Thread: Hypothyroid and slimming!

Originally Posted by Slimbysummer

My thyroid works, but only 40% of what it should and they won't give me medication because they say by rights, i'm still classed as having a working thyroid.

As long as your levels are within the normal range you dont need medication to bring it to the normal range.
Giving thyroxine to someone who already has normal values could take them *over* the normal values and then you would be hyperthyroid which isn't good either.

You dont need your thyroid to work at full capacity to get enough thyroxine

Originally Posted by Slimbysummer

My thyroid works, but only 40% of what it should and they won't give me medication because they say by rights, i'm still classed as having a working thyroid.
What it means, is i still have some of the symptoms & my weight loss is slow.... but its still coming off (even if ony 0.5lb a weeks) x

Try taking kelp tablets from
Holland and barretts, it really helped me before I was on levothyroxin and it is known to help those with low thyroxin levels x

Hi slimbysummer

If you tsh is within reference range (or indeed up to 10) you dr will not medicate. If it is within range (usually about 0.3 to 6 in the uk) but above 4 I would argue for a trial of medication, especially with your thyroid not working fully. Why keep struggling. In many countries the ref range is much lower than the uk and people are treated with a tsh higher than 3.

I'm no expert but if it's not working properly you must feel dreadful!

Jane x

Originally Posted by jane123

Hi slimbysummer

If you tsh is within reference range (or indeed up to 10) you dr will not medicate. If it is within range (usually about 0.3 to 6 in the uk) but above 4 I would argue for a trial of medication, especially with your thyroid not working fully. Why keep struggling. In many countries the ref range is much lower than the uk and people are treated with a tsh higher than 3.

I'm no expert but if it's not working properly you must feel dreadful!

Jane x

Yes, the references ranges vary massively from area to area, where I am in Germany out tsh range is 0.27-2.50 with 2.51-4.20 being questionable.

It also depends on the reason for your hypothyroidism though, as there are various causes which will have differing effects on T3, T4 and TSH and they are not all to do with the thyroid itself, its noit clear from the OPs post what the underlying issue is in her/his case.

However, if you don't feel well and are having symptoms you should definitely speak to your doctor about it.

Originally Posted by Miss Lindsay

Try taking kelp tablets from
Holland and barretts, it really helped me before I was on levothyroxin and it is known to help those with low thyroxin levels x

Funnily enough, my old doc suggested this too - so holland & barratts it is.
I don't know a lot about what causes it - its a new doctor & she doesn't tell me anything x

Hi Ermintrude well done on your fantastic weight loss ... You always have great tips and advice too. Xx

Originally Posted by Slimbysummer

Funnily enough, my old doc suggested this too - so holland & barratts it is.
I don't know a lot about what causes it - its a new doctor & she doesn't tell me anything x

Lol my doctor drew me a diagram!! I did a lot of online research though as was a lot to take in. I had pretty much every symptom right down to bad breathe (lovely!!) my parents kept commenting on it but I was brushing my teeth 3 times a day, using mouthwash and mints and gum... Now I know why!! Defo try to kelp tablets really worth it!!! Xx

I too have hypothyroidism and have lost 8lbs in 4 weeks which I am really pleasedwithh as I haven't had to starve myself!! I would be over the moon to lose just a 1lb a week - 52 in a year xxx

Does anyone else with hypothyroidism get really painful stomach cramps after they drink alcohol. I only had 4 vodkas last night and woke up at 5am with really painful cramps and running to the loo. This isn't the 1st time ... Just wondering is this a normal side effect?? X

Morning miss Lindsay

I don't have any problems like that. In fact very little upsets my stomach or bowels, mores the pity (I might eat less then).

I have no idea what might cause that. I know when I get very anxious I get tummy ache and then have to rush to the loo. Alcohol isnt going to make you anxious though. There must be something in the vodka ( or mixer) that disagrees with you. Does it happen with other alcohol?

Yeah happens with rosé and shots, think it's just alcohol in general! I haven't really drunk much in last 8-10 months, if I have 1 jack daniels it's fine. I think it might be the sugar with alcohol in it cos if I eat really rich food or over eat it's the Same effect.... They 1st thought I had IBS before I was properly diagnosed. Guess the calories from the drink might have gone though... Silver lining!

I just had a quick look on the web for a link but couldnt really find much. One poster reckons it's long term untreated gastritis, which could also explain the rich food. Another pointed to IBS and another talked about gluten intolerance.

So, basically, I think you'll have to cut out the alcohol

Never mind think of the saved calories x

Thanks for looking I had gasteroenteritus (sp!) when I was 1. Yeah I think just stay away from alcohol is the safest bet. Or just stick to 1. But like u said it's saves calories and I'd rather a bit of choc than booze lol x

Hi Jane,

I was diagnosed in 2000 with a underactive thyroid and slowwly over the years my dose went up and so did my weight.
Started SW last Jan and have lost 4 1/2 stone, yes I only lost it 1lb or 1 1/2lb a week but I have no flabby skin that everyone talks about.

I would be careful about the kelp tablets as too much iodine in a diet can effect your thyroid, there is enough in your normal diet. I was advised not to have Galaways cough syrup as it contains iodine.

But with SW you should lose the weight at a slow and stead pace, remember the tortose and the hare story.
Enjoy your journey.