Thread: Finally, an answer for my weight gain.

For awhile now I have been gaining weight, haven't been feeling well and dealing with other mental and health issues and I didn't know why. I workout 3 times a week, I dance (bellydance and salsa dance) 3-4 times a week, was going to a trainer once a week, my eating habits had not changed and yet I was still gaining weight. I even tried a toxic cleanse that my friend had done and lost weight and felt 10 times better after doing, I actually gained 4 pounds during that cleanse. WTF? I was starting to feel really ill and went to the Doctor. They have run some tests (more to come) and have found that I have Hypothyroidism. It explained it all.
Needless to say, I was relieved that there was a reason and I wasn't going crazy, but I'm also sad. I wish I had found out sooner, before I gained all this weight. My Doc says once the meds kick in I will stop gaining, but it will be even more difficult to loose the weight now.
I'm happy that I can now start my treatment and get back on track, but I'm sad that I'll now be on medication for the rest of my life. I can't stand taking medication.

I strongly recommend you get your thyroid checked often!

I am glad you were diagnosed and will get better. Sucks to take pills, I hate them too. Hang in there!

I read somewhere that taking Essential Fatty Acids can help maintain a healthy thyroid.


http://www.udoerasmus.com/interviews/02_mary_shomon.htm

Sorry that you have to take meds forever, but I am so glad you will get better. Knowing what's wrong is such a relief. Give it time. What's important is that you will be feeling better.
{{{HUGS}}}

A great resource for hypothyroidism is mary shomon's newsletter. Just google her name. She has all sorts of good info.

Originally Posted by TheGreatKathyLori

A great resource for hypothyroidism is mary shomon's newsletter. Just google her name. She has all sorts of good info.

Thanks. I'll check her out.

Originally Posted by MahiraRaqs

For awhile now I have been gaining weight, haven't been feeling well and dealing with other mental and health issues and I didn't know why. I workout 3 times a week, I dance (bellydance and salsa dance) 3-4 times a week, was going to a trainer once a week, my eating habits had not changed and yet I was still gaining weight. I even tried a toxic cleanse that my friend had done and lost weight and felt 10 times better after doing, I actually gained 4 pounds during that cleanse. WTF? I was starting to feel really ill and went to the Doctor. They have run some tests (more to come) and have found that I have Hypothyroidism. It explained it all.
Needless to say, I was relieved that there was a reason and I wasn't going crazy, but I'm also sad. I wish I had found out sooner, before I gained all this weight. My Doc says once the meds kick in I will stop gaining, but it will be even more difficult to loose the weight now.
I'm happy that I can now start my treatment and get back on track, but I'm sad that I'll now be on medication for the rest of my life. I can't stand taking medication.

I strongly recommend you get your thyroid checked often!

Yes, I had this as a teenager - went from slender to overweight in no time at all and it was the exact same issue.

I promise, your body chemistry will stabilize - don't worry! and don't fret about the weight because continuing to dance is the key, along with sensible diet.

I'm in a similar situation- I gained almost 20 pounds in a few months and was just (a couple of weeks ago) diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease, which causes hypothyroidism. I'm pretty matter-of-fact about it, because my sister has it, as well as my mom, my aunt, my grandma, and my great-grandma (when they were alive). So I was fully expecting it at some point.

Right now- I've been taking medication for about 2 1/2 weeks, and my weight is already stabilizing. I haven't lost, but I also haven't gained. And I'm seeing small increases in my energy levels, which is good. So I think this is the right course. I'll see the endocrinologist again in about 6 weeks.

Good luck!

Wow! I am glad you were diagnosed so that you can get treated now. I hope your body adjusts to the new system quickly. I'm in a situation where my body is resistant to weight loss. I get my thyroid checked regularly, but everything is normal. Did you get all of the thyroid hormone tests or just the TSH?

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

Wow! I am glad you were diagnosed so that you can get treated now. I hope your body adjusts to the new system quickly. I'm in a situation where my body is resistant to weight loss. I get my thyroid checked regularly, but everything is normal. Did you get all of the thyroid hormone tests or just the TSH?

just the TSH and today I went for an ovary/uterus exam and an ultrasound. They are checking for masses or cysts. I've been having pain in my abdomen. Hopefully it all comes back fine. I don't want anymore bad news.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

Wow! I am glad you were diagnosed so that you can get treated now. I hope your body adjusts to the new system quickly. I'm in a situation where my body is resistant to weight loss. I get my thyroid checked regularly, but everything is normal. Did you get all of the thyroid hormone tests or just the TSH?

I got my TSH and free T4. My doctor interpreted my results as totally normal and told me to "eat less and exercise." I told him that as a professional dancer and dance teacher, I get more exercise than most of his patients and I watch every bite of food that I eat. Then I pretty much demanded to see an endocrinologist, who did an ultrasound. He found several calcium nodules on my thyroid, and he diagnosed me with early Hashimoto's, based on my levels, the ultrasound, the fact tht my thyroid was a bit enlarged, and my family history. You can't just look at 1 thing when you're diagnosing this, because it's not that cut and dried.

What's considered to be "normal" TSH levels is very controversial- my dr. uses 5.5, where the endocrinologist uses 4.5, but some endocrinologists use 3.0. My level was 4.02, and I had most symptoms of Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism, but my doctor was willing to chalk it up to my simply being sedentary (HAH! A sedentary dance teacher???) My sister has terrible symptoms if she goes much over 2.5-2.7, and the doctors took years (yes YEARS) to diagnose her, even with such a strong family history.

Originally Posted by amarasdance

I got my TSH and free T4. My doctor interpreted my results as totally normal and told me to "eat less and exercise." I told him that as a professional dancer and dance teacher, I get more exercise than most of his patients and I watch every bite of food that I eat. Then I pretty much demanded to see an endocrinologist, who did an ultrasound. He found several calcium nodules on my thyroid, and he diagnosed me with early Hashimoto's, based on my levels, the ultrasound, the fact tht my thyroid was a bit enlarged, and my family history. You can't just look at 1 thing when you're diagnosing this, because it's not that cut and dried.

What's considered to be "normal" TSH levels is very controversial- my dr. uses 5.5, where the endocrinologist uses 4.5, but some endocrinologists use 3.0. My level was 4.02, and I had most symptoms of Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism, but my doctor was willing to chalk it up to my simply being sedentary (HAH! A sedentary dance teacher???) My sister has terrible symptoms if she goes much over 2.5-2.7, and the doctors took years (yes YEARS) to diagnose her, even with such a strong family history.

Wow. This is completely out of the blue for me. No history of it or family relation. My number was 7.2 or something like that.

Glad you found out. My mother died from it.

Isn't it so scary what can go wrong with the body? Just focus on being healthy, try not to let yourself get mired down in the what ifs. Sending positive vibes...

a dear friend has been affeted by this..she has a long history in her family.. while waiting for results she picked up this book and it has helped her tremendously. Ive ordered it myself..maybe it can help you as well..couldnt hurt..

http://www.borders.com/online/store/...sku=1600376703

I've also recently discovered that I'm hypothyroid... I'm going to go to the doctor in a couple weeks to get my levels checked again and see about medication. I've kinda "known" for a while, but haven't had insurance coverage, so couldn't afford the visit or the medication... it's getting worse though, so I'm going to take care of it regardless of insurance. My grandma had Hashimoto's.

My cycle has been off for years, I get random cramps and pains, I lose a LOT of hair when I brush, I get chills all the time (I'll be wearing 4 layers in a warm room where everyone else is wearing t-shirts and I'll still be freezing!), nausea, vertigo, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, emotional problems, and extreme weight gain. My doc back in the midwest thought that the copper in my IUD probably made it worse over the last year... got rid of that a few months ago, so maybe it'll get better?

I've been doing P90X and have STILL been gaining weight and girth. I eat right (normal portions, minimal sweets, cook EVERYTHING from scratch, fast food only once a month), I'm NOT sedentary, but I've gained over 50 lbs and 5 pant sizes in the last 2 years.

Originally Posted by lisashimmy

a dear friend has been affeted by this..she has a long history in her family.. while waiting for results she picked up this book and it has helped her tremendously. Ive ordered it myself..maybe it can help you as well..couldnt hurt..

http://www.borders.com/online/store/...sku=1600376703

This looks like a good read... I think I'm going to grab it soon.

Originally Posted by Lesedi

My cycle has been off for years, I get random cramps and pains, I lose a LOT of hair when I brush, I get chills all the time (I'll be wearing 4 layers in a warm room where everyone else is wearing t-shirts and I'll still be freezing!), nausea, vertigo, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, emotional problems, and extreme weight gain. My doc back in the midwest thought that the copper in my IUD probably made it worse over the last year... got rid of that a few months ago, so maybe it'll get better?

I've been doing P90X and have STILL been gaining weight and girth. I eat right (normal portions, minimal sweets, cook EVERYTHING from scratch, fast food only once a month), I'm NOT sedentary, but I've gained over 50 lbs and 5 pant sizes in the last 2 years.

Wow! Except for the chills this sounds just like me. I hope the meds help us both.

Originally Posted by MahiraRaqs

Wow! Except for the chills this sounds just like me. I hope the meds help us both.

Thanks Mahira! It's kinda nice to see a thread, even a small one, with others who are experiencing the same thing. Here's to us all feeling normal and healthy again!

I've been on medication for hypothyroid/Hashimoto's for almost a month now. I've definitely noticed an upswing in my energy level, my forgetfulness is getting better, I'm not as cold all the time (even though it's a TERRIBLE Minnesota winter!), and I've lost 2-3 pounds (depending on the day). I have another appointment with my endocrinologist in early March to check my levels.

It gets better, ladies- I have noticed a lot of improvements! *hugs*

I just happened upon this thread as I have been tested pretty regularly for hypothyroid for the last 4 years. It doesn't show, but yet I have almost all those symptoms noted by a lot of you, plus the odd weight gain and feeling cold all the time.

Has anyone else (like me) tested negative, but still feels like they are right outside the border of it?

Oh wait - Amara, I just saw that's exactly what was going on with you! Eesh, and I have a family history too! Sooo, how do you tell your doc that you think you might have this condition, and his numbers might be off?

Originally Posted by Sahirah_Badr

I just happened upon this thread as I have been tested pretty regularly for hypothyroid for the last 4 years. It doesn't show, but yet I have almost all those symptoms noted by a lot of you, plus the odd weight gain and feeling cold all the time.

Has anyone else (like me) tested negative, but still feels like they are right outside the border of it?

Oh wait - Amara, I just saw that's exactly what was going on with you! Eesh, and I have a family history too! Sooo, how do you tell your doc that you think you might have this condition, and his numbers might be off?

The doctor who tested me was supposed to call me if my numbers were off or mail me the form if they were normal. He mailed the form, and wrote on it "recommend eating less and exercise, come in to be re-tested in 6 months" I was furious at this, so called and talked to the nurse. I told her that with my family history and symptoms, I was NOT willing to be blown off as lazy, and I was not willing to feel bad for 6 more months. I went through a litany of activity with her (I have troupe rehearsal for 2 hours a week, teach 4 classes a week, practice X amount every day, average X amount of additional exercise each week, plus performances) and the fact that even when I was counting calories and had a diet of 1300 calories, I gained weight. Then I simply said "I am going to see an endocrinologist- how do I get a referral?" In 30 minutes, the nurse called me back with the endocrinology department on conference call, and they said that they had a cancellation, so I got an appointment for the following week. So basically, I got in by being a pain in the a$$.

But I'm glad I did, and in this case, I had to be the squeaky wheel- if I didn't stand up for myself, nobody would, and I'd be resigned to feeling bad for 6 more months. It was really interesting to hear that my sister had a lot of trouble getting diagnosed, and that she kept being told that she was "normal" despite her family history and symptoms- which i exactly what was happening to me- that gave me even more motivation to talk to the endocrinologist.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Sahirah_Badr

I just happened upon this thread as I have been tested pretty regularly for hypothyroid for the last 4 years. It doesn't show, but yet I have almost all those symptoms noted by a lot of you, plus the odd weight gain and feeling cold all the time.

Has anyone else (like me) tested negative, but still feels like they are right outside the border of it?

Oh wait - Amara, I just saw that's exactly what was going on with you! Eesh, and I have a family history too! Sooo, how do you tell your doc that you think you might have this condition, and his numbers might be off?

I agree. Complain, push & ask for more tests. What type of tests are they doing that they say are "normal"? There is more than one test they can do.
I was told this past weekend that I should go to a nutritionist. I have never gone to a nutritionist. Is it expensive? I love food but I am good at watching what and how much I eat. Would this really help with a thyroid issue? Thoughts?

Going to doc today. I am good at being a PITA when my health is on the line - especially cause I can't let my kids down when I'm feeling bad!

I also go to a Naturopathic/Holistic, and I always feel better after seeing them. While they are not recommended as the substitute for regular medical care, they guide me diet wise. I've found my best results are with them personally. With my 2nd daughter I had a complicated pregnancy and it was THEM who helped me the most. Everytime I went to my OB I felt afraid and tense. I felt wonderful after leaving their office though.

I know Holistic isn't for everyone, but even after seeing a regular doctor, I see them in addition. I am always trying to heal myself without meds when possible.

My Holistic feels the body is always trying to heal itself and they guide it to do so by hitting 'reset.' They also will work with diagnosis' and meds if I have them instead of convincing me I don't need them. There are times and places when you need extra support, but a lot is overdone (ie antibiotics, painkillers).

Well, I am off to my regular MD's appointment! We'll see what happens.

@Mahira - they did a Thyroid blood work up, a CBC and a general exam in office.

It amazes me how they miss this one so often. It took my husband over 2 years of asking and testing before he was diagnosed.
He went on the meds and they helped, but still a little roller-coastery. That's when he finally was able to go to an endocrinologist. The endocrinologist put him on the name brand Rx - and he's been fixed right up. So, in this case generic/name brand can make a difference.

Yep, I've been tested numerous times and they always come out normal even though I am symptomatic. I have recently started going to a holistic doctor and some things have come to light. She gave me a lecture series from her mentor that talks about hormones, specifically female hormones and stress hormones. She said if your body has surges of hormones in abnormal levels you will experience lots of symptoms.

Women who have estrogen dominance often experience: weight gain, fatigue, mood changes, menstruation problems, body pain, etc, that can mimic hypo symptoms. BUT Western medical practices don't recognize any of these if you don't test positively for certain diseases. That's because western docs are measuring blood serum levels and aren't taking into account other forms of testing or even trying to understand why a patient isn't feeling their best. They treat tests not patients.

http://www.restorativeendocrinology.com/

Courage my pretty you'll exceed all that
I hope everything goes well for you

I'm so happy!

I got my latest test results back. My thyroid has completely gone back to normal! :) The doc said that a combination of coming off the pill and the copper from my former IUD were the culprits. I guess the pills effects last a few years after getting off them and really screw w/ thyroid hormones in some people. Doc said that I should be feeling better in another week to a month. :)

My husband recently read a research report saying that people whose thyroid level is borderline low AND who are having symptoms may be suffering from insufficient trace minerals in their diets. Basically, agriculture has depleted a lot of minerals from the soil, minerals which are not replenished by typical fertilizers. So even if we eat our vegetables, they may no longer contain the minerals that they would have contained 50-100 years ago.

The recommendation in the article was to use either rock salt or sea salt for seasoning foods instead of normal table salt. Apparently rock salt and sea salt both contain these trace minerals that our bodies need.

I haven't tried it myself, but it seemed worth sharing....

Originally Posted by Lesedi

I'm so happy!

I got my latest test results back. My thyroid has completely gone back to normal! :) The doc said that a combination of coming off the pill and the copper from my former IUD were the culprits. I guess the pills effects last a few years after getting off them and really screw w/ thyroid hormones in some people. Doc said that I should be feeling better in another week to a month. :)

That's great! Yay!