Fit And Healthy Took Looking Beyond Her Thyroid

Fit and Healthy Took Looking Beyond Her Thyroid

At Hypothyroid Mom I hear all types of thyroid stories. This one may very well be the story of your thyroid life too. It’s about overmedication. While the majority of stories that I hear are about patients being prescribed too little thyroid hormone replacement medication, I also hear stories about too much.

Like with all prescription medications, it is important to watch your body for negative reactions and contact your doctor right away to let them know. The most common scenario that I hear about is one where someone notices signs of overmedication like rapid heart rate when they are prescribed a too high starting dosage or too high dosage increase at a follow-up appointment. It may be that the dosage change was just too high. “Start low and increase slowly” is one of the many pearls of wisdom that I’ve learned from the great thyroid doctors that I’ve met over the years especially when it comes to T3 and NDT natural desiccated thyroid medications. Another important tip is to check your adrenals and iron. And let’s also consider the fact that our bodies may be sensitive to one or more of the different fillers, binding agents and dyes in each brand of thyroid medication and finding the right brand for your body is incredibly important. Then there is the fact that the thyroid autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can present with swings up and down in TSH with a combination of hypothyroid and hyperthyroid symptoms. And let’s add on that hypothyroidism itself can cause symptoms that look like hyperthyroidism including heart palpitations, insomnia, mood swings, and anxiety.

You can see that there are many scenarios for every case. t’s unfair that we are dealing with a disease that causes deep exhaustion and then we have to work like detectives just to figure things out. The truth is that learning all you can about the thyroid including all the possible scenarios is a necessity with a mysterious disease like this.

Signs of Thyroid Overmedication

  • Fast heart rate
  • Heart palpitations
  • Feeling overheated
  • Shaky hands
  • Insomnia
  • Excessive sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Feeling jittery
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle weakness
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Feeling irritable
  • Mood swings
  • Being forgetful
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Increased appetite

Written by Sophie Anson

For ten years I was under the care of various doctors for hypothyroidism. It all began in my late 30’s when, after having been treated for Lyme disease, I suddenly found I was unable to walk the two blocks to my daughter’s school to pick her up. A couple of the doctors I saw were convinced I had thyroid resistance – and as a result I was on such a high dose of thyroid replacement hormone, that they also wanted me on beta blockers. I became a slave to medicine three times a day and as a result became afraid to travel, for fear I’d forget my medicine. Even the most mundane outing would be interrupted by watch alarms and pill taking. I spent far, far too much time surfing the internet looking for people like me, to justify things to myself. I was exhausted and fearful that if I missed even a single dose, something terrible would happen. I’m not alone.

It was under these circumstances that I sought out my current endocrinologist who spent over an hour examining all the paths I’d taken leading me to where I was when I walked in her door. She explained that although my symptoms presented as hypothyroidism (exhaustion, low energy, heart palpitations) it was highly likely there were other things going on: insomnia, anxiety, hormone imbalance. Out of desperation and having exhausted all other options, I decided to trust her judgment, and my life changed dramatically for the better. Fast forward a year, I am on the lowest possible dose of thyroid medication (20 times less than I was taking!) and am sleeping a solid eight hours a night, with greater energy, more lean muscle mass, and importantly, just one pill.

Thyroid Medication & Body Fat

I am not a doctor so I will explain to the best of my ability. Bear in mind it is essential to consult the kind of doctor who will take the time to explain your particular situation.

So often it seems, when you gain weight, feel tired and depressed or anxious, lose your hair or have heavy periods, doctors leap to blame your thyroid. But, if you start to overmedicate a thyroid that doesn’t need so much support, you can end up in a catabolic state: cannibalizing your own lean mass and getting fatter and fatter in terms of body fat percentage even though your overall weight may stay the same or indeed even drop. Make no mistake, however, in the long term, if your thyroid is not the issue, over medication will make things worse. Of course the opposite is also true: if you are under-medicated, as is so often the case, you will never feel like yourself again either.

Thyroid hormones are a “Goldilocks” family of hormones: we need just the right amount – not too little and not too much!

If you and your doctor have ruled out low-grade depression, a sedentary lifestyle, overeating (even healthy foods can be overeaten) and suspect it’s NOT just your thyroid, consider the possibility you may have subclinical insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome. These conditions are not at all uncommon among peri/post-menopausal women as well as men over 40.

Metabolic Syndrome & Weight Gain

Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to obesity or inactivity. Of course this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy if overweight due to the belief you are hypothyroid. One starts to think, “I can’t control this, so why bother. It isn’t my fault, there’s nothing I can do.” And the condition begins to feed on itself.

Metabolic syndrome is also linked to a condition called insulin resistance. Under normal circumstances, your digestive system breaks down many of the foods you eat into sugar. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that enables sugar (glucose) to enter your cells to be used as fuel.

Those with clinical or subclinical insulin resistance don’t respond normally to insulin so glucose can’t enter the cells as easily. Consequently, your body churns out more and more insulin, but your blood sugar levels continue to rise, leading to weight gain over time (and sluggishness, lethargy, carb cravings and increased inactivity, which lead to further weight gain).

Although the cause of metabolic syndrome isn’t fully understood, it is indisputably linked to insulin resistance and certain lifestyle factors: dietary habits, insufficient exercise and interrupted sleep patterns are most likely at fault.

Insulin Resistance & Thyroid

In 1947 Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Bernardo Alberto Houssay, acknowledged the effects of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 on glucose homeostasis – so this isn’t new news. Thyroid hormones exert both insulin agonistic and antagonistic actions in different organs. For normal glucose metabolism this necessarily occurs in a fine balance. Excessive or deficient thyroid hormones upset this delicate equilibrium and alter carbohydrate metabolism. Interestingly, hyperthyroidism has been related to glucose intolerance, and cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in hypothyroid patients despite the fact that peripheral insulin resistance may be present.

The association of insulin resistance with overt hypothyroidism is well recognized. Recent studies have also associated subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) with insulin resistance. Without any doubt, the presence of SCH increases the risk of disorders associated with insulin resistance, including metabolic syndrome. In particular, one study found SCH is associated with higher insulin levels and insulin resistance, which correlates positively with TSH levels and negatively with Free T3 (FT3) and Free T4 (FT4)

How To Ward Off Insulin Resistance

Reduce sugar/simple carbs. This is somewhat more complex than just avoiding pasta and bread. Added sugar is hidden in all sorts of foods from pasta sauces, yogurt, and even condiments such as mustard. Learn to read labels and look for sugar (and all its derivatives) in the ingredient list. The more you avoid added sugar the LESS you will crave it.

Increase NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis). The calories we burn being active far far outweigh those we can ever burn in a gym or working out. Aim for movement over exercise. Take the stairs, stand, walk often and view every chore or errand as an opportunity to get steps in. If you wear a fitness tracker and compare a day you went to the gym but were otherwise sedentary with a day you were active all day but didn’t formally exercise, you’ll be shocked to note you burn more simply being active. NEAT beats EAT!

Increase lean mass/metabolism with resistance training. You needn’t go to the gym to include resistance training. And just 15 minutes twice a week has a tremendous impact. Do not think it has to be more complicated or arduous than this. Use your body weight, and choose one upper body, one lower body and one core exercise and cycle through three sets of ten repetitions of each. Then pick another upper, lower and core exercise and cycle through 3 sets of ten reps of those. And you’re done! You can google body weight exercises for free – there are dozens to choose from such as wall sit, push up on your knees, planks, lunges and shoulder presses with gallon jugs of water!

Consider natural supplements to lower insulin such as apple cider vinegar. You can find apple cider vinegar at your local grocery store. Mix one tablespoon with water. If you find it takes disgusting consider taking a chewable form before meals. There are numerous benefits to apple cider vinegar related to weight loss including the fact that it lowers insulin, it lowers blood sugar and it boosts an enzyme called AMPK which increases your metabolism. Furthermore, apple cider vinegar is an appetite suppressant, which can be useful when it comes to cravings.

Look for a probiotic containing lactobacillus rhamnosus. Recent scientific studies highlight the effectiveness of this bacterial strain to reduce body fat.

About Sophie Anson

Sophie Anson is the Founder of Eatstrong, a multifaceted wellness company that has helped hundreds of people achieve their personal goals in terms of weight, fitness, health and overall wellbeing. Originally from Switzerland, Sophie came to the US in 1992 to attend Hamilton College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Struggling with her own weight, she later obtained her American Council of Exercise certification as a nutritionist, and in 2000 launched her nutrition consulting practice, encouraging her clients to adopt and maintain healthier, happier ways of eating and living.

References:

Vyakaranam, S., et al. Study of Insulin Resistance in Subclinical Hypothyroidism. International Journal of Health Sciences & Research. 2014 Sept;4(9):147-153.

Galgani, J.E., et al. Metabolic flexibility and insulin resistance. American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2008 Nov;295(5):E1009-17.

Goodpaster, B.H., Sparks, L.M. Metabolic Flexibility in Health and Disease. Cell Metab. 2017 May 2;25(5):1027-36.

Smith, R.L., et al. Metabolic Flexibility as an Adaptation to Energy Resources and Requirements in Health and Disease. Endocrine Reviews. 2018 Aug;39(4):489-517.

Brenta, G. Why can insulin resistance be a natural consequence of thyroid dysfunction? J Thyroid Res. 2011;2011:152850.

Mazloom, K., et al. Probiotics: How Effective Are They in the Fight Against Obesity? Nutrients. 2019 Feb;11(2):258.

Sanchez, M., et al. Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724 supplementation on weight loss and maintenance in obese men and women. Br J Nutr. 2014 Apr 28;111(8):1507-19.

Kondo, T., et al. Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese Japanese subject. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2009 Aug;73(8):1837-43.

READ MORE: HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WHEN YOU ARE HYPOTHYROID

a thyroid nutritionist share her unexpected tips on hypothyroid weight loss
About Dana Trentini

Dana Trentini founded Hypothyroid Mom October 2012 in memory of the unborn baby she lost to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid Mom LLC is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for consulting your physician regarding medical advice pertaining to your health. To keep the website up and running, Hypothyroid Mom LLC includes sponsored guest posts and affiliate links including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Get Healthy by Healthy Life Enterprises, Inc. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Comments

  1. hi, my name is Naila, I was diagnosed at the age of 32 having hyperthyroidism as I felt tired, nausea lost drastic weight I was put on some medication I don’t even remember now but a 1.5.years later and having my 2nd child they said I was fine no medication needed just have bloods tests annually. 11 years on I suffer hairloss have bad days where I feel tired now and again heart palpitations. they say my thyroid are normal. the issue I have is hair falling out, thinning hair. it really affects me.

  2. I have been taking Syntroid since my early 20s. Had my thyroid and over a dozen lymph nodes removed due to Cancer at 36 . (I’m 62. ) Since the Cancer I have found out I have Lyme’s and Ebstien Barr’s. . Also Rocky Mt. Tick fever at 21. Complete Historectomy early 30s. Weight has been increasing every year. I also have Rumatoid arthritis throughout my body. I’m so tired all day. I eat pretty good. Don’t drink or smoke. I’m 5’3. And was weighed at the Drs. Yesterday. 220. ..8 lbs. More then 6 months ago. I don’t get it ? All the Dr. Says is … I’ll have the Newtresenist call you.
    Most of the weight is around my middle. I want to know what will help. Is there help. ?

    • I’m sorry to hear all you are going through. It is a complicated puzzle when it comes to thyroid disease because there are multiple factors that can contribute to each person’s condition. Lyme and Epstein Barr Virus are common infections that I hear about from my Hypothyroid Mom readers and the infection connection is one that doesn’t get enough attention in the medical world. Yes there is hope to feel well with hypothyroidism. It takes finding a good doctor who understands the tests that need to be run and how to treat with all the various options to find what works for you. You mention Rheumatoid Arthritis. I hear from more people with RA than you can imagine. It is common when you have one autoimmune disease to have others as well including the thyroid autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. There are two antibodies to ask your doctor to test for this. Here is an article about it: https://hypothyroidmom.com/hashimotos-your-body-is-not-supposed-to-destroy-itself-right/

  3. Interesting read! 12 years ago I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, metabolic disorder, pre diabetic and adrenal fatigue. Each new doctor has me list my symptoms then tells me I sound like I have Hashimoto’s. More test then scratching their head say it’s just hypothyroidism… There is not just hypothyroidism in my opinion. I take both T3 and T4 to keep my TSH in range. It’s so frustrating to have a dr tell you to eat less exercise more. I’m like I eat 1200-1500 calories daily. My energy levels are never constant so my head wants to work out but my body says no, not today. I have food intolerances so no gluten, dairy nor eggs. This disease sucks! To make it more fun my husband and I moved to a new state. New doctors, more test same diagnosis. I requested to see an endocrinologist and was told my numbers were not bad enough. Apparently thanks to covid I have to have a referral. Oh and 2 years ago my histamine system went bonkers. Hives on my face, neck and arms for a year. That’s when the found I have low IgM. Still can’t get into an endocrinologist…

    • I would try with non traditional medicine, hives can get better with accupunture and a clean diet (no sugar$ you probably can have candida overgrowth but regular doctors don’t test for that. I found with my health (leaky gut, hypothyroidism and candidato overgrowth) that natural homeopathic approach is better for me, insurance doesn’t cover the cost in many cases but it’s worth it.

    • Hi Amy, It really is a frustrating journey for thyroid patients when we rely on doctors to help us but many of them are at a loss for how to help us. Get a copy of your lab results and check for yourself that you’ve had all 6 lab tests included in the chart in this article run for you and that each is in the “optimal” range: https://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/

      Good to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.

  4. blank Tracy Dolan says

    This may be a random question, but as I read the article you stated you recovered from Lyme Disease. May I ask how? I was recently diagnosed and I also have Hashi’s and trying to find a doctor to help me. I literally feel like I am dying! I do t know what to do anymore and no one seems to know how to help. I have poured thousands of dollars into trying different things all to still feel like this. Any advice for someone is slowly dying?

  5. Glad to find you. I lived through an MD looking only at TSH. When I found a naturopath who looked at T4 and T3 it was clear to him that I was suffering from low thyroid. Glad you found a solution and are helping others.

    Best!

  6. I am hypothyroid and I am hypoglycemic and have insulin resistance. I fight my weight and it’s settling around my stomach. Throw in a hysterectomy many years ago at the age of 27 and adrenal fatigue. I’ve never had a doctor diagnose the hypothryoid. Tests always say it’s low but not too low. I have all the symptoms. I think it’s a combination of all sorts of things that has gotten my whole system messed up. Now I’m 66 and I went through menopause despite having had the partial hysterectomy years ago. I take supplements and glandulars. I’ve reduced sugar and carbs. It’s all helped but I still have symptoms. I’m not fond of doctors so I just don’t go. I’ve learned alot from your web site and I thank you for that.

    • Just curious, why are you not fond of doctors? They spend years trying to go through school in order to help people. Those are the people you should trust. Dr. second earth to help people and they spend their entire career doing so.
      I feel like that’s an ignorant statement.

      • You have clearly never struggled with them as so many of us have or you would understand. Most of them are not there to help anyone but themselves and their pocketbook. Even the ones who want to help are so reigned in tight by the hospital and insurance rules that they can’t do much in their efforts.

      • The traditional medical system – in general – just throws medications at patients – and don’t find cures. People that struggle with chronic illnesses find this exasperating. They don’t want to be chronically ill or take a medication that often only leads to side effects and not a lot of wellness. The person that made the comment is referring to the general frustration among this population of patients. I totally wish I did not understand what she meant myself.

      • As a nurse for more than half my life, I don’t always trust doctors either. There are some excellent ones, but many will place profits over patients and don’t listen well or aren’t willing to take the time to figure out what’s going on. Part of that is the training they do and don’t receive. They are taught to diagnose and medicate. They don’t spend nearly enough time on osteopathy, holistic medicine, or complementary medicine.

      • Dr. Have no clue about thyroid issues … if you rely on them for effective treatment your going stay sick or sadly get worse..

      • Maybe you don’t understand the let downs and being unwell for many years maybe 80 percent of your life and being told over and over your labs are fine ..l trulyvget what she’s saying

  7. blank Stacey Henderson says

    This is me!!!!! I have been loosing my mind for 5 years now thinking I was hypothyroid. I have seen 5 physicians ranging g from functional medicine docs to regular family medicine. All telling me I was hypo. I had all the symptoms of hypo and family history. I finally made an appointment with an endocrinologist who was like whoa you’re on how much thyroid meds (190 np thyroid and 15 mcg Synthroid)…anyway, I have actually been hyperthyroid bc of all this medication but still overweight and feeling horrible. It’s crazy how being over medicated when not needed can look like hypothyroid. Staying with this doc to get to the bottom of all this. Love this website!

    • Are you sure you’re just not able to convert anymore? I was on Armour for years and the doctor kept lowering my dose because I was hyper until he got me to 60mg which is too low for someone with hypothyroidism so after my new doctor kept me on the 60mg and started adding in t3 I still have symptoms as I am trying to move up to optimal but have felt so so much better.

    • I got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s by my GP when I was 22, and for the last 10years, I’ve been struggling to loose weight, I eat healthy, I exercise daily but it doesn’t budge. It’s frustrating and upsetting

      My GP has recently decided to class me as morbidly obese which really messed with my self image and depression about my body, as being 174.5cm tall and 130kg is considered morbidly obese for a woman in her early 30’s

      I’m on 950ml of Eutroxsig per week which was prescribed by me endocrinologist and it has finally stabilised my thyroid but the constant exhaustion is starting to take a toll as I work 60hr weeks in Pathology and also do Uni 10-20hrs per week around work, but according to my GP I need to exercise more around those hours to “shift the weight”

      • Sarah, I’m sorry to hear all you are going through. Eutroxsig is a brand of synthetic T4 thyroid hormone replacement medication. The active ingredient is levothyroxine, which is the most common type of thyroid medication prescribed for hypothyroidism. While some do well on this type of medication, others of us do not. The first step is to learn all you can about the different thyroid treatment options. Here is my article for more information: https://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug-for-hypothyroidism/
        Regards,
        Dana Trentini

  8. blank Malcolm) Goodridge says

    Thanks Who can I talk to ??? Malcolm Goodridge

    • Hi Malcolm, In the About tab of the top menu bar of the Hypothyroid Mom website, you will find the contact page. I am happy to provide some resources to address questions. Regards, Dana Trentini (Hypothyroid Mom)

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