds...just try to control w/diet. so far my 3 mo average went from 6.8 down to 6.6

if fasting glucose is elevated, dr should order a fasting glucose tolerance test (GTT) and a test that checks what your glucose has been for the previous 3 mos. (sorry can never remember it's exact name...it's like "Habc1 or Hbac1"). if your GTT shows a certain response (as mine did...i still make insulin) and the 3 mo ave is over 6% but below 7%, you are considered insulin resistant. <6% is normal, 7%> is diabetic

my diet was designed to be 1500-1600 cals per day hoever, after the inital loss of about 10 lbs weight loss stopped....i suspect that my diet's carb intake is much higher than it should be...and that is why i am here! ;) found this site as a link from Dr Bernstein's Diabetic Solution.

prior to going on thyroid meds my glucose tested 106...yr later 115, then just 3 wks before i had it retested, i went on the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet and it tested at 112....so i am also reconsidering that diet....i have high cholesterol so am leery of the high protein/fat & low carb (or the nearly no carb like atkins & bernstein)....after i started thyroid meds it was 129! 112 to 129 in 4 mos!

on a diabetic diet, the new way is not "exchanges" but by carb choices. you are allowed to deduct fiber gms from carb gms...each carbohydrate "choice"= 15 gms of carbs. milk products are a carb choice now, instead of a fat choice. if you are interested, i might could find the site that has a listing. also, you should try to have a fiber intake of 25-25 gms....it helps "sweep" the glucose out.

i'm sure ther is more that i have forgotten to tell you :eek: ...please ask if you have any questions

Texastwin

Thu, Jan-16-03, 14:28

ooops...sorry all for the posting duplication :blush:

margie knows but for those that don't...please excuse typos...my right arm is broken...am trying to type with left hand...mostly my index finger ! not fun! :(

ShirleyAnn

Fri, Jan-17-03, 09:20

I work as a medical secretary on the cardiac floor. And yesterday my doctor was making rounds and I asked him about possibly changing my current brand of Synthroid to one of the t3/t4 meds. At first he seems a bit unsure of this. I went on the tell him I had started the Adkins diet on Monday and had been reading quite a bit about it on here. He then said yes we can try something different (after he knew that I had some information) but I still want to keep you in the right levels. I told him I had no problem with this. I currently take a 250 of synthroid a day. So....make I'm getting somewhere with this. Keep the information going for all of us with this problem. And yes I think the poll was well worth it!!! :thup:

Thyroid_M

Fri, Jan-17-03, 10:19

Texastwin,

Thanks for taking the time to provide that information to me. I am sure that I will end up having questions for you, but right now I'm having a hard time putting all of the information together. I am going to spend some time this weekend on it, and wanted to let you know that I appreciate the time you spent outlining it for me like you did!

:-) M

Texastwin

Fri, Jan-17-03, 11:52

margie...

was going thru my newsletters from intellihealth this am....it gave the blood glucose levels i mentioned but also added elevated triglycerides....also it said " in addtion to insulin resistance " so i have to assume insulin resistance is a separate condition, not the same thing as "pre-diabetes". sorry about the misinformation

Jaggedpeac

Tue, Feb-11-03, 17:37

This is terrible to admit but I started on synthroid 28 years ago after developing a goiter from postpartum hypothyroidism. Now I read if you just hang in there your levels will usually right themselves. 28 years and no dr has ever suggested my taking any other medication. I didn't even know there were as many out there as there are. I really can't believe I'm saying this I'm usually very well read on any health problems I may have and know what questions to ask. I think being 21 I just accepted the fact and thought it was going to take care of any symptoms it took care of the goiter. Now I have read so much information about it. I never knew that even though you're on medication your metabolism is still messed up. I always wondered why I couldn't lose weight. I just kept putting it on slowly but no diet ever worked. Now it all makes sense. 3 years ago I went on Atkins, did it for 6 weeks and lost 22 lbs. Christmas came and I quit and have never been able to get back on until now. I didn't lose anything for 2 weeks and then suddenly 6 lbs dropped off. You could of knocked me over with a feather. I have been in WW and only lost 1.5 lbs in a month, following their plan perfectly. They just kept saying hang in there. I sure wish I'd of know that the best plan with hypothyroidism is a limit of carbs. The bulb is slowly lighting over my head, I wouldn't of found any of this out unless I joined this group that led me to the information out there about hypthyroidism. It's been enlightening to say the least.

vdub

Sun, Mar-16-03, 09:25

I just changed from Levoxyl (l0 years) to Armour, and it's been a miracle. It took some convincing, but my doctor finally realized that I was well-informed about the risks and that I really had tried everything to lose weight. I suspect she thought I wasn't really doing all the things I told her I was doing--eating right, exercising daily, etc. When you do all those things, you lose weight, right? Wrong!!!! I changed my meds to Armour and felt instantly better. My hair stopped falling out. My body temp. raised a full degree (still below normal, but hey!). I have tons more energy and feel less "overwhelmed" all the time. I started Atkins about a month after starting Armour and that helped even more. I've finally lost 3 pounds after being stalled for 1 1/2 years. At one point, I was eating approximately 1100 calories a day (Weight Watchers) and riding my bike 2-3 hours a day along with 3 days a week weightlifting. I was actually GAINING weight (not just weight from adding muscle, either) on that program. But the combination of Armour and Atkins is really helping. I'm completely off my diabetes meds (Glucophage), and I'm taking only one blood pressure med instead of three. Wow! I just hope all this wonderfulness will last. I'm terrified it will stop working, but enjoying it right now.

Chloë Mae

Thu, Apr-17-03, 13:20

After years of switching from one synthetic to another, I am on Armour. Funny too, that I was just reading the Atkins book and he also only uses natural thyroid that has both T3 & T4, which is Armour.

So I think the old doc, (bless his soul) was right after all.

His WOE and Armour have been around many, many years.

Froggirl

Fri, Apr-18-03, 22:37

I have been on all the normal brands..synthroid I find to be most effective..I t has taken me 3 years to get my dose correct. Even when I was in the NORMAL range I felt crappy. My endocronologist (bless him). Finally listened to me and I have felt great for about 6 months. I also take a kelp suppliment I SWEAR by.

I have not checked into Armor but after reading the posts I am going to.

If you do not feel right on your meds DO NOT SHUT UP! Yell and scream until someone listens. Alot of Docs are not very supportive I have found and the payoffs are SOOOO WORTH IT!!!!

Froggirl

Fri, Apr-18-03, 23:13

I am sorry. I mentioned my Kelp suppliment in my last post.. I should have added that I am NOT telling ppl to take Kelp or other iodine suppliments! MOst ppl have sufficient iodine in the foods we eat..It has just worked for me and you should research, research, research!

I just wouldn't want any one to take it without proper knowledge as Kelp can irritate, or aggrivate your condition! :wave:

(sorry I would NOT want to put something out there that might make someone sicker!!)

Many Blessings,
Froggirl

weighting

Fri, May-02-03, 13:07

I have been wondering about Armour for a while now.

The epic thyroid story:
September 1993 (wt. 150lbs) - September 1994 - gained 100 pounds. (wt. 250lbs)

January 1995 - thyroid removed. 100mg Synthroid. Starvation diet (800 calories per day). (wt. 267lbs)

December 1996 - moved to U.S. (wt. 250lbs)

December 1997 - ran out of Synthroid. (wt. 250lbs)

1998 - found Carb addicts (wt. 220lbs)

1999 - Switched to Atkins (wt. 200lbs)

2000-2001 - Slipped off and on Atkins (wt. 230lbs)

Jan. 7 2002- started Atkins with militant fanatism (wt. 250lbs)

October 2002 to February 2003 - Still on Atkins - ran to doctor to get thyroid tested several times. Tested at 5.5 TSH. Demanded to see an endo. Saw endo. Went on 100 mg of Synthroid. (wt. 260lbs)

April 2003 - TSH .6 Still on Atkins (wt. 277lbs)

Is there anyway to test my T3 without going back to my beleagered doctor?

w

Froggirl

Tue, Jun-03-03, 23:23

Soo...I have been feeling horrid again. I kept looking toward 6/5 because I had a DR appt. (that I had to make 4 months in advance) I got a letter this morning...my appt is cancelled!!! Three more months until my meds get adjusted!! :thdown:

No matter how many times I adj medications...I have to do it again 6-8 months later!!! wahh wahh feel sorry for me...K, I feel better now...lol. This stuff is just sooo frustrating sometimes. I just know the rest of you have had to be annoyed toooooooo.

I go go go all week then Friday I am in bed by 9pm...and if let alone I would stay there until Monday morning. It just has to get better..I have a few months where I am great...Then another couple where it just sucks.

I guess I have to just wait it out... :mad:

Thyroid_M

Wed, Jun-04-03, 10:59

Weighting,

Your history sounds truly frustrating, but I can relate to the ups and downs of it.

You need to get your T3 tested in order to gauge your T3 levels. TSH does not test your thyroid at all, but tests your pituitary gland to see how much of the stimulating hormone it needs to release to stimulate your thyroid gland. The more it releases, the slower your thyroid is. This is a good test for someone with a really slow thyroid, but the TSH test cannot tell someone whether their T3 or T4 levels are off balanced.

I'm not a doctor, but from 4 years of research and a good relationship with my own doctor, I know that you need to get T3, Free T3, and Reverse T3 tests performed to get a good estimate as to the level of usable T3 in your system. You really want to get your T3 tested specifically, because T3 is the hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates energy & metabolism.

If you get a T3 test, it will tell you specifically your T3 levels. If you get Free T3 tested, it can tell you how much of your T3 levels are available for absorption into your body. You should get both tests done. You could also get Reverse T3, to see how much your body is attacking the T3.

If you are on Synthroid, you are only taking replacement T4 medication. Although the body naturally converts T4 into T3, it does not convert it when replaced by medication.

You can check out my own journal online at http://diagnosis.4t.com if you are interested in any of this. I have some cites to support some of the thyroid information I posted in this message.

In the meantime, I suggest you check out Mary Shomon's site at http://www.thyroid.about.com and go to her Top Doc Directory to find a recommended doctor in your area.

My e-mail is on my site - feel free to drop me a line if you want. And good luck!

Margie

delia

Thu, Jun-05-03, 04:16

Hi I have had an underactive thyroid since I was 9. I am 53 now and have taken thyroxine 100g a day and then 150 a day for most of my life.
Interesting reading all this I am so interstered forgot to put dinner on...lol
Better go catch you all later.

raindew

Thu, Jun-12-03, 18:57

Hi Hello Howdy,

This website is great! Only I am extremely confused about the low-thyroid. I was put on 30mcg of Amour. I do not think I was very low. But I have not lost weight at all, and my energy level seems to improve and I am not as cold as before. Will I ever lose weight? How long could this take??? Does anyone know if Gastric by-pass surgery helps those who are over weight and have a low-thyroid? Or any surgery for that matter?
:confused:

Sure would like to hear about any other way that can speed up this weight loss. I am tried of this weight and I know this is not me that I see in the mirror. HELP! :(

Hope to hear from someone soon :wave:

Raindew

Paleoanth

Thu, Jun-12-03, 21:38

Hey Rain-

I noticed in your profile it said you hadn't read any books. My first suggestion is to pick a plan and read the book for it. You won't believe how helpful that is.

Before you do anything as drastic as gastric bypass, give your chosen plan a really good try. I tried everything to lose weight before lc and I just couldn't seem to lose anything. I am on Atkins and it has really saved me.

lidogga

Thu, Jun-19-03, 08:13

I am happy to see that there are others out there just like me. I have had this thyroid problem since birth (I am now 27 years old). I have always had a hard time with my weight. I have read tons of books (including Mary Shomon's) and still my doctors won't but me on anything besides my Levoxyl .225 dose. I have been tired and in a fog for as long as I can remember. I started Atkins on May 5, 2003 and rapidly lost 12 pounds in the first 3 weeks. It is now June 19 and I haven't lost a thing...even gained a couple of pounds. I feel a TON better but it is very frustrating not losing any weight because I am still doing the induction part!!!! I am going to take the Advice of many of you and ask my DR to try me on a T3/T4 prescription....is Armour one of those. It sounds like Armour has really helped with many of you. Not only do I want to lose weight but I want some energy. I'm tired of feeling tired all of the time!!!!

Thyroid_M

Thu, Jun-19-03, 11:51

Armour is T3 and T4 together. You can find out more info about this particular drug at www.armour.com.

Synthroid, Unithroid, and Levoxyl are pure T4.

Cytomel is pure T3.

My favorite book on hypothyroidism is not a new book - it's by Dr. Broda Barnes, and was written in the '70's. It has a lot of important points about hypothyroidism - but I think the most relevant to date is that he believed that a temperature below 98.0 in itself is enough to diagnose someone with hypothyroidism.

Good luck finding a solution that works for you. I know how crummy it feels knowing that something is wrong, but not having anyone else validate it. With the information you currently have on thyroid medication and thyroid functioning from the literature you have read, you should be getting your answer soon.

Good luck,
Margie

chemong932

Sat, Jun-28-03, 12:01

Hi all:

I am 52 and have been hypothyroid for about 40 years. Until last year the only replacement I had been on was synthroid. I had gained 30 lb. in 6 wks and was eating nothing. After being prescribed replacement, I never could lose that 30 lb. and had to be so careful or I gained.
When the TSH test came out, i really had problems. Everytime the TSH level was low according to blood tests, my dr. lowered my replacement dose. Everytime, I was up 20 lb. + in one to two weeks. I am about 90 lbs. overweight now.
I lived on a vegan form of the Ornish diet for years and lost nothing. For the last year, I've been on Atkins and likewise have lost nothing.
Last summer I went to a new dr. looking for natural thyroid. He did blood tests and put me on natural thyroid. My blood sugar was perfect but insulin levels were out of sight, so he diagnosed hyperinsulinism and prescribed low carb. I was already doing low carb.
I have since gone to a Top Doc from Mary Shomon' s list. He said he could tell just by looking at me that I was still hypo. He upped my dosage of natural thyroid and am now waiting for six week period to be up to do a blood retest. Still no weight loss.
I have a severe spinal disease, orthopaedic and neurosurgeons treat me like trash. They look at my weight and assume that I am not participating in my own recovery. If this wasn't happening to me, I wouldn't believe it either. So, while I am angry and feeled betrayed, I really don't blame them.

sorry for rambling on so, but maybe my family dr. is right, maybe this is genetic and no one has the answer. Maybe some of us will never lose weight. My last back surgery, I was on fluids only for 5 days and gained 2 lbs. I didn't eat the jello ( animal product), just lived on IV and water.

melanie

Thyroid_M

Sun, Jun-29-03, 14:00

Melanie,

Don't give up hope. It's good that you've visited a doctor recommended off of Mary's site - maybe the increased meds will make a difference.

Reading all of your symptoms, though, it sounds so much like my mother's - and she was suffering for 12 years without medication, and then for 20 years while on Synthroid. It wasn't until she started taking T3 in combination with T4 that she noticed a difference. My mom went from weighing over 160 pounds to weighing in just last week at 120 pounds in one year. And it was not a result of a change in diet - it was due to her being put on new medication.

I don't know what your situation is, but I highly suspect that you just haven't found the doctor yet that can help you. It can be a pain trying to find someone who can work with you, but once you do it is worth it.

Don't give up. Perhaps you just need to try another doctor on Mary's site. Or, discuss alternate thyroid treatment plans with your recent doctor. See what his or her thoughts are on T3.

Margie

http://diagnosis.4t.com

Froggirl

Mon, Jun-30-03, 23:02

Wat tooooooooo long we have been accepting what ppl tell us!! The facts are out there. 1234 Dr's tell you to stop eating again GO TO THE 5TH!! I have taken alot of medical advice and got nothing...but i tryed! The one that finally worked has me at 50% we are working on a little more at a time... As much as I am frustrated..I am SO blessed to have gotten this far...Keep it up!!

chemong932

Thu, Jul-03-03, 23:08

Dear Margie:

Thank you for your response. I am really feeling hopeless about this and frustrated.
I was taking cytomel before I went to this doctor, but his focus is natural, botanicals when possible, and drugs if need be. That is why Thyroid was fine with him. He hasn't ruled out cytomel, just asked me to stop it to get a base line with the Thyroid. I assume he would prefer just thyroid (armour in the U. S.). My family dr. prescribed the cytomel at my request, but wasn't comfortable with it because my TSH was so low and I was already taking three 60mg. tablets of thyroid per day. He pointed out that thyroid has natural T3 in it, unlike synthroid. So, the compromise was that I drop the dosage of Thyroid to two tablets and take one of cytomel. It changed nothing. i guess I knew the three tab dosage would do nothing with this new doc as I have already done that. The six weeks on this replacement is about over and I will go for a blood test and then back to him. Perhaps he will add the cytomel back. Maybe, different brands are more effective for different people. I am feeling hopeless about this.

I am in need of a back surgery and not one doctor will even see me. Part of the problem is that I have already had so many back surgeries, but really my weight is a huge issue. I am losing the use of my legs and living on codeine. It is unbelievable to me that so much attention is given to underweight and so many assumptions are made about overweight. I know you all have heard this before, but the response is never to get to the bottom of the problem and find out why I can't lose, it is always that I must be overeating and lying about it.

Thanks, Melanie

plk5907

Thu, Jul-10-03, 06:48

I have have Hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's Disease. I was diagnosed about 10 weeks ago with a TSH of 59.5 and my antibodies (the ones that are killing my thyroid) were close to 6000 (should be less than 36 or so).

Anyway, my doctor put me on Synthroid right away and it did nothing. I only took it for 2.5 weeks (I know that isn't very long) before I blatently just stopped taking it. I was having a pretty bad emotional reaction to having the disease - after being a holistic health nut all my life. I had every Hypothyroidism symptom in the book... life was AWFUL!

I got a new Doctor who put me on Armour - WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I could feel it in the first 30 minutes of taking it, and over the next 4 to 6 weeks almost all my symtoms have gone.

I've lost a few pounds between the Armour, a combination of Atkins and Protein Power, and my sheer renewed enthusiasm for life.

Most recently we had to up the dosage from 60mg to 90mg - apparently because as the Hashimoto's Disease progresses and destroys more of my Thyroid, I need more replacement hormone.

River

Going2doit

Sun, Jul-13-03, 23:06

Taking Oroxine 200micro grams daily and it is great :yay:
If I miss I get really tired and even more sluggish though.
Have been doing this since 1989.

252dlp

Mon, Jul-14-03, 19:54

Wow, am I glad I came across this site and this thread! I just got back from the doctor today--went for a prescription for Flonaise and to check a white spot on my tongue, but came home with a prescription for Amour Thyroid and Nystatin. Doc actually spent an hour with me and listened to my symptoms. We are unsure if I have Candida Albicans (which is possible because I've had 7 rounds of antibiotics and 5 of Prednisone in the last year alone for repeated sinus infections) or hypothyroid or both. I have so many of the symptoms of both! He wants me to start with the thyroid for two weeks then the Nystatin (to see which one helps). Since I haven't started it yet (will tomorrow morning), I don't have any specific questions, but it sure was great to read some of the positive posts about Armour. Thanks

ms.michele

Fri, Jul-18-03, 08:33

I started 90 mcg of T3 on July 3 and so far I have lost 15 pounds. I feel 100% and I am so glad! 10 years of trying everything except surgery!

Michele

Greycita

Tue, Jul-22-03, 23:36

anticarb12

Tue, Aug-05-03, 15:10

Great post! My thyroid went to the craper about 6 years ago. My two sisters and my Mother have had problems with being hypo all thier lives. I watch this very closely as I had never had a problem with weight gain until my thyroid went south. My sister tried a combo t3/t4 and did better than on Synthroid. I'm taking .200 of Sythroid currently, but am thinking of switching to a t3/t4 combo, just to be well rounded, and make sure I don't become physically "rounded". I think low carb diets work VERY VERY well for those of us who have endocrine disease problems, like Hypothyroid or Diabetes, or are susceptible due to hereditary. You loose your thyroid, you gain weight, you gain weight you get diabetes, see the pattern here? Identify if you have a thyroid problem or if it runs in your family, correct it if you do. My mother has both hypothyroid and is an insulin dependent diabetic, she didn’t have diabetes until she gained a bunch of weight after having kids, that’s when she found her thyroid was screwed up too. She was a virtual endocrine time bomb. Low carbs = Low insulin levels = lots of less stress on the pancreas. To me that means I have a lot less of a chance of having mine crap out, besides the fact that I’m not over weight (now), and plan on staying this way for the rest of my life.

Good Luck!

ms.michele

Thu, Aug-07-03, 10:00

I just realized I post that worng... I am taking 90 mcg 2 x a day! Sorry to anyone who read my message!

michele

martha 1

Tue, Aug-26-03, 05:54

Hello,
Just thought I would post my update information. I have been on 2 grains of Armour. Started Armour 7 months ago Immedietly like within two hours my head cleared, my energy returned.
I have been LCing or somersizing for 80 days. I joined Curves 5 weeks ago. I had my first recheck at Curves yesterday. I am down 5 pounds. Finally the melt has begun. Life is good once again.

Atkins4myW

Fri, Oct-24-03, 17:26

I've been taking 75mg of Levoxyl since I was diagnoised with Hasimoto's hypothyroid 2 weeks before I started Atkins. Every time I went for a recheck the doctor was certain he had my levels too high because i was losing so well until this past time. The tests always came back within normal range. I decided early on in my low carb WOL that I would avoid the veggies that interfer with thyroid conversion and keep my level where it was. My doctor told me it was a lifestyle decision and he would adjust it if it got out of whack, but I just didn't want to fool with it. I'm planning to make some changes when I get closer to goal and add those Atkins acceptable veggies back to my life.

Bonzlee

Tue, Nov-11-03, 15:06

I was on synthroid for 15 years and struggled horribly with my weight. I couldn't lose it without extreme effort. I finally go the willpower to eat low-carb and exercise, but it took me 2 YEARS to lose 30 lbs. I exercised 6 days a week and followed the sugar busters diet to the letter. It was soooo frustrating.

Recently I discovered the Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome Web site. Seven weeks ago I went to one of the doctors on the site. He told me that my thyroid wasn't being treated properly. He put me on a compounded medicine containing T4 & T3. These compounded pill (which means custom made), also had a time release agent to ensure the thyroid hormones were released steadily throughout the day.

Go forward six weeks and I visited him again. This time he had done other tests that indicated that I had adrenal fatigue. He put me on pills for that, and finally my energy levels returned to about 80% normal. That's when I got the energy to go on Atkins.

So one week ago I started Atkins. I've lost 8 lbs. this first week. This is amazing to me! I've never lost 8 lbs. in a month, let alone a week. I know a lot of it is water, but some of it is fat. And I give all the credit to my new medication. I will never go back to synthroid. I'm always going to stay on the T4/T3 combination.

By the way, Margie, I think we have the same doctor. That magazine cover is hanging on the wall in his office. :-)

chemong932

Tue, Nov-11-03, 16:09

I found your post of particular interest. My story mirrors yours. I have been on low carb since May/02. I lost 10 lb., but not until the week after I gave up soy products. Of course the soy is strongly suspect here as in some it even causes hypothyroidis. No loss before and non after.

I have searched out doctors who will prescribe thyroid replacement other than synthroid. I am now on Thyroid (similar to Armour in the U.S.), still no change.

I had been on it for 27 years and had gained, even while dieting. I went from 132 to 226lb, each time the TSH was low they lowered the meds and I put on weight. Their explanation was that the higher dose had kept my weight artificially low. All the while, I am eating nothing and getting bigger.

Would you consider sharing the name of the thyroid medication you are now on? Do you know which test he did for Adrenal fatigue? How did he treat this?
It is so frustrating following the diet for those highly resistant to weight loss and getting no results. The only thing that has kept me on this diet, is that when I tried to get off it, in days I was up lbs., also it has lowered my post load insulin from a number that was off the charts to normal.
That may seem like a big deal, but I would have much preferred the weight loss.
Thanks
Melanie

pdanley

Tue, Jan-27-04, 18:07

Hi,
I just started on thyroid medication for a low TSH and they said I have Hashamotos thyroiditis. I have had this for a while but did not want to go on thyroid meds. I was also loosing weight (39 lbs in 6 months), but they still said I was hypothyroid. I cant figure it out. I am on 25mcg to start then I go in for some bloodwork in a month to adjust it. I also was drinking about 2 glasses of SILK soy milk every day, I thought it was good for me but I think it destroyed my thyroid. When I stopped drinking the milk I suddenly started loosing. I don't eat any soy now!!! That is hard to do it is in everything. I hope I don't start gaining on this medication I have read how some have.

Peggy

Amber77K

Mon, Feb-23-04, 00:10

I am on 250mcg of Synthroid. It has never helped me lose weight (I have been on it for 6 years). I think I will ask about switching to Armour.

CONILUV

Fri, Feb-27-04, 16:04

Hi! I just joined today. I was so glad to find this website because I am becoming discouraged. The first week on Atkins, I lost a pound a day. In the last 4 weeks, I have only lost 4 more pounds.

What should I do?

I have been taking Synthroid for about 6 years. I now think maybe this medication is sabotoging my efforts to lose some weight.

poorgirl

Sat, Apr-17-04, 13:42

I have been taking pure compounded T3 since October. I had been on a 5 month stall and since I have started taking the T3 I have given away 27.4 lbs. I have been diagnosed with Wilsons Thyroid Syndrome. My thyroid is making hormone, my body just doesnt use any of it.

All the typical symptoms of no/low thryoid are gone and I am once again losing weight.

Right now I am taking 30mcg twice a day (exactly 12 hours apart). Its great to finally find out what is wrong with you and have a doctor that wants to help.

magnamater

Mon, Apr-19-04, 11:18

I have autoimmune thyroiditis, aka Hasimoto's Disease.

I take armour thyroid--5 a day, 3 in the a.m., 2 at 11.

I also take T3--a compounded script.

I have been much more successful on this--before I took .150 Levoxyl, and I lost on LC, but I am lower now than ever, and feel successful, even though I want more energy. . .

But the switch to Armour has helped the weight loss.

Nancy LC

Fri, May-07-04, 11:22

First of all, I would like to express how awful this Grave's disease issue has been for me. I feel like I'm too young to have my thyroid gland taken away and then to have to take a synthetic pill for the rest of my life just adds more stress to the whole situation. Oh, and did I mention I don't have health insurance? Anyway, after I got the radioactive Iodine treatment I loved the fact that I could eat whatever I wanted. Then I started becoming more aware of my health and started eating better and now I'm going to the gym about 6 times a week. I started gaining about a pound a day when I realized I better go see the doctor. He prescribed Levoxyl and I just want to know, when the heck am I going to shed this excess fat.....when I am going to start losing weight. I am only ten pounds overweight, but I'm going to the gym and eating healthy, can somebody out there tell me what's going to happen to me and when I are my clothes going to fit again? Please. I don't like this big butt I've inherited from Grave's disease. Thanks in advice for anyone who will write back. My e-mail address is ggmoya~aol.com

I had Graves too, I was in my 20's I think. Unlike you, I actually gained weight while I was hyperthyroid! I do have to say, taking the medication is no big deal, it becomes a part of your life.

While my body was draining of excess thyroid my metabolism slowed way, way down. I was on a 1200 a day calorie diet and could not lose weight, even with lots of exercise. But after I started on hormone it began to budge.

Take it a day at a time. Remember that some of your anxiety might actually be caused by too much thyroid hormone. My personality change a LOT after I got the Graves disease treated. It makes me think, even to this day, that perhaps a lot of our personality is the result of the hormonal cocktail running through our veins.

maxcurie

Fri, May-07-04, 18:42

Hi all,

This may be old news aboout synthroid and cytomel, but here's my experience. When I developed hypothyroidism I doubled min size, yet my then MD said it was all in my mind! Anyways, I changed MDs and started synthroid, titrating up to .300 over the next year. I still felt exhausted and then I saw an article in the New England J of Med Jan 99. It suggested that women with hypothyroidism and depression did better by adding cytomel to the synthroid. Over then next 6 mo I switched to 0.2 synthroid + 0.25 cytomel X2 (AM & PM = 0.5) and that has been magic for me. My thyroid levels are now in the normal range, I'm no longer exhausted and I have finally been able to lose weight!
maxcurie

Smileblue

Sun, May-09-04, 04:29

I have an under-active thyroid which is the reason losing weight for me has been so hard! I am normally a happy person, I know a lot of people and I can make friends easily! My only problem is that I have low self-esteem, some days are worse than others! I take daily medication - Thyroxine , 150mg and therefore have a blood test every 6 months to have it checked. My confidence is hugh in places and my determinatioin keeps growing, if I want something I'll go for it! I'm not one to sit around and dwell on my injuries (I was hit by a car and hit the road, leaving the left side of my brain damaged) but to be totally honest, you can't tell and its hard for others to understand what I go through! I really want to start the Montignac Slimming Sensation soon and would love support with this (I'm so happy I found this site) :D
I actually posted a message titled Montignac Slimming Sensation on here too :p I try and stay positive and happy as best I can! :)
I went out with my family yesterday and the day before (evening) and the night before last I'd worn these combat style trousers which I'd bought a long time ago, but then they didn't fit (I'd bought them in a sale WAS £29:99 but I bought them at £9:99) I fell for them straight away! My Support Worker was with me and didn't want me to waste my money on a pair of trousers that don't fit (they were about 3 inches apart on my stomach and tight on my legs) and I told her that I am determined to get into them and I wore them on Friday night!! :D I was very happy!!

Innamora

Fri, May-21-04, 23:35

I take Synthroid in the morning and Armour in the afternoon and it definitely helps.

Cindi3

Wed, May-26-04, 15:28

I have learned more about hypothyroidism on this forum than from all the doctors I have been too. I am especially interested in this T3 and T4 ????

countonit

Tue, Jun-22-04, 04:32

Eltroxin, 0.1mg, and I do lose weight on Atkins. I've been on this level for about 5 years, steadily increased from the lowest dose up to this on the 5 years previous to that. I used to take Synthroid until a couple of years ago, but there was something that happened, a question of quality control at the lab I think, that made my doctor stop using it.

When the first doctor prescribed it all those years ago, she said not to expect any weight loss just because of the pills - and she was right! It seems to have combined with Atkins just fine, though.

crazykaren

Fri, Jul-09-04, 12:41

Margie-I just joined this today and I didn't really know how to post. I put this post in as a response to what I was reading in the first page of postings listed! :blush:

I just want to say thank you for posting all of that information and for all the work you've done to make your knowledge available to people. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism some time ago and nothing my doctor has done has seemed to help. I used a thermogenic, Heatwave, for a while back in 1998. During that time, most of my symptoms seemed to seriously lessen, however, once I stopped using the supplement I kind of fell apart. I haven't wanted to use any supplements since my doctor diagnosed me because I was afraid to do any damage to my throid. However, at this stage of the game, three years later and no improvement, I feel strongly motivated to take matters into my own hands and try Thermalene or one of the other products I have seen mentioned in these forums.

thank you again for providing me, and everyone else, with such a useful tool as your website as well as the information you posted here! :thup:

poetic1

Wed, Jul-14-04, 21:19

I'm on synthroid(it will be one year this Sept.), I haven't lost weight since taking it, buat I'm thinking of asking the Dr. to up my dosage(sp). Last lab test shows my thyrod level at 1.42 and closer to 2 is normal. I'm hoping this diet will help lose the weight.

Deb :wave:

lara1972

Sat, Aug-28-04, 22:23

I was amazed to find this forum! After reading the posts, I nearly felt like crying. It's so good to know that I'm not the only one going through something like this. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism after my son's birth about 7 years ago. I'd been taking Synthoid up until about a year ago. I moved to Australia and they don't carry that brand here, so my doctor put me on Oroxine 150mg daily. I have packed on 40 pounds over the last year and am still gaining. I've been telling my doctor for that long now that something isn't right.I eat well (low carb, low gi) and exercise 5-6 days a week (walking briskly 2.8k/day, hand weights morning and night).I eat better and exercise more than most people I know. They've checked my glucose, cholesterol, the hormone that indicates Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and a few more and say they are fine. This can't be normal! I can't just keep buying new clothes when I get too fat to wear the old ones each couple of months. I'm now up to 180 pounds. I don't know what else to do. It's mentally draining knowing that I'm constantly gaining weight and nobody will listen. I even kept a diary for 1 1/2 months of everything I ate, drank and any exercise I did before going to an Endocrinologist 2 months ago. He looked at it and asked if I were a dietician because I seemed to be eating all the right things. He just told me no carbs after 5 and use the hand weights and I will have lost 10cm by my next visit. It's now past the time to go back and it hasn't worked and I've gained a few more pounds and cm's in the process. Help! I don't know what else to do.

maxcurie

Sun, Aug-29-04, 13:25

Hi, you must insist that the endocrinologist run Free T3 when he does your bloodwork. Also insist that he adds cytomel to your prescription. Cytomel is T3, whic is the active hormone. It will take awhile to get them titrated, but I am on 0.2 levoxyl (T4) and 2x 25mg (AM/PM) cytomel T3. It took me 6 years and 150 pounds before I got the right doses!

Take care
maxcurie (Patty)

lara1972

Tue, Aug-31-04, 06:23

Thank you so much for your input! I've since been back to see the Endocrinologist. Before going in, I'd printed up a two page summary of points that I wanted to cover with him so that I wouldn't forget what I wanted to say! I had both barrels loaded, let me tell ya. One of the points being that my Oroxine is kept in my bathroom where it gets quite warm with the shower and heater. Through research, I found that in 2003, Sigma (the makers of Oroxine here) were instructed to keep the medication refrigerated as the potency after 4 weeks unrefrigerated wasn't the same. It's not printed anywhere on the bottle, and my doctor, nor the pharmacist said anything about that! And I've had that bottle since March of this year. He just said that that's something they were just hearing about. I also presented him with my point that it's repeated in many medical journals how just replacing the thyroxine to "adequate" or "normal" levels does not relieve symptoms for some patients, and that replacing it with a higher level than "normal" may be more benefical. Anywho, at the end of the day, he's uped my dosage 25 mcg to try for 4-5 weeks. Then I have to be retested. I also made the decision prior to going back to him that I would go back to my previous routine of low(er) carbs: no potatoes, rice, pastas or breads and also go back to running 1.5 miles 5 days/week, along with sit ups and a few other at home exercises. I've used the no pastas, rice, breads or potatoes routine before and it really did help me lose. I had more or less gone to still low carbs, but having low GI which includes the above, thinking that would be okay for me since it's a very healthy regime. Apparently, my body doesn't react well to the carbs-low GI or not, so I'll just cut that bit out! I also would like to find out from anyone who has tried using Coconut Oil. I've been reading about the effects of it for people with Hypothyroidism and it sounds to be beneficial.
Thanks again for your input!

Take care,
Lara

rosencooki

Mon, Oct-18-04, 09:04

I have been on synthroid or levoxyl for about 15 years now.....weight did not start coming off until I started LCing....ALSO many people who are hypothyroid also have elevated insulin levils.......ask for a fsting INSULIN test, not just a glucose test.....if it is off you can take glucophage and it helps with weight loss and sugar spikes and drops......combined with lc I feel fantastic! took many years of frustration to find this out.......if you have PCOS have your insulin checked as well.....my doc told me all theses things are connected......I had a horrible time getting pregnant, my doc ids now using glucophage with women who have PCOS and throid probs with great success.............just my observation

murrie

Tue, Oct-26-04, 19:36

I've been on synthroid since I was 12 (now 22), I never noticed weight loss when I first started with it, and it definetly didn't stop me from gaining when I when to college and basically ate whatever I wanted for 3 years. However, since starting a low carb diet, I don't seem to be having any more trouble losing weight than "normal" people. I still feel sluggish but I don't really know how I should be feeling, I have nothing to compare it to.

Before seeing this forum, I didn't even really know about T3 vs. T4, all I knew was that I'd taken a pill every day for the past 10 years. Next time I get bloodwork, I will be sure to ask the doc to check my T3 levels and test for PCOS.

I wanted to thank everyone for all the great info here, its amazing what I didn't know before!

janey626

Tue, Nov-02-04, 19:18

Hi,
I was diagnosed this last summer (after I gained 30 lbs!!). Anyway, I am still w/in "normal" range so I am on a low dose of cytomel and Levoxyl. Well, neither of those have made any difference in the way I feel, so I have begun to see a homeopath.....though I am still on the meds until I can see my endocrinologist in January. The reason I am posting is because my pharmacist said that they have stopped manufacturing cytomel....I live in LA, does anyone know if this is true or if there is somewhere I can find it?

thanks!

Natrushka

Wed, Nov-03-04, 12:13

StacyShay

Thu, Nov-11-04, 17:36

Natrushka

Thu, Nov-11-04, 17:55

I'm new to this site, but I was reading your posts on synthroid not being the only pill u need. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. I am on 25mcg of Synthroid but I have seen no changes and sctually my goiter has really been bothering me lately. Should I ask my doc for T3??
Thanks in advance :wave:
StacyShay

Hi Stacy. Hashi's is the most common type of Hypothyroidism, there are quite a few of us here - you're in good company :)

Your dose of synthroid is VERY low - it's the lowest dose you can get a script for actually. How long have you been on it? When were your last labs run? Have any of your symptoms improved?

It might be best if you started a new thread with your information so it doesn't get lost in here. Just go to the main page http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=76 and hit the http://forum.lowcarber.org/images/buttons/newthread.gif button at the top left of all the other posts.

I would think that if you've been on that dose of synthroid for longer than 6 weeks it's time for an increase. And yes, definitely I would chat with my Dr about the meds I was on - it sounds like he's been neglecting you (unless you only just started taking them)

Nat

CharlieMac

Fri, Nov-12-04, 01:11

Hey everyone, I am a new member. I will turn 20 this December and found out right out of my senior year in June of 2003 that I suffered from throid problems. Well my family and me just thought that everything would be ok after the surgery (which I had in August of 2003), little did we know that we were wrong. During the surgery my throid glands were wrapped around my vocal cords so much that they end up taking all of my calcium glands out but one along with my throid glands. There for awhile I just prayed to die, because if I even atempted to take a bath and not a shower my mom or dad would have to come lift me out because my muscle cramps were so intense. I went for around two months without even being able to walk, due to the intense pain I had in my legs. Not to mention weight gain, I was a size 7 when I had the surgery and by December I was a size 14/16. I was able to go on Atkins for a while, but my doctor told me I had to stop because I wasn't taking in the amounts of calcium my body needed. At the current moment I am taking 250mg of synthroid, 500mg of magonate (2 a day), 0.25mg of rocaltrol (2 a day), oscal supplements (12 a day sometimes more), and about 10 calcium chews a day. I am hoping that one day this will all get back to normal and I will be back at my original weight, because it really brings a persons feelings down when you try and try to explain your weight problem and the whole time someone thinks your just over eating. Because mostly all I ever eat is salads and oranges for calcium. If anyone has any advice for me on how I could go about dropping this weight but doing it without losing my calcium in take , please let me know.
Charlie B. :wiggle:

Natrushka

Fri, Nov-12-04, 07:33

At the current moment I am taking 250mg of synthroid, 500mg of magonate (2 a day), 0.25mg of rocaltrol (2 a day), oscal supplements (12 a day sometimes more), and about 10 calcium chews a day.

If anyone has any advice for me on how I could go about dropping this weight but doing it without losing my calcium in take , please let me know.

Charlie are you taking all those calcium supplements at least 4 hour after or before you take your synthroid? If not then part of your low cal levels might be explained by the synthroid bonding to the calcium and preventing both the meds and the supplement from being absorbed - a bad scenario all around, you don't get the calcium you need and you're not really getting 250mg synthroid.

When was the last time you had your labs done? Do you know your levels? Have you had your FT3 and FT4 tested? It's possible that just synthroid alone is not the medication for you; you might need something else entirely, or you might need some T3 added to the mix.

Nat

StacyShay

Fri, Nov-12-04, 10:32

Natrushka

Fri, Nov-12-04, 10:51

Thanks Nat for your reply,
I've been on this dose for 6 months, and I've seen no changes. Actually the reason I went on the Atkins diet is becasue I've had a major increase in weight. I do have an appointment friday, and I want to ask him about T3 and upping my synthroid. Thanks so much.
StacyShay :wave:

Stacy, I replied in your other thread, but I just wanted to add here that an increase in weight after going on synthroid is a sure sign you're undermedicated. Being undermedicated can lead to problems down the line; like osteoporosis.

I would definitely ask for new labs to be run and I would insist they include your FT3 and FT4 - most docs will only do a TSH and this tells you NOTHING about your thyroid function once you've been on the meds.

The issue of whether you can get him/her to give you any T3, aside, you need more synthroid, period.

Nat

podengo13

Tue, Nov-30-04, 14:02

HI. I 've recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (sp?) and i've been put on levoxyl 75 mg daily. I'm just curious, how long does it take levoxyl to take effect? I right away (2 days) noticed that I 'm not that cold anymore and have more energy, but sometime I feel like something is still lacking, because i still get irritated really easily and sometimes i don't. I will go in for my next apptmt on 27 Dec (approx 2 months after diagnosed). Are they supposed to check my levels changes everytime I go in or do I have to ask my endocrinologist for those? Also, sometimes it seems that I crave more foods now, but since i'm also a bit of a post ed case, I feel like I shouldn't be eating this much and feel like i'm to gain 10lbs in no time. My tsh was 15 and my t4 was something like 0-1, can't remember. I also have a very active lifestyle starting this past July, I've gradually increased myself to 50-60 mpw of running and I normally would eat 800-1100 while I was trying to lose some weight (30lbs) (nowdays 1500-2000) so now i'm under 120 somewhere and i think it's fluctuating constantly.

I've also noticed that many say soy milk consumption slows down the effect of the medicine quite noticably and that carbs are very bad for hypos, but not sure why??? I try not to get any dairy in me because it gives me too many gases which is especially uncomfortable during my runs(ruins the whole experience for me really), so you understand the dilemma, can't drink regular milk, can't drink soy. I suppose I could try to go without either one, but I'm curious if soy really acts so much as a stopper for levoxyl even though i always wait couple hrs after taking it to eat anything (i'm taking it in mornings right before my workouts). Thanks for any input :)

MoonDansyr

Sun, Dec-12-04, 10:09

I've been on Cytomel since about the first of August and it wasn't until last month that I began to feel "normal" again. I can't say that it caused me to lose weight, because I didn't drop an ounce from it alone. However, once I began the low carbing along with it (because I also have the insulin resistance), I am starting to lose. I DEFINITELY feel better, so that has to help! Also, my all-time high was 163 - - I didn't start "here" until I was 151.

Jacque383

Wed, Jan-05-05, 11:40

Natrushka

Wed, Jan-05-05, 13:28

I'm so glad I found this thread...I just went to the doctor yesterday for a complete physical....We were discussing my thyroid med's - I take Synthroid 100mcg (one a day) and cytomel (25 mcg - 1/2 tblt a day)...And this doctor informed me that new research is proving to find that cytomel should actually be thrown out - that it's ineffective....

Anyone got any information on this?

Jacque, there are studies that prove it's more effective than just T4 alone and there are studies that prove it isn't. It depends on each individual case. I'd balk at the notion that it's 'ineffective', however. Much of the issue with the effectivness of thyroid meds relates directly to the patient receiving the right amount - so many of us are undermedicated because doctors use TSH to determine dose (TSH becomes meaningless when you start meds).

The questions should be: How do you feel on this dose? What do your latest labs look like (FT4 and FT3)?

Nat

dstartz

Thu, Jan-06-05, 14:07

Your poll doesn't take into account those of us that take 2 different kinds of thyroid replacements.

It wasn't until we added Cytomel to my T4 meds that I was able to start losing weight. For me it has made all the difference in the world!

dstartz

Thu, Jan-06-05, 14:28

I'm curious if soy really acts so much as a stopper for levoxyl even though i always wait couple hrs after taking it to eat anything

From all I've read it is my understanding that consumption of soy, as well as estrogen replacements, cause a bump in how T4 replacements are used in the body. Since I partake of little soy and no estrogen replacements I have failed to remember that exact particulars. But I do remember they cause problems in titration via the estrogen in the bloodstream.

Sorry I can't tell you more about it, but I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to find more info on the 'Net.

Other foods that can reek havoc with your meds are broccoli, cauliflower and other vegetables of the same family.

__________________

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fridayeyes

Sun, Jan-09-05, 14:31

podengo13

Tue, Jan-11-05, 13:50

And tea. If you are hypoT, and having problems, tea of any type is a no-no. Apparently, you get a double whammy of chlorine/fluoride from the water you make it with, plus the leaves themselves contain high levels of those two substances.

I am so bummed about this one, btw. :(

What I've read is that if you're well medicated, doing great, feeling great, a cup or two a week is ok. If you are unmedicated, still not feeling 100%, etc, it's best to avoid.

Even organic teas may still be suspect. If they're grown with treated water, they're still a problem.

I've eliminated black/white and green types so far, so now i'm completely herb, but where have you heard that herb is bad as well? is there any tea that doesn't have flouride/chlorine; I'm so confused now, I wish there'd be a simple way of finding out which teas have it and which don't because to live without tea is out of question,- for me at least. (so any type of water that I heat up would have flouride in it? and if it does would it be enough to be considered pretty bad for me to drink?)

Btw:
Yeah, it was bad enough that I got the talking model, but apparently I got the one with the SMARTass chip, too.

:lol:ROFL

Do they really make those?

Natrushka

Wed, Jan-12-05, 08:51

I've eliminated black/white and green types so far, so now i'm completely herb, but where have you heard that herb is bad as well? is there any tea that doesn't have flouride/chlorine; I'm so confused now, I wish there'd be a simple way of finding out which teas have it and which don't because to live without tea is out of question,- for me at least. (so any type of water that I heat up would have flouride in it? and if it does would it be enough to be considered pretty bad for me to drink?)

Podengo, it's in all teas, even the herbals. Decaf is even worse, btw. Air and soil pollution puts the fluoride in the leaves, which is then passed on to us when the teas are made. Many teas actually advertise their high fluoride content, saying it's good for your oral hygiene.

Most municipal water is also fluorodated, drinking your 2 litres a day from this source would also not be a good idea with respect to thyroid function. Levels of fluoride in water were set many years ago when it was assumed daily consumption would be less than 4 glasses a day.

dstartz

Wed, Jan-12-05, 15:24

Are we talking about thyroid function or thyroid replacement when we are talking about fluoride, etc?

fridayeyes

Thu, Jan-13-05, 13:27

Thyroid function/thyroid replacement - doesn't matter. Fluoride/chlorine interfere with proper absorption and function of the hormones regardless of whether your body is making them or they come from a pill.

Cheers,

Friday the Tealess (sniff!)

(Ok, possibly if you grow your own tea on distilled water and brew it with distilled you could have it, but alas - I won't be touching the stuff until I'm well-medicated for a long time, and then sparingly)

dstartz

Thu, Jan-13-05, 13:34

Fluoride/chlorine interfere with proper absorption and function of the hormones

"older medical articles revealed that fluoride was once used as an anti-thyroid medicine, prescribed by doctors in hospitals and clinics. It was used to slow down an overactive thyroid. In addition, it was also effective in slowing down a normal or already-sluggish hypothyroid gland. For instance, in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 18, 1958, page 1102, Drs. Galetti and Goyer explain the "Effect of Fluorine in Thyroidal Iodine Metabolism in Hyperthyroidism"."

- http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/shamesfluoride.htm

"Fluoride had been used for decades as an effective anti-thyroid medication to treat hyperthyroidism and was frequently used at levels below the current "optimal" intake of 1 mg/day. This is due to the ability of fluoride to mimic the action of thyrotropin (TSH)."

"Fluoride and iodine, both being members of the halogens group of atoms, have an antagonistic relationship. When there is excess of fluoride in the body it can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland."

- http://thyroid.about.com/cs/toxicchemicalsan/a/flouride_2.htm

"Although there have been numerous studies before showing that fluorides act like TSH, the thyroid-stimulating-hormone - as seen above -, it can now be documented in deep detail, for it is known that G proteins in thyroid physiology are normally absolutely dependent on TSH and are inactive without it. TSH is the master, sometimes also referred to as the “first violinist in the orchestra”.

The TSH receptor is the only receptor known able to activate all G protein families, an activity directly imitated by fluoride. "

- http://64.177.90.157/pfpc/html/thyroid_history.html

"Karilee Shames, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nursing, points out that a major environmental trigger of low thyroid is likely to be the fluoride added to municipal water supplies. Scientists believe that fluoride can depress thyroid functions with levels as low as 2. 5 mg/ day"

- http://www.healthy-communications.com/fluorideshamesreport.html

For those that still have their thyroid I can see where there would be reason for concern.

For those of us that no longer have a thyroid or have a thyroid that no longer works it appears that fluoride is not a problem for our T3 &/or T4 replacements as the interferrence is with TSH.

dstartz

Thu, Jan-13-05, 14:00

"Caffeine has been shown to markedly alter...thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid hormones in animal studies. Similar studies in the human are lacking." (Dev Pharmacol Ther 1987;10(2):73-80) Other researchers found that "chronic caffeine therapy," constituted by high levels of caffeine use over time, "stimulated both T4 and TSH; however, TRH-stimulated TSH release was decreased, suggesting that chronic therapy may blunt pituitary TSH response." (Pediatr Res 1983 Jul;17(7):592-595)."

Once again, for those with a thyroid I can see that there might be problem....

Coco081392

Tue, Jan-18-05, 10:07

Ok..now I am a little confused about drinking tea and having hypothyroidism. :help:

So if I understand what I have read, I should avoid drinking any kind of tea, even decaff?

I have to have a warm drink in the morning. Should I switch to decaf coffee instead?

Natrushka

Tue, Jan-18-05, 11:00

So if I understand what I have read, I should avoid drinking any kind of tea, even decaff?

Yes, especially if you are still trying to get your dose to the optimal level. Decaf teas have tested higher for fluoride than reglar teas, so yes, even decaf.

I have to have a warm drink in the morning. Should I switch to decaf coffee instead?

That is what I have done and what I'd recommend.

Nat

Coco081392

Tue, Jan-18-05, 15:55

Thank you so very much for the information.

Here I thought I was doing something good dinking decaf tea instead of decaf coffee.

Oh well, Decaf Coffee here I come.

Have a good day everyone.

Toni

dstartz

Tue, Feb-01-05, 00:07

This thread got me to wondering....

What Are Your Thyroid Med Levels?

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=231688

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fridayeyes

Mon, Mar-07-05, 10:34

BTW, back to the fluoride issue, the fluoride ions hook onto the spot where iodine should go in the thyroid hormones. So, while it doesn't depress output like it would if you had a thyroid, it does hamper absorbtion and proper use. The effect is less straong that it would be if you had a thyroid, but still there. Caveat emptor.

Nancy LC

Mon, Mar-07-05, 11:12

So it might effectively turn T3 into T4 again? From my understanding the T3 is the hormone with 3 iodine molecules and T4 is Thyroid hormone with 4 iodine molecules.

The caffeine thing is interesting. I think I've been trying to compensate for low thyroid all these years by drinking lots and lots of caffeine. But, if I'm reading that correctly, that would cause my TSH to stay low and T4 high, even while my T3 is low.

I think it is time to try to give up the caffeine again. *sigh*

fridayeyes

Mon, Mar-07-05, 11:58

No, it makes it into something that no longer fits quite right in the receptors or works quite right.

Caffiene? Taper off or give it up cold turkey, IMHO. Heart rate stuff (other thread) could also be a sigh that your adrenals are a bit stress-y over the T3, let alone adding caffiene.

IMHO, while you can be sensitive to the T3 hormone, thus 'over-reacting' a bit when your body finally gets some, you can't be truly hyper on a dose less than what your body would naturally make - which is 3-5 grains. Ergo, if you're on less than 3 grains, you pretty much can't be hyper. Poor tolerance of small doses usually points to adrenal insuffiency or a nutritional deficit, typically iron, but possibly somehting like B-12 or other Bs.

Cheers,

Friday