i was diagnosed with hashimoto's disease almost 9 years ago.  i take levoxyl. 

it was discovered when i was having my physical and i told my doctor my neck felt like i had a tumor or something large in it.  she felt my neck and said she would do a blood test.  a week later she called and said my level was 44 - very hypo.

she sent me to a endocrinologist. 

Ever since that time 9 years ago - i have been 50 lbs overweight.  i don't know what is causing me to hold onto this weight.  i feel tired - low energy - and blah.  i am nothing like i use to be. 

i eat very healthy.  not so much into exercising anymore except to walk my dogs.  I will be 49 years old in June.

so, what do you think is going on?

Hi:  Thank you for your blog.  I don't know how I got on your email list but I am happy to be here.  I am a 70 yr old white female and have had hypothroidism for over 35 years.  Other females in my family also have it, including my 40 year old daughter.  I also have fibromyalgia which is gone most of the time now because I changed my diet drastically under Dr. Joel Fuhrman, NJ and Dr. Joel Robbins, Oklahoma.  I have had trouble regulating the thyroid over the last 5 yrs. and I decided to stop the Levoxyl because I didn't feel any better and was subject to minor depression for no reason.  The doctor changed me to Synthroid because one of my cousins said she didn't do well on the Levoxyl.  I might add that when I went off the medication (6 weeks)  I felt great and had more energy than ever but the doctor called panic stricken because my blood work was off the wall.  The thyroid just is not functioning.  So, here I am.  I feel ok but not like I did when off the medication. My daughter and Dr. Robbins both suggested Armour.  I go back to Dr. Rosenthal the 2nd week in April and my blood work is to be just before that.  Your blog was very educational and I was thinking of showing it to my doctor but an afraid because he may not like to see it although he seems more open minded than some. 

I also have high cholesteral which was how they found that I had low thyroid.  I refuse to take the medication for high choles. and have been dropped my 2 doctors because of that. I am working on all these things with supplements from Dr. Robbins and Dr. Fuhrman and with a very strict diet. 

 My question to you is what is the best way to approach my primary care physician in order to get a prescription for Armour?  Thanks. 

I am a post-menopausal woman age 59.  After going through the change at age 53, I had no energy, lacked drive and enthusiasm, unlike my lifetime personality of optimistic, happy and energetic.  My own family doctor said my physical was great, bloodwork perfect and my thyroid tests came back normal.  That was depressing news.  I wanted a reason I felt so poorly.  I was headed to Fla. for my first winter and wanted to enjoy it.

 In Florida I read of a 3-hr. lecture/education at a nearby hotel called simply, "I Want ME Back" conducted by two highly respected doctors, well-versed in thyroid and cardiology, served with a healthy high protein breakfast buffet.   What I learned there changed my life.   I became a patient of theirs, had blood work done and a complete physical.   Although my actual thyroid numbers fell within an accepted range, I had 30 out of 50 or more symptoms of hypothyroidism.  I was taught to take my body temp each morning and found that it was a mere 94 degrees, a sure sign of low functioning thyroid.  After being started on natural Armour thyroid (pig's thyroid is the closest to our own), I felt reborn, my sluggish brain came alive, my water retention left, my blood pressure went to normal levels and I slept like a baby.  On their recommendation I also followed a high protein diet with all green vegetables, seeds, nuts and a few berries each day.  I had to eliminate all grains.  In two years I have lost 20 lbs., food cravings went away, I'm full of energy, swimming every day, happy again and embracing life.  The dosage of my Armour thyroid has been adjusted from time to time and I have been put on bioidentical hormone cream.

I went to the doctor because I was having having symptoms of tiredness, hair falling out.  My doctor told me that I was borderline hypothyroid and told me to come back in 6 months.  That's the last time I ever trust a doctor without checking everything out myself.

I went home, slept for 6 months, ate little cause I was never awake, tried to take care of my kids (single mom) and gained 50 pounds.  My two young girls complained that all I did was sleep.  I was so tired I would just sleep on the couch because I couldn't get enough energy to go to bed. 

I don't know why I waited that 6 months (trusted the doctor unfortunately) and then went to another doctor who said that I shouldn't have to live this way.  He put me on synthroid.  He said that I had antibodies which showed Hashimotos.

I did research and decided since I still didn't feel very well that I wanted to be on armour thyroid witch is not synthetic.  I had symptoms of ADHD so the doctor put me on ridalin.  This helped with the feelings of extreme tiredness after excersize where I could hardly get off the floor.  I got high blood pressure so I quit the ridalin.  So now my doc has me on Phentermine to help with energy.

I still am not feeling 100 percent but I feel ok. 

Dear Dr. Hyman:

 I have had a hypothyroid for about 3 years now.  I was diagnosed through a TSH test originally and then took the whole "thyroid panel". Currently, I am being treated with 150mcg of Synthroid. (I absolutely despise taking synthetic medication). In addition to taking Synthroid daily, i am seeing a holistic Dr. who has me taking several thyroid enhancing vitamins (kelp, iodine, calcium, etc), which is what i would rather treat my thyroid with.

I saw an endocrinologist about a month ago, to see if there was a possibility that i could change my medication to Armour. She thought that the dosage of Armour was very inconsistent and that Synthroid was proven to be more effective and consistent. I could do nothing, but take her advice, however, i would like to see an end in sight with the Synthroid.

Also, i have been battling weight gain for the past 4 years or so, and even thought my thyroid proves to be stabilized and my levels are "normal", i have a very difficult time losing weight despite my regular exercise and my reasonable eating habits. Any other thoughts, to get this in motion?  Or any thoughts in general?

Sincerely,

Megan

Thank you for your helpful information on hypothyroidism. Both my daughter and I suffer from it. Today's blog answered a puzzle for me. I had the flu about a month ago, with fever of 102-103 for several days. Before I got sick, I was always cold - deep, down cold that felt like internal shivers. My doctor had boosted my thryoid medication, but it hadn't made any difference to the coldness, although I was less tired. After I recovered from the flu, I didn't have that internal shivering feeling anymore. Could the heat of the fever have eliminated some toxins?

If I lived in your area, I would definitely make an appointment with you! 

P.S. My doctor is a D.O. and she reads your books. Hurray! 

Hi, Dr. Hyman,

 It took me six years after the birth of my daughter to be diagnosed as hypothyroid.  It was a miserable six years when I should have been so happy.  I felt like  none of the doctors I was seeing at the time were listening to me.  They either wanted to put me on antidepressants or do a sleep study or etc, etc, etc.  It was very frustrating.  The antidepressants, of course, didn't help my extreme tiredness, my hair falling out by the handfuls, my dry skin, my weight gain, and on and on.  I finally, after six years and a lot of money and unnecessary tests and drugs (unnecessary to me),  found a doctor that decided to try treating me by my symptoms and not necessarily my thyroid numbers (which were within normal guidelines always).  

I can't believe the difference it has made.  I am on Armour Thyroid 120 mg morning and 60 mg evening.  I don't think my dose is optimal as of yet, but it is close.  My hair has stopped falling out by the handfuls, my eye lashes and eye brows are returning, my skin is no longer so dry it bleeds, I have much more energy, my moods seem to have stabilized, etc.  I try to exercise every day.  I find that I feel much much better when I do.  I still have only lost about 6 pounds, but that's better than where I was.  

 I'm so happy I decided to try one more time to find a doctor to help me.  I had just about given up after going to one of the best endocrinologist in Mississippi and countless other doctors.  I have never been one to go to the doctor much, but I was so desperate.  I wanted to be able to enjoy my child and feel good.   What I didn't want was to be made to feel I wasn't doing enough to lose the weight or I was depressed, or I just wasn't getting enough sleep (I slept any time I was still it seemed like!).  Not all guidelines are normal for all people.  I just wish someone would have listened to me a long time ago and made the decision that Dr. Collins has.  It would have saved me me many years of being miserable and feeling like I was crazy for having these symptoms! 

 Thank goodness for doctors like you and Dr. Collins!!  I honestly feel like a human being again. 

I was diagnosed almost 20 years ago. My symptoms were classic and one glance at my mother's history had the doctor checking my TSH, T3 & T4 levels. After irradiating my thyroid, it was found that I still needed to be on Synthroid for the rest of my life (good system). I struggle with weight loss, even during and after applying the UltraMetabolism detox diet. But I continue to do all the right things - most of the time.

I'd like to apply some type of heavy metal detoxification but I also have MS, so sauna and deep heat aren't for me. Can you recommend a different method or product?

In general, I'm quite healthy (I know, sounds bad it's not really - MS has been in remission more than not) and I'm more active than most people I know. I would really like to loose this extra weight but it must be done smartly and healthfully.

I apply a mix of the UltaMetabolism diet along with the GenoType Diet...and I'm going to take my morning supplements right now!

Any recommendations and encouragement would be appreciated!

It is not like I can usually walk into my doctor and request these tests. I think I had my thyroid tested once a while ago and the doctor said it was fine but I have no idea what the actual test result was.

Hi, I have had an enlarged thyroid for a couple years now. My family doctor did blood tests, but never really did anything to help it. I actually have an appointment today with a different doctor to figure it all out and get the proper treatment.

I noticed the only time since it has become enlarged that I have really felt good was when i did the Ultra Simple Diet delivered meals with the supplements that Dr Hyman recommends. After the first two days of doing the diet i felt immedietaly more engeretic and not so sluggish. I noticed a lot of the symptoms i have had disappeared when i was eating healthy meals.

the doctor takes a tsh test and tells me my thyroid is fine as long as I take synthroid but I still have a lot of symptoms, hair loss, weight gain, soreness, low sex drive.  I have not been able to get him to do other tests. I am not sure how I can get these other tests.

What are Thyroid stimulating exercises????

I was diagnosed (after many years of suffering) with fibromyalgia in 2001. I had many symptoms of low thyroid and asked to be tested. I was in the "normal" range for TSH and T4, so no Rx. I insisted to my rheumatologist that just because my levels were normal for someone else, (I was in the lower third on both measerments), obviously, they were not enough for me. He put me on 25 mcg of Levoxyl, and my symptoms dramatically improved. Over time, however, they returned. I asked for a new Rx for Armour thyroid, and he actually told me that it was no longer available! I moved to a new state and found a naturapathic doctor. She put me on Armour, 60mg to start (I'm at 120 now) and again, the results were dramatic. My replacement needs keep increasing, so obviously, my own function is NOT improving, but actually getting worse. I'm hopeful that the 7 step plan will make a difference.

I would like to know if there is anything I can do for my current condition. I had hyperthyroidism 8 years ago. My thyroid was removed by radiation and I now take synthroid at .125 each day. I have tests done every so often to ensure my T-3, and T-4 are good and they tell me they are within limits, but I gain weight and have a hard time loseing it. I asked if my dose could be increased but am told it is not required because my levels are good. Will the other tests you mentioned point out the need that my medication does need increased or could be increased?

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's many years ago.  I did all my own research & figured out that w/ all my symptoms, something was wrong with my thryroid.  I had several blood tests done showing my T3 levels were way low.  Went to several doctors/specialists and asked for Cytomel (a T3 drug).  None would give it to me.  They all wanted to put my on Synthroid   (T4 drug) even though my T4 levels were fine.  Finally found a doctor that was recommended by a nutritionist.  He finally prescribed the Cytomel.  Had me play with the amount I took until I felt better.  What a wonderful man!!  Over the years my T4 started to decline.  I am now on both Cytomel (5MCG 3x a day) & Synthroid (.100mg 1x a day).

I have tried every diet out there, every type of workout available - cardio, no cardio, weights, HIIT, Turbulance Training, Pilates, etc.   Nothing works to get any weight off of me.  I am about 40 pounds over weight.  I know I am carb sensitive & cannot handle dairy due to lactose intolerance.  The lactose free stuff makes my symptoms worse.  I've tried rice milk & get the same affect as regular milk.  I'm OK with Almond milk but do get some some bad affects.  Can't eat oatmeal.  I'm a little better w/ steel cut oats.  Soy is a big   no-no.

I take a multi vitamin every day plus extra C and D.  I also take 1200mg of Fish Oil 3x a day and sprinkle ground flax seed on some of my foods daily.

Next trip to my doctor, I'm going to ask if she'll do the Celiac panel test.  I did have them test for food allergies recently & test said I was only allergic to shrimp.  Which is very untrue.  I eat shrimp with no ill affects at all.  So that was a big joke.

Any help to lose weight would be greatly appreciated.

Kim

About 15 years ago I began having difficulty breathing in the afternoon. It was bad enough that I went to the Doctor. He didn't even touch me but took one look and scheduled a series of tests. When they were done he recommended surgery to remove my extremely enlarged thyroid. So I had the surgery.

The next 12 years were absolute hell. I was put on Synthroid and spiraled down. Some times I thought I was going crazy. Six month after my Thyroid surgery I developed huge ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer and had another surgery and two chemos. During all this my Endo just said I was depressed and sent me to a Phyciatrist. He (the Phyciatrist) called the Endo and said I needed T-3 in addition to the Synthroid but the Endo refused. During that 10 years I gained probably over 40 pounds on top of already being overweight. I could not concentrate and it was dangerous for me to drive to work - which I had to do. My blood pressure was climbing and my Cholesteral high and climbing. There was no way I could exercise because after only 45 minutes of moderate exersice it took two days to recover. He and another doctor told me I probably had Fibromyalgia.

Finally the Endo retired and I searched through the doctors he recommended for one that would give me either T-3 or Armore. The new doctor switched me immediately to Thyrolar and then Armore and life has been much better. I easily lost 30 pounds and most of the Fibromyalgia symptoms have gone away. I also changed my diet to a mostly raw vegan diet which seems to be critical to how well I feel. My blood pressure has stableized and my cholesteral was 160 at my last test. Quite an improvement!

Looking back over my life, I am now in my 60's, I can see that I was Hypo nearly all my life. I can chalk up the 6 misscarrages to being hypo. Being over weight and a myriad of other symptoms. I wish I had known then what I have learned since. I know I could do better if I could find another even better doctor.

Hi Dr. Hyman:

I am a 36 year old woman from Cleveland Ohio, and I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism since 2006. For years before that I suspected I had a low funtioning thyroid but the tests always came back negative. Finally when I was diagnosed I was elated that being on Levothyroxine would "fix" everything.

 It hasn't.  I have steadily gained 20 pounds over the last four years. I am 5'2" and my weight always stayed between 110 and 115 lbs. Now I am at 130 approximately and am constantly in the state of trying to lose weight and detox.  I eat well (organic, low grains, wild fish, lots of greens and veggies and fruits). Food on the "bad" list include one cup espresson in the morning and 1 glass red wine daily. I exercise (cardio and weights 4-5 times a week).

 I have several questions:
1) Where do I get these tests that you recommend? Will my primary care physician order them or do I have to go to a naturopathic physician?
2) Which brands of supplements are most recommended that are high qualilty and pretty affordable
3) I grew up in India with the traditional Indian diet. Lots of veggies, whole wheat roti or tortillas, little white rice, some fish, non-homogenized dairy, very little chicken and no red meat. Very little or no alcohol. Black tea mostly, coffee rarely. My question: Would you recommend the same diet for me as you would for someone who grew up here?
4) Can you recommend a physician in my area that I can go to?
5) What type of exercises can I do for hypothyroidism?

I am so frustrated with my progress - people who eat worse than me and never exercise have a better time losing weight than I do!!

Tbanerjee84

Hi Dr. Hyman:

I am a 36 year old woman from Cleveland Ohio, and I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism since 2006. For years before that I suspected I had a low funtioning thyroid but the tests always came back negative. Finally when I was diagnosed I was elated that being on Levothyroxine would "fix" everything.

 It hasn't.  I have steadily gained 20 pounds over the last four years. I am 5'2" and my weight always stayed between 110 and 115 lbs. Now I am at 130 approximately and am constantly in the state of trying to lose weight and detox.  I eat well (organic, low grains, wild fish, lots of greens and veggies and fruits). Food on the "bad" list include one cup espresson in the morning and 1 glass red wine daily. I exercise (cardio and weights 4-5 times a week).

 I have several questions:
1) Where do I get these tests that you recommend? Will my primary care physician order them or do I have to go to a naturopathic physician?
2) Which brands of supplements are most recommended that are high qualilty and pretty affordable
3) I grew up in India with the traditional Indian diet. Lots of veggies, whole wheat roti or tortillas, little white rice, some fish, non-homogenized dairy, very little chicken and no red meat. Very little or no alcohol. Black tea mostly, coffee rarely. My question: Would you recommend the same diet for me as you would for someone who grew up here?
4) Can you recommend a physician in my area that I can go to?
5) What type of exercises can I do for hypothyroidism?

I am so frustrated with my progress - people who eat worse than me and never exercise have a better time losing weight than I do!!

Tbanerjee84

Excellent article - as always!

I came accross rT3. Some say, that it is just inactive , others say it slows the thryoid function down, and that the ration between T3/rT3 is very important.

It would be great to get some feedback on this, and also a reference range for rT3, if it is relevant.

Many thanks!

Dr. Hyman,
What will you say if the Dr. that is trying to help me is focusing on the adrenals first than the thyroid.

I went to see him because I had read enough and I knew had the classic symptoms: very sensitive to cold always freezing even in summer , my normal body temperature upon arising is 96.2,96.4 ,low blood pressure ,dry hair and skin , constipation , depression , interrupted sleep , aches and pains all over my body that come and go with no apparent reason and then the Dr. just focused on treating my adrenals with this pricey formula that was costing me $181.00/month just for the pills with no success after 3 months.
My question to you is , is it time for me to change Dr. as I think he wants me on those pills because he sells them and obviously profits from them , rather than a simple solution of Armour and vitamins that I can purchase myself on a health food store.
If possible answer me I will greatly appreciate it . Maybe a referral on my area will be also appreciated . I am in Franklin TN.

I have been hypothyroid for over 20 years.  At the time of Hashi’s diagnosis, I had put 55 lbs on my 4’10” frame.  After five babies, I weighed 96 lbs.  I am not a food addict.   

TSH = 1, FT3 is low in range, FT4 is optimal.  I’ve recently discovered that my reverse T3 is very high.  Apparently, I am converting T4 to rT3 instead of to T3.  My normal dose of Synthroid is 100 – 113 mcg.  I have never over-dosed. 

I continue to think that if I could get my T3 up, I might lose weight.  I have done many trials of Armour (or NatureThroid, generic dessicated) since 2002.  At first, I feel fabulous.  All the edema leaves and my hair begins to thicken.  I’ve even lost a bit of weight at times.  One time, my lipids dramatically improved.  I’ve never taken over 1.25 grains and have never tested hyper. 

After 4 – 12 weeks, I swell, blood pressure shoots up, and anxiety is severe.  The times I’ve gone to ER, my potassium was low.  I give up and go back to Synthroid, fatness, being water-logged, bald and feeling sub-optimal.  Each episode takes six months or more to normalize.  I’ve even tried various combinations of Armour and Synthroid (ex. ½ grain + 50 mcg).  Always, the same end result. 

CRP = 14.18 (0 – 3 normal) 

I’m now thinking that rT3 is somehow implicated.  I have read Dr. Holtorf’s website. http://www.hormoneandlongevitycenter.com/patienttestimonials/  His approach is appealing though I have no idea where I’d find someone near me. 

Have you given any thought to this concept of high rT3 and its implications in thyroid treatment?

how do I best go about testing for heavy metal and if found, how can I get it out of my system?

Thanks

On the 7 steps to boosting a low thyroid you mentioned to use a sauna, would a hot tub work also?  Let me know.  Thanks.

Dr. Hyman,

I so appreciate your candor regarding the shortcomings of our medical system in typical treatment modalities.  I find your broadcasts imminently valuable when I can spare the time with my limited opportunites for reading them.  Busy-ness, stress, adulterated food, water and air---it's a full-time and utterly expensive endeavor to attain or sustain health.  At least your information gives hope and options to self-advocate with lesser enlightened physicians.  Thank you.

Dear Dr. Hyman:

Eight years ago I lost both of my parents which put me under much stress and depression. I gained over 60 lbs and felt just awful. Since I read Ultrametabolism I have lost 45 lbs. I am lucky that I have a Dr. that checked me for hypothyroidism. He is one of the good ones. He said it was within the "normal range" but that it could make me feel bad and gain weight. He put me on Amour. I am not one that believes in medications and feel  they are generally over prescribed; but I am glad I listened to him. My energy has returned. I followed your books advise and went on a whole foods diet, removed gluten, dairy etc.. I never eat anything that has been made by man. I try to walk some everyday. Now I look and feel fabulous.

Thank you!

I have been diagnosed with low thyroid function thru a blood test.  I don't know which one since it was over a year ago.  Since then I have been taking Levothyroxine 12.5mg once a day.   I haven't noticed any improvement.  

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease very recently. I have every sympton of hypothyroidism, but my T3-T4 levels are within the normal range.  Therefore, my doctor does not want to treat me for anything until my bloodwork levels change or my symptoms become worse.  I am desperate here!  I even sent him (endrocrinologist) the report on the latest study showing a preventative treatment for the disease that would slow down the progression and treat the symptoms.  He never commented on it.  The pathologist who did the needle biopsies and diagnosed Hashimoto's said I would be amazed at how much better I would feel once I started on synthyroid.  However, my doctor doesn't believe in treating it.  Please HELP!

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism from my symptoms then had some tests run.  I take Armour thyroid and have felt better in some ways but I still struggle with weight problems.  I use the internet to get info to help me further, but when it comes to food and other things to try, these sites conflict with each other.  Foods to eat and foods to avoid are not the same.  Some say to exercise lightly, others say to work-out hard(sweat).  I want to do the right thing for my health but how am I supposed to do this when the information available is not consistent?

I was diagnosed about 10 years ago with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) by a conventional doctor based on an elevated TSH.  I was initially treated with Synthroid but without success (my TSH was 25 on Synthroid, hardly what you would call well-controlled thyroid disease).  Fortunately, I subsequently found a doctor who practices integrative or functional medicine and understands the relationship between thyroid and adrenal dysfunction.  I also have adrenal exhaustion, along with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, multiple allergies and chemical sensitivitie and severe asthma.   With appropriate testing (TSH, Free T4 and Free T3), I was placed on a dessicated thyroid hormone (NatureThroid, similar to Armour, which contains both T4 and T3).  Along with this, I also take Levoxyl, which is synthetic T4.  Although it took some tweaking, we have gotten me to the right combination of thyroid hormones so that I am now feeling much better.  As I have been on and off of Prednisone for the past several years due to my asthma, I have found that additional fine-tuning of my thyroid meds has been necessary.  Having a physician who understands the whole picture is critical to success.  It has been my experience that endocrinologists and many conventional physicians do not understand the true picture of diagnosing or properly treating hypothyroidism.  Too often only the numbers (test results) are relied upon while the clinical symptoms are ignored.  It is also important to understand that for persons who have complex chronic illnesses, synthetic T4 doesn't do the trick.  This is because many of us have difficulty converting T4 into T3 (the active thyroid hormone) or can experience something called "cellular resistance" to T4 in its synthetic form.  I am thankful that I found a wholistic physician (also an MD) who understands all of this.

At 30 my (then) doctor told me I was "getting old" when I told him of my problems.  I had unexplained weight gain, joint inflammation (painful lumps on my finger joints), tiredness and slight depression.  My next doctor an internal medicine specialist, said I was depressed, causing my wieght gain (even though I thought it was the other way around.)  He ordered drugs that made me another person, and out of it.  Since I had a family to raise, out of it was not an option.  I gave up, waited 5 years, and to the Endricronologist I went.  I had an extensive thyroid test done, which came back negative, but my other symtoms pointed to his diagnosis of fibromyalgia.  I became pregnant, kept on excersing and eating the same as before (no "eating for 2") and lost 40 pounds.  I had a healthy baby boy, and gained all the weight back nearly right away.  I have nearly given up any hope, until now, and I am looking into finding a doctor here that will treat me like a human being with a medical problem.  At over 250#'s, I am the largest invisible person in a room.  Anyone over weight will know exactly what I mean.  I am now 41, and feel as though I have wasted a decade of my life fighting an unknown medical condition.     

I've read that taking detoxified iodine helps the thyroid function.
Has anyone tried it or read about it?

Dr. Hyman,

I recently got your book (Ultra-Metabolism) as I wanted to understand more about the science of how the body works as I am looking to adjust my eating habits to lose 20-25 pounds. (in a sustainable and healthy manner).  I am a 47 year old female who was diagnosed with an overactive thryoid when I was 31 years old.  I was fortunate to have a good GP who did thorough annual physicals and was tuned into my family medical history (my father got an over active thyoid at about 40, but sadly he suffered for a few years prior to being diagnosed), and she routinely checked my thyroid as it is often hereditary. My weight pre thyroid problem was 125 lbs, ( I am 5'4") but when I became hyperactive I dropped 10 pounds to 115 in about 2 weeks and within a month I weighed 107 lbs.  My doctor immediately referred me to an endrocinologist, but even catching it as it happened, it took over 2 years to "sort me out".  After trying to get it to regulate properly (which didn't work) I ultimately had the radioactive iodine, and that was the end of my functioning thyroid.  The trouble with that treatment is the thyroid takes a few months to completely stop functioning, so I went from overactive to underactive as the Dr would not prescribe replacement hormone until it was completely shut down.  It was at this point that I gained weight for the first time in my life.  I have been on Synthroid ever since, and I feel really good on it, although it took awhile to get the dose right.  Even with the proper dose, my body does not burn calories the same as it always had.   I believe I had a naturally high metabolic rate as I never had a weight problem without having to be diligent about diet and exercise.  Finally at 40 years old I had crept up to 151 lbs and was fed up, and changed my lifestyle by getting a personal trainer and doing weight training and cardio.   Even with a really good diet and a rigorous work out schedule, it took me 16 months to lose 30 lbs (which I believe was longer than it should have taken for the effort put in-I got to 121).  I actually lost more than 30 lbs of fat because my weight training built muscle, and my body fat ratio was about 20%.  A pretty happy story...except I have not kept up the rigourous exercise and the last 2 years and have gradually gained back to 148 lbs.  I have begun an exercise routine that will help for sure, but I do not want to have to work out as hard as I used to and I intend to lose 20 lbs at least (I was a bit too skinny at 121 anyway).  Although my diet is not too bad, I clearly need to change something and I believe there is a better solution to tune up hormonally.  I can't imagine you can reply specifically to everyone who blogs, but I would love some tips for my situation.  So much of your book talks about how to regulate your thyroid and maximize it, but when the thyroid no longer funcitions, what are the best ways to up the metabolic rate?  In addition to the thyroid issue, I went into menopause at 33 years old (just after the thyroid issue) and my endrocinologist said that although the thyroid condition itself could not be the cause, she did say that the thyroid condition is an auto immune disease, and that early menopause is a form of auto immune disease as well.  So in addition to taking Synthroid, I am on hormone replacment therapy (ever decreasing doses) as well as Fosamax to ensure good bone density.  I am already adjusting my diet according to the principles in your book, and hope that makes a difference. 

Thanks for reading...and I hope my blog in some way can assist others. 

Dear Dr. Hyman

You lectured us at IIN a few weeks ago and your lecture absolutely blew my mind away. I have bought all your books and have been using the Ultra Simple Diet plan books as giveaways for some of my clients. Also I have a client who just signed up for the UltraSimple meal plans and my father has an appointment up at your clinic in Lenox in May. Needless to say I have become a huge fan!! 

I know there is a vast amounts of information about hypo thyroidism, but I have a cousin who is suffering from Graves' disease. What are the steps that one should take to tackle this condition? I understand from some sources that Graves is an autoimmune condition. Is this true in your experience?

Here is my cousin's predicament - any input on this matter would be a huge help!

"after an initial treatment with a standard medicine for about 6 months, called, I think metamazole (I think that's the name) his thyroid remained normal for a few months and during a regular TSH T3 and T4 test last month it showed that he was heading towards hyper thyroidism again and was started again on a low dose of the same medicine. The treating physician has said that if the thyroid doesn't remain normal after stopping this course of medication then the thyroid will have to be zapped with nuclear iodine and thereafter he will become permanently hypo thyroid and will have to take medication for this for ever.
My question for Dr. Hyman is: can he treat Raees for hyper thyroidism in a way that he is permanently cured to normal?"

I would really appreciate any input from you on this matter, with regard to diet and lifestyle changes or any testing that my cousin should look into for further treatment!!

Thank you soo much,

Muneeza A Ahmed

Holistic Health Counsellor 

I like the support you bring to thyroid issues. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism @ a Dr visit about 4 yrs ago. The midwife that did my exam asked how I was doing. I said terrible. I am always tired, keep gaining weight, can't think straight, etc. She tested my blood for thyroid issues. My TSH level was so high, she said I can't believe you could get up off the couch (it was 239.75). Since then, I have struggled to lose weight, even with levothyroxine. I go to the gym A LOT, eat good and take meds, but I still can't lose the weight I know I need to and want to. I have seen regular doctors and an endochrinologist. They tell me I'm fine with the medication. They are wrong! If they were right, then I should be able to lose the weight and feel great. It is a lot of work!!! I believe more work than your average person needing to lose a few pounds. But, though I am still struggling, I will do it. I have gone from 210 lbs (I'm 5'3") to 168.

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I was diagnosed with Hashimoto Thyroid when I was in my 20's  - I am in my late 50's now.  It has been a struggle to get on the right medications and of course find a doctor who asks you "how you feel" vs what your tests say.  A few years ago I found a doctor who has helped me.  I went on Armour Thyroid and had some good results.  However, I developed what we think is an adverse reaction to the Armour - I was sweating and overheating constantly.  It was not menopause as I had gone off all thyroid treatment for 6 weeks and felt awful, (went off to get a thyroid uptake test)  but had no overheating and sweating at all.  I switched over to L-Thyroxine 50mcg and Cytomel - I feel better and the heating and sweating has been reduced but now I feel it is coming back again.  I am gluten sensitive and follow a gluten free vegatarian diet.  I am active with my work (walking and lifting) I could get more exercise.  I can't seem to budge my weight - I have gained 25 lbs in the past 8 years.  My choleterol is high (I do take Omega, and drink green tea). My HDL is good.

I am very frustrated as I feel I have been doing the right things but just can't seem to make progress and be free of the overheating,sweating and weight issues.  My last test showed my TSH at 0.0, T4 at 0.6.  My doctor has increase my L-Thyroxine to 75MCG.

I appreciate your article and will try some of the recommendations you make.  I do wonder if people with thyroid problems ever get off the rollercoaster of feel better, now feel worse and be able to get to a level of well being that last for longer than a few months without having to constantly tweak what one is doing to improve the thyroid function.  Thanks for listening. 

I gained the weight of the baby plus 10 lbs with each of my 3 pregnancies.  After my second child was born, however, I gained 30 lbs. AFTER DELIVERY!!  (My husband asked if I was sitting home all day eating bon bons?  With a toddler and a newborn ---- yeah, right!)

I thank you very much for all the information you give on the web site. I have all the symptoms you are talking about. I have struggled with these problems for the last 10 years and I'm only 26. I am having issues finding a doctor that will do these tests. I am already going to a Endocrinologist and he tested my thyroid with the standard test. He said there is no need to do more. He also sent me to an Oncologist to g et my lymphatic system checked. I have had swollen lymph nodes since I had my tonsils take out November 2006. I also have a family history of Lymphoma and diabetes. I have been diagnosed with PCOS, ICS, Celiac, Chronic Fatigue, fibromyalgia, Asthma, and allergies of all sorts. In the past 4 months I have had 3 cases of bronchitis, and now pneumonia. I do think that a lot of my issues are from thyroid issues. I did read your book ultra metabolism and have followed the diet, but I only lost 4 lbs. I try very hard to exercise regularly on 40 minutes walks with my dogs, yoga, and my Nordic track. My best friend is a professional trainer and is absolutely puzzled on why I can't loss weight with how active I am. These blogs help me understand a lot of questions I have. I just wish I could find a doctor I could work with better.

I was diagnosed almost two years now and it has been a battle in a lot of ways for me.  I had been working out with a trainer and had lost about 15 pounds only to start putting it on all of a sudden.  Neither my trainer nor myself could understand why and then one early morning I got out of bed and my heart starting racing uncontrollably.  I was taken to the E.R. and the doctor ordered a blood test and told me I was hypothyroid.

Since then no matter what I do the weight will not come off.  I'm taking Armour because I don't believe in the synthetics.  I don't eat bread anymore, I'm taking the right supplements that Dr. Hyman recommends and still can't seem to lose the weight.  It's very frustrating.  I am under alot of stress so maybe that is part of my issue.

I have been hypothyroid for years and take synthroid and cytomel.  Recently through increased exercise and cutting calories way back, I'm 5' 6" and went from 143 to 124 pounds.  I noticed heart palpatations and my recent blood tests show I am now hyperthyroid.  My Doctor reduced my synthroid, but recents tests show I am still hyper.  I am feeling all the symptoms of being hypo and gaining weight back so I don't want to keep decreasing my synthroid.  Could this be related to detoxification as you stated and any suggestions on what I should do?  Any recommendations for a Functional Medicine doctor in Seattle area.  Thanks!