how is the best way to lose weight while having thyroid problems?
how is the best way to lose weight while having thyroid problems?
More Answers to “how is the best way to lose weight while having thyroid problems?“
Hi You could try yoga and this programme it worked for me so here goes,If you are serious about losing weight, the calories in the food you eat should be less than the energy you use. You will have to increase your metabolic rate now, and plan your diet carefully.Formulate your own weight loss plan and you will lose weight faster. More details available at http://tinyurl.com/m7ckxgood luckgo for a walk in the mornings. You get fresh air and you feel refreshed. My mums had thyroid probs for 18 yrs now. She goes for a walk and does some basic yoga exercises. One is to breathe very fast while sitting cross legged. That help increase your metabolic rate.
From “hypo” to “hyper,” thyroid disorders are common and, in many cases, easily treatable. But if you have questions about the diagnosis or treatment of thyroid problemsthyroid problems and their effects on your weight, energy level, fertility, and more, read what WebMD’s own thyroid disorders expert, Brunilda Nazario, MD, had to say on WebMD Live. The opinions expressed herein are the guest’s alone and have not been reviewed by a WebMD physician. If you have questions about your health, you should consult your personal physician. This event is meant for informational purposes only. Moderator: Hello Dr. Nazario. Welcome back to WebMD Live. Let’s get right to member questions. Member: If you’re taking Levoxyl for your thyroid is it OK to take a diet supplement like Metabolife? I haven’t lost any of the weight I’ve gained before I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and really want to lose about 30 pounds. Can I safely use a diet supplement? Nazario: Although the labeling on many of these medications caution against the use of stimulants, there is no true contraindication to taking them. Many of the stimulants for weight loss can cause similar symptoms as hyperthyroidismhyperthyroidism or excess thyroid hormone. The only safe and proven method for long-term weight loss is through a balanced diet with caloric restrictions and exercise. Although many of these supplements can result in short-term weight loss, the benefits of long-term behavioral changes (exercise and eating right) last a lifetime. Member: What problems can I expect with long-term use of thyroxine due to hypothyroidismhypothyroidism? I have developed high blood pressurehigh blood pressure and high cholesterolhigh cholesterol levels. Nazario: You should not expect any long-term problems from taking synthetic thyroid hormone as long as you continue follow-up and do not overmedicate and give yourself hyperthyroidism from excess amounts of medication. Hyperthyroidism from any cause, whether from medications or naturally due to some problem in the thyroid, can lead to hypertension, increased heart rate, and even things like osteoporosisosteoporosis. But the usual replacement dose is to give you normal levels of thyroid hormone; not excess amounts. So don’t be concerned as long as you have follow-up labs documenting a normal thyroid level. Member: I had Graves disease at 25 and was treated with radiation. I’ve been on Synthroid since, but never knew to take the pill on an empty stomach. Now that I am, should I have my levels rechecked? Nazario: Absolutely. If you had taken it with food or other supplements or medications it would have changed how much of that medication you would have absorbed. Taking it first thing on an empty stomach, you will absorb much more. So you should get your labs checked and your dose adjusted if the labs reveal excess amounts of thyroid hormone in your system. Member: What is your opinion of Synthroid versus Armour Thyroid (natural alternative from cows)? Nazario: This is a frequently asked question. My rule of thumb is if the patient has been on Armour for a long period of time and it’s working and the labs look normal, I don’t change a thing. If it’s a patient who was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism or needs initial thyroid hormone supplementation then I generally discourage patients from using Armour. This is much more difficult to regulate than synthetic thyroid hormone supplementation. It contains both hormones produced by the thyroid, T4 and small amounts of T3. Synthetic thyroid hormone only contains T4. T3 is the more potent hormone. Your body converts T4 to T3 as needed. Since theoretically there should be no problem within the body system, only in the thyroid, your body should be capable of dictating how much T3 you need. It should be able to convert T4 to T3 as needed. The problem with Armour is that it has a pre-set amount of T3 that you may not need and the double whammy of T4 that gets converted to T3. Many times the labs in patients taking Armour will reveal a hyperthyroid state or excess amounts of thyroid hormone supplement. Hyperthyroidism is a harmful condition so I typically discourage Armour because of this. Member: I’d like to know if thyroid problems are hereditary. My father and sister both have conditions of underactive thyroids and was wondering if I should get it checked out. I often feel as I if my energy level is low or I’m even depressed at times. Would a simple blood test tell me? Nazario: Thyroid hormone abnormalities are commonly dictated by your immune system, which has genetically determined components. If your family history is significant for hypothyroidism, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is something called Hashimoto’s, which is an autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland. In other words, your immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid, leaving you hypothyroid. If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, have your levels checked. The American Thyroid Association recommends routine thyroid testing after the age of 35, especially in women. A simple blood test containing a thyroid hormone level, i.e., T4 and a TsH should easily recognize a hypothyroid state. Member: I was wondering what is the usual treatment for a child of 12 years for hyperthyroidism? My daughter had some blood work done and will be having a thyroid scan and other blood work done. I was just wondering if treatments are usually the same for children as they are for adults. Nazario: The only real treatment in children that’s recommended is medical therapy with either PTU or Methimazole. Radiation therapy, which is a treatment for hyperthyroidism caused by either Graves or a hyperfunctioning nodule, is totally contraindicated (not recommended) in children. Surgery can also be considered but seems almost extreme when drug therapy is available. Assuming the hyperthyroidism is from Graves, about 90% of patients become or have a normal thyroid without significant side effects from these medications. The treatment course is long, with treatment given from anywhere from a year to a year and a half. Although there are some side effects, they are rare. And one of the most troubling things is that this type of treatment does not result in long-term remission, meaning that while she is a child, she may need repeated treatments with these medications until a more definite treatment such as radioactive iodine or surgery can be given. Member: I had Graves disease and had a thyroidectomy in 1990. I have had a lot of problems with doctors changing my medicine. My TSH levels show that I’m getting too much Synthroid but all my symptoms point to not enough. Dry skin with breakouts of acne due to the dry skin, which are very hard to get rid of, hair loss, weight gain etc., point to not enough. My doctor is lowering my dosage, which will increase these problems even more. I don’t want to take too much but I don’t like the result of too little. My question is does the TSH test read the same way without a thyroid or should my doctor be just testing the T3 and T4, which they never test? Nazario: Your TSH should be an adequate measure. An optimum TSH should be between 2 and 3. Get a copy of your labs to know where you are. Many of the symptoms you have described are not specific for thyroid disease but can be caused by other conditions as well and should be evaluated. For example, dry brittle hair and its loss of luster could also be the result of a vitamin D deficiency. The inability to lose weight could be an inappropriate diet or lack of exercise as well. Fatigue can be seen in either state: If you are hyperthyroid you commonly have excess fatigue, but the hypothyroid patient always complains about excess fatigue. These patients’ metabolisms are running at a much higher rate than is normal for them. They are in overdrive all the time. Very commonly they present with excess fatigue and muscle weakness. The decrease in the dose of your thyroid hormone, which is being guided by your TSH, seems appropriate. If your labs show that you are taking too much thyroid hormone that can have long-term consequences on your health. Speak openly with your doctor about the other symptoms you have so that they also can be investigated. Member: I live in a rural area, and have stumped my local doctors. I’m 41 and female. My mother has Hashimoto’s and my sister has a tumor growing on her thyroid. I have symptoms of hypothyroidism. My TSH is low — .001, but my T3 and T4 are normal. Do you have any ideas what’s going on with me? Nazario: With the excessively low TSH, you should get a thyroid scan. The TSH points to hyperthyroidism, despite that you say it might be hypothyroidism. I am not sure what symptoms you mean by being consistent with hypothyroidism. If it’s fatigue and memory problems, those are nonspecific and can be seen in either disorder. Having the very low TSH with a normal T3 and a normal T4 points to HYPERthyroidism — in early or subclinical stage. Having a scan will determine what the cause of it is. It could be a small nodule within the gland that’s working overtime, or something called a toxic nodule. Being a woman who is 41 years old and in a few years will enter menopausal transition, concerns over heart problems and bone problems should be a concern for your physician and these labs need to be investigated further. Member: Once TSH levels are back to a “normal” level should fertility problems no longer be an issue? Nazario: Once hyperthyroidism is resolved, things should get back to normal. Infertility has numerous causes. If you have had thyroid problems in the past and now they are normal, that certainly cannot be blamed for the inability to conceive. But there still can be other reasons to be investigated. Even after a thorough investigation, some causes of infertility remain unexplained. Moderator: For fertility questions, please visit Dr. Amos Grunebaum on the Trying to Conceive message board or stop by when he is doing a live event. Check the live event calendar for dates and times. Member: What are the symptoms of a thyroid disorder? Nazario: It depends on the thyroid disorder you are talking about. Classically, hyperthyroidism can be described by certain signs: Tremors Rapid heart rate Warm moist skin Rapid reflexes Occasionally a large gland Inability to sleep Occasional eye findings (bulging of the eyes) In older patients, though, many of these findings won’t be seen. They can have: Depression Weight loss A lack of interest Worsening of heart failureheart failure or irregular heartbeats Hypothyroidism on the other hand can present with really non-specific symptoms like: Fatigue Intolerance to cold Depression Weight gain Weakness Constipation Hair loss Menstrual irregularities Now, many of the symptoms in both disorders can be seen in either disease. Fatigue can be seen in hyper- or hypothyroidism, as can menstrual irregularities, weight gain, and large thyroid. Most important is that many of these symptoms are not specific for these diseases and can be shared by other conditions as well. So, for example, the fact you have weight gain or menstrual irregularities doesn’t always point to a thyroid problem. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism aside from labs requires a good interview and physical examination of the patient. And even then sometimes specialized tests are needed. Member: What is the difference between regular hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s? Is there any difference in treatment? Nazario: Hypothyroidism can be caused by many things or many disorders. The most common cause is what is known as Hashimoto’s Disease. Hashimoto’s is specifically an autoimmune destruction of the thyroid where your immune system has gone haywire and rather than attacking things foreign, it’s attacking you. In this case, it attacks the thyroid. Other causes of hypothyroidism: External radiation (patients with breast cancerbreast cancer radiation for instance). That type of radiation can kill the thyroid. After pregnancy, 10% of women develop inflammation of the thyroid and experience a small period of hypothyroidism, which will require temporary transient treatment. Congenital defects. Medications like lithium (a commonly used anti-psychotic drug). So regular hypothyroidism, as you say, is a general condition term. Hashimoto’s is a specific cause. Within the umbrella of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s is just one cause. Member: Are heart palpitations and rapid heartbeat dangerous when due to hyperthyroidism? Nazario: Yes. Hyperthyroidism with heart palpitations and rapid heartbeats can lead to an irregular heart rate, which can lead to congestive heart failurecongestive heart failure. In the elderly this is common, and can also be seen as worsening chest pain or angina. Member: I am concerned my husband may have a thyroid problem. He is losing weight and complained of being dizzy and he sleeps a lot. Is it common for men to have a thyroid problem? Is dizziness a symptom? Nazario: It is not common for men to have thyroid problems, but it does occur. And yes, the dizziness can be a symptom, for example, of a rapid heart rate or even anemia. The weight loss can also be considered to be from hyperthyroidism. The rapid weight loss and dizziness and excess sleeping should really be investigated. It certainly is concerning. Member: Can an underactive thyroid cause hair loss? Nazario: Yes. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can be associated with hair loss, which is typically all over the head, and you see dry, brittle, listless hair. But hair loss can come from a variety of things. Hair loss in patches, such as bald spots, can be associated with many autoimmune disorders, but again it can also be associated with vitamin D deficiency. The nature of the hair follicle’s life cycle is somewhat complicated. Hair can grow and then be dormant for a very long period of time. All hair follicles don’t grow at the same time. Some hair follicles can grow while others remain inactive. Others are lost while others stay stable. Hair also tends to remain more inactive during the winter and cold seasons and can be affected by many different hormones (thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and vitamin D). Yes, it can be associated with hair loss but as you can see, it’s more complicated than that. Member: Are there any vitamins or supplements I can take, in addition to taking thyroid hormones, that will help with some of the symptoms, most specifically lack of energy? Nazario: Certainly you can take vitamins if feeling fatigue, but fatigue is not specific for hypothyroidism. Many things can cause it. If truly severe, make sure you have TSH levels between 2 and 3, make sure you’re not anemic, look at your stress levels, as well as what your sleep patterns are. Vitamins are not harmful in patients who have hypothyroidism and are taking thyroid supplementation, but make sure that you take your thyroid hormone in the morning without them and your vitamin supplements separately later in the day. Member: I was diagnosed with subclinical hyperthyroidism last January and haven’t seen my doctor since. Would my hyperthyroidism have gotten worse? Nazario: You should see your doctor again to get those levels re-checked. Subclinical hypothyroidism refers to a low TSH with normal thyroid hormone levels. The clinical symptoms and signs when examining a patient are frequently absent or are nonspecific. There have been studies especially in women that have shown this can lead to a worsening of osteoporosis and a higher risk of irregular heart rates, or something called atrial fibrillationatrial fibrillation. Get your labs re-checked for your own sake! Member: I have been told that I have low thyroid and have been referred to an endocrinologist. I am not sure exactly what this means or entails. What should I expect? Nazario: An endocrinologist is a thyroid specialist. He or she will probably look at the labs that were done, examine you for specific signs and symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism, repeat the labs as well as obtain a cholesterol panel, possibly a fasting glucose level, and if indicated, will start you on low doses of thyroid hormone, then follow up and make sure you are on adequate amounts of thyroid. Moderator: We are out of time. I’m sorry we couldn’t get to all of your great questions. Thank you Dr. Nazario, and thank you members for joining us today. For more information, please visit Dr. Nazario on the Thyroid Disorders message board. Check out our news stories, features and archived interviews with experts – visit the Understanding Thyroid Problems Center on WebMD. I think the best thing to do is consult your GP. With your medical condition it would not be advisable to take the advice of amateurs on the internet. You don’t want to cause yourself any harm. I think before you consult your GP you should still try and eat healthily, eat your 5 a day, and excercise.