[Ian]

Q: I suffer from hypothyroidism. What can I do to lose weight?

Under-active thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is actually a common problem people face when trying to lose weight. Unfortunately it is more common in women than in men.

Hypothyroidism is usually caused by goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) or Hashimoto’s disease. Your immune system causes the difficulty by producing antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. This reduces your hormone secretion.

This does not apply to everyone, though, as hypothyroidism can also by caused by childbirth and high levels of stress.

Don’t despair, though! Many women who have hypothyroidism have reached their weight loss goals. It’s just usually a longer process.

Here are some tips for weight loss if you have an under-active thyroid:

• 1. Have your thyroid level checked often so that your doctor keeps your medication at the right dosage. Thyroid function can change quickly.
  
  2. Exercise regularly. Exercise is very important if you have an under-active thyroid. Physical activity is necessary if you want to raise your metabolism for faster weight loss and easier weight maintenance.
  
  3. Limit your consumption of alcohol and try your best to manage stress.
  
  4. Eat a low fat diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, seeds, nuts and oily fish like salmon. These foods will help you improve your thyroid levels.
  
  5. Avoid foods that reduce thyroid levels, such as cabbage and soy beans.

[Ian]

Here's a link to the hypothyroidism section at about.com:

http://thyroid.about.com

Enjoy!

[NeedtoLose]

I think one of the first things doctors do when you start gaining weight is check your thyroid. Mine did. Mine is fine.

My stepfather had an overactive thyroid and he was super-skinny. They put him on meds to control is and he gained TONS of weight!

[zoey]

I was diagnosed with underactive thyroid problems about 15 years ago. The reason I was tested for it was because a doctor I was seeing for a problem with my shoulder noticed the large lumps on both sides of my throat. You can litteraly feel the glands just by touching my throat. However 15 years and 6 doctors later I still have not found one who is willing to put me on any medication to help it. They all say it is not a severe enough problem. The hormone problems that go along with this also cause excessive hair growth. Their answer? Just learn to live with it!!!

[2teensnabean]

I'm curious, what are the symptoms of underactive thyroid? The reason I ask is I know my sister has been overweight all her life and about a year ago was diagnosed with under active thyroid. Shes on medication for it. I never got checked for it but was always curious about it. I kept my weight down with the help of phen, but honestly I'm afraid that when I dont take it I will gain. I also noticed Zoey mentioned about lumps on the side of the neck, I always thought the lump was around the adams apple. I have had a lump on the one side of my neck but I just never got it checked out, I know I should but I didn't. I noticed it about a month ago and its only on the one side. Its right under my right ear lobe. It doesn't hurt, just the thought of a lump is a little scary. I plan to go to my doctor and get it checked out after the holidays. Anyway, back to the question. What are the symptoms that you have underactive thyroid and what can I do about it? I never took any kind of prescription medication except phen.

Thanks for any posts who answers.

Michelle

[sensualblonde]

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Although it weighs less than an ounce, the thyroid gland has an enormous effect on your health. All aspects of your metabolism, from the rate at which your heart beats to how quickly you burn calories, are regulated by thyroid hormones.

As long as your thyroid releases the proper amounts of these hormones, your system functions normally. But sometimes your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, upsetting the balance of chemical reactions in your body. This condition is known as hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid disease.

Women, especially those older than 40, are more likely to have an underactive thyroid than men are. By age 60, as many as 17 percent of American women may have hypothyroidism. The condition seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of heath problems.

The good news is that thyroid function tests have improved considerably in recent years, and early diagnosis is easier. In addition, treatment with synthetic thyroid hormone is usually simple and effective once the proper dosage is established. Natural treatment options also exist.

[sensualblonde]

Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. But in general, any problems you do have tend to develop slowly, often over a number of years.

At first, you may barely notice symptoms such as fatigue and sluggishness, or you may simply attribute them to getting older. But as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms, including:

Increased sensitivity to cold.
Constipation.
Pale, dry skin.
A puffy face.
Hoarse voice.
An elevated blood cholesterol level.
Unexplained weight gain. Many people attribute their weight gain to an underactive thyroid, but this is true only in a few cases. Hypothyroidism will rarely cause you to gain more than 10 to 20 pounds — most of which is fluid.
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in your shoulders and hips.
Pain and stiffness in your joints and swelling in your knees or the small joints in your hands and feet.
Muscle weakness, especially in your lower extremities.
Heavier than normal menstrual periods.
Depression.
When hypothyroidism isn't treated, symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow or you may feel depressed.

Advanced hypothyroidism, known as myxedema, is rare, but when it occurs it can be life-threatening. Symptoms include drowsiness and intense intolerance to cold followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness. In some cases, myxedema can be fatal.

[2teensnabean]

Thanks sensualblonde! Not sure if that is what I have or not. I guess the only way I would find out is make a doctors appointment.