Hypothyroid Problems?

Updated on September 20, 2010
J.P. asks from North Anson, ME
9 answers

Ok so thyroid problems run in my family, mainly hyperthyroid problems. HOWEVER, I have been having a tough time trying to lose weight. Before I got pregnant, I stopped drinking soda and dropped 15 lbs in just a few months. Now, almost a year after my daughter was born (yay 1st birthday coming up!), I have tried everything. I went to the gym for a while (I can't really afford it right now), had no soda, sugary drinks, no junk food, ate slower and smaller portions, ate healthier foods, went walking every day, and if anything I gained weight! This is the heaviest Ive ever been and its starting to get to me. Im also under a lot of stress, starting to get depressed, I have absolutely no sex drive at all... Is this a possible thyroid issue? Have any of you had the same problems?

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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

I have hypothyroidism. I had all those symptoms except I lost weight, which can happen but it's uncommon. That alone caused me to be misdiagnosed because it took a year and a half for it to show up on my blood work. Anyway, it's a simple blood test. If your TSH is normal, have them check your t3 andt4 (or whatever the more extensive blood work for hypothyroidism is.) My symptoms showed up before it showed up on my blood test.

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R.R.

answers from Boston on

Hi Leandra's Mommy,

I had hypothyroidism about a year or so after my daughter's birth. I have nor have any of my family had thyroid problems, so I did not even consider it, except that I was SO tired, feeling down, unable to concentrate, pretty much all the symptoms one has with hypothyroidism.

Of course, we are all tired with a little one, but I knew something was wrong b/c I the tiredness was overwhelming and I felt not due to taking care of my daughter. Plus, I just did not feel right.

In any case, I ended up having a blood test and now take a very small dose of medication, which has worked well.

Also, don't be too h*** o* yourself about losing the weight. I breastfed for a year, too and found that it took about a year to lose weight, and still have some to shed. Everyone's body reacts differently, but again, you'll know if it is due to your thyroid with a test, I guess.

I hope you figure it out and feel better soon!
Take care!

D.M.

answers from Dallas on

My first question to you is if you breastfed. If you did, when did you stop? I suffered from postpartum depression (dr. diagnosed) when I tried to wean my son at 12 months. After experiencing the same issues you are describing, I went back to it. It can take months for your chemistry to get back in order after giving birth. I have read some articles that say it can take up to 2 years to bounce back completely. Best thing to do is get tested and diagnosed before blaming the thyroid. It's not as common of an issue as people would like to believe. I took thyroid meds for 16 years. I'm finally off of them after going to a chiropractor. I had nerve issues in my neck that supply the thyroid. After getting them taken care of, I don't need the medication anymore. Good luck!

D.B.

answers from Boston on

There are a lot of reasons why weight loss is difficult, particularly after giving birth. Hormones, massive body changes, and so on. Also, you just don't have the time when you have a little one, and most of us tend to clean our kid's plate rather than throw out the uneaten food! I also have hypothyroidism and have taken meds for a long time, but they often cause as many problems as they "solve" - hair loss and weight problems among them. The stress and the low libido come from that, same with depression. A friend of mine who also has this problem has taken a great supplement and I take it too - it's helped with SO many issues that now the weight is starting to be easier to deal with. I've reduced my antidepressant meds and I'm working on getting off the thyroid meds. I have more energy and I get better sleep. And oh yeah - my sex drive is back! My MD is thrilled. So's my husband LOL.

C.

answers from Hartford on

Thyroid problems also run in my family (mother, sister, niece) and it can cause unexplained weight gain or loss, as well as depression and changes in sex drive. You need to see a specialist and even then thyroid problems can be difficult to diagnosis and control. I know one mom said that it is a simple blood test, but don't settle for the blood test. I noticed that my niece had a huge goiter, she went for the blood test and her levels were normal that day - I sent her back on a day when her goiter was inflammed and she was off the charts. In any case, if you already have it in your family, it is worth having it looked into. If it is not a thyroid problem, it could be something else - there is no reason why you should gain weight by exercising more and eating better.
Good luck,
C.

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T.B.

answers from Boston on

Hi
I would get your thyroid checked. Are you extremely tired? That was the biggest symptom for me. A fiend of mine had the weight issues you describe.
We both also go to a chiropractor. Good luck!

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M.M.

answers from Washington DC on

A thyroid test is only a quick blood test and you know for sure. Your doctor should send you in for one with any history in your family, hyper or hypo.

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R.S.

answers from Providence on

I have very simular issues each time I stop breastfeeding. The first time it got slowly worse, then I became pregnant again and didn't think about it until I stopped nursing my second. It slowly got worse over the coarse of a year, it took a serious diet & way more exercise then ever before to get the weight off & with that my other symptoms decreased. It was a slow aggrevating process. Still now I flucuate slightly with my weight & it takes such an effort to stay where I need to be. As soon as I'm up a couple of pounds, the symptoms return. Thyroid issues run in my family, so that's what I always assumed it was. I went to many docs & finally one endrocrinologist decided that my T3 was low & also that I had pre-diabetes. The meds they gave me for the T3 stopped being available, so I only took it short term. I find it to be very frustrating & I'm still on the hunt for a good doctor who will believe all of my symptoms. Good luck.

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M.D.

answers from Burlington on

Hi,

Here's my suggestion: http://www.rawpaleodiet.com/

Good luck,
M. D.

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