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Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 1.Â
Posted by Auntie Molly (U14110968) on Thursday, 13th May 2010
Just wondering whether anyone has managed to do this. It's very frustrating. I am managing, by cutting right down on alcohol, cutting out junk food like cakes, biscuits, crisps and chips, watching my portions and otherwise eating healthily, not to put any weight on, but I would like to lose a stone to get down to the weight I feel happy at. I have so much flab on my tummy and round my midriff. But it's so difficult. I'm reluctant to try any sort of calorie or point counting regime - I've seen so many people lose weight only to pile it back on!
I'm not inactive - I walk up four floors every morning, and do lots of walking with my dog. But other that I don't have time to exercise much.
Anyone with this condition got any tips?Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 2
Posted by GEm (U4356909) on Thursday, 13th May 2010
i am presuming that the UA thyroid depresses your metabolism? If so then I would expect that doing stuff that would raise your metabolic rate would work, especially if you do rev and stop, rev and stop. In practical terms I would think while your walking is keeping you fit it probably isn't getting your heart pounding or making you sweaty. Why not try mixing running with weight training. Muscle increases your need for calories and running will give your metabolism kick starts.
If you combine that with what sounds like a very healthy eating plan then you could probably work it through.
Can't your GP give you any medication to "normalise" the thyroid?Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 3
Posted by Auntie Molly (U14110968) on Thursday, 13th May 2010
Yes, I am on medication for the thyroid, which deals with the mental symptoms, tiredness, depression, memory/concentration problems etc, but doesn't seem to help with the underlying metabolism.
I have tried exercising in the past. I felt better but I didn't lose weight. I don't have so much time to devote to it now because of my caring responsibilities for my AP.Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 4
Posted by mamanchauffeuse (U5201740) on Thursday, 13th May 2010
Thu, 13 May 2010 20:44 GMT, in reply to Auntie Molly in message 3
Auntie Molly,
under active thyroid is not something I've experienced but I know those who have. The one who was most successful at losing weight used slimming world. From what I gathered they never ate protein and carbohydrates on the same day, it was either a 'green' day - fruit, veg and carbohydrates - or a 'red' day - protein, fruit and veg. I may have this totally wrong, as it was a while ago, so I'd check it out for yourself.
I don't know if this type of diet is particularly suitable for UA thyroid or if her successful weight loss was down to something else, but it might be worth looking into.
mamanLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 5
Posted by Auntie Molly (U14110968) on Thursday, 13th May 2010
Thank you Mamanchauffeuse and GEm for replying. That green day/red day is worth looking into and I should try and find time to fit some exercise into my day too!
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Message 6
Posted by welshteddy (U3680635) on Friday, 14th May 2010
Molly, I have an underactive thyroid (on thyroxine), and have had great trouble losing weight. I have a lot more than one stone to lose! However, since January I have lost one and a half stone. This has been acheived after many false starts!
Firstly, make sure you are on the highest thryoxine dose you can be on. My GP explained that even though a lower dose will bring your thyroxine levels into the normal range, for some people this still isn't enough to boost the metabolism. I am on 250 microgrammes/day.
I decided I would aim to lose one pound a week as this didn't seem too overwhelming or depressing.
I am not following a particular diet as that doesn't work for me. I have cut out chocolate (aarrgghh!!), takeaways etc... but if I fancy a cake or pud I have it.
At least 3 times a week I go to 'Curves', a women's gym. There are franchaises all over the place. It only takes 30 minutes, you don't have to think while you are there, and you can chat while you are doing it. Sorry I can't do links, but if you google Curves you can see if there is anything in your area.
Hope this is helpful.Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 7
Posted by Retired-Rural-Person (U8479978) on Friday, 14th May 2010
Fri, 14 May 2010 08:48 GMT, in reply to Auntie Molly in message 5
Auntie Molly,
I have had an underactive thyroid on thyroxine for years and would agree it is very difficult to shift the weight even on treatment.
However have done it combined with exercise-nothing that heroic as not that hearty, mainly walking using a pedometer. It has been compounded for me by hefty doses of steroids in the last 3 years for clapped out lungs and thought it was totally impossible. Then I found myself looking after OH confined to bed with severe back problems. Climbing the stairs and doing the general kind of rushing about after him that he had been doing for me and suddenly I lost some weight without trying. I reckon it was a crock's version of what GEm is talking about, the revving up and slowing down, or intervals, that much more sporty people write about-it can even work for me! I was still eating, it wasn't because of loss of appetite.
So when walking doing some faster and slower seems the key, and of course being quite strict re food intake as you have been doing. Quite agree re anything stricter, it won't last
Good Luck!
RetiredLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 8
Posted by Auntie Molly (U14110968) on Friday, 14th May 2010
Firstly, make sure you are on the highest thryoxine dose you can be on. My GP explained that even though a lower dose will bring your thyroxine levels into the normal range, for some people this still isn't enough to boost the metabolism. I am on 250 microgrammes/day.Â
Gosh - I'm only on 75 microgrammes. I have read that some people need more than a "normalising" dose to feel really well. A couple of years ago I was a stone heavier than I am now and I lost a stone by following the same eating programme I am now and doing half an hour's exercise a day - then the weight loss stopped. My personal circumstances have changed meaning it's not quite as easy to fit the exercise in. But I'm going to have to try, I think. I'm reluctant to do calorie/point counting because I don't think that works long term.Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 9
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Friday, 14th May 2010
A lot depends on your GP. Mine is pretty good, but ultimately the view seems to be if your bloods are "normal" any other problems have causes other than the hypothyroidism. He thinks in future they will find a more refined monitoring measure than testing TSH.
Agree that weight loss is difficult. I tend to put on weight around my middle now - this never happened before I had hypothyroidism.
I think exercise is the answer ( though I'm not good at practising what I preach !), though reducing portion sizes and trying to avoid too much chocolate and wine also helps...
Whar has also helped me is taking supplements (glucosamine and calcium/VitD) to help with joint pain and stiffness. This means I am more able to be active even if it is just more walking or generally being able to rush around when required.
I have also heard positive reports about the slimming world red and green method. It seems more sustainable as it is as much about what you eat together as about how many calories you consume.
dondyLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 10
Posted by Jane (U1484860) on Friday, 14th May 2010
Wow! a thread that could have been started with me in mind!
18 months ago I was diagnosed with an extremely UA thyroid. I reckon I'd been suffering symptoms that had got progressively worse for 3 years plus; in fact the symptoms sent the mdical bods down another road looking for the cause for 6-8 months before realising that the tyroid was most likely the cause of everything.
Still haven't got the meds sorted (went for a blood test this am to see how things are) had about 2 months when I was me again - not tired, energetic, doing stuff, motivated etc, before going downhill again. That was 9 months ago and I'm still trying to get back to that state.
Tiredness is the worst problem - I know I need to exercise to loose the weight that has piled on but I'm permenantly exhausted. meds have to be increased incrementally and then left to balnce for 2-3 months before being checked again which is frustrating. I wish there was an easy way to get the meds balanced and my life back to (what I consider to be) normal as I'm fairly sure that would be a major step to addressing the weight issues.
So what is all this self centred drivel about? well just to empathise strongly with you and to offer a bit of encouragement.
KOKO, as they say elsewhere
JaneLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 11
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Friday, 14th May 2010
<quote>in fact the symptoms sent the mdical bods down another road looking for the cause for 6-8 months before realising that the tyroid was most likely the cause of everything.</quote>
Jane, sadly that is an all too common story. Iwas lucky as I developed a huge goitre (swollen neck) which my GP spotted as thyroid related. If you don't have an obvious symptom like that, things can take ages. Most GPs are switched on enough to test the thyroid early on when dealing with the symptoms which underactive thyroids present.
<quote>meds have to be increased incrementally and then left to balnce for 2-3 months before being checked again which is frustrating
I'm sure I didn't have to wait that long when my dose was upped in the past. It was a few weeks, not months. Do you know why your GP works this way ?
dondyLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 12
Posted by sparkleyshoes (U14280428) on Friday, 14th May 2010
My experiences are similar to many of the other posters quoted here with regards to being diagnosed with a thyroid condition. I was tired all the time but not sleeping and putting on weight but not eating more than normal. It was only when I went for an eye test that the optician noticed the pressures in my eyes were higher than normal and suggested I visit my GP. (increased pressures in the eye are apparently a common symptom too).I've now been on thyroxine for around 10 years and I have managed to lose weight successfully by going to Scottish Slimmers classes (I think they're part of Slimming World). I don't go to exercise classes, I just follow the eating plan and it seems to work for me (as well as encouraging me to properly plan meals).
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Message 13
Posted by savannahlady (U2362903) on Friday, 14th May 2010
Fri, 14 May 2010 21:37 GMT, in reply to Auntie Molly
Please be very careful about the thyroxine dose and do not do anything without talking to your doctor.
I have had an UA for nearly 20 years and was on 200 mgs of thyroxine per day until about 9 months ago when a regular blood test showed that my TSH levels were too high and so I have gradually had the daily dose reduced to 100 mgs.
There are significant connections between heart disease and thyroid conditions. I feel reasonably sure that my hypothyroidism went undiagnosed for a long time and may well explain the heart problems (or go a long towards explaining them) that I have developed and why I now have congestive heart failure.
There is a lot of stuff around on the internet which explains a number of recent studies but what I have linked above is a good general explanation of the connection between heart and thyroid and why you need to keep TSH levels within 'normal' ranges. By pushing up the dosage you could increase your TSH levels to a level which is dangerous to your heart.
As to losing weight, well I am heavier now than I would like to be and I am sure that is because I have to really fight hard to exercise (I also have COPD and osteo-arthritis so it is a real and constant battle). Good diet and as much exercise as you can seriously do are the only answers I have found.
good luck
SavvieLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 14
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Friday, 14th May 2010
Savvie
Sorry to hear you have all these problems with your health. You are right about untreated UA having an effect on the heart.
Also re not messing with the thyroxine dose yourself. An overactive thyroid has just as many health problems as UA.
I have a friend who is very anti conventional medicine and has been buying pig thyroid over the internet. One of the many reasons why this is a bad idea is that the thyroxine levels in it are non consistent. I have tried very hard to dissuade her from this but she won't listen.
I wouldn't take manufactured thyroxine if I didn't have to, but it's one pill a day and the effects of not taking it are not something I want to risk.
dondy
dondyLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 15
Posted by welshteddy (U3680635) on Friday, 14th May 2010
I wasn't suggesting that Molly increase her thyroxine without medical advice!! I was just saying that my GP told me that some people need a higher dose to FEEL normal than is suggested by their blood test result becoming 'normal'.
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Message 16
Posted by savannahlady (U2362903) on Saturday, 15th May 2010
Sat, 15 May 2010 08:11 GMT, in reply to welshteddy
No I am sure you weren't suggesting that welshteddy but I have known people (like Dondy's friend) who think that by upping their dose (usually by buying over the internet) they can overcome the weight problems that UA gives rise to. They often do not realise the risks they are running in doing so and I wanted to get that message across.
SavvieLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 17
Posted by Jane (U1484860) on Saturday, 15th May 2010
I'm sure I didn't have to wait that long when my dose was upped in the past. It was a few weeks, not months. Do you know why your GP works this way ?Â
GP does this in order to let the new dose kick in and then settle down. The initial kick in can cause a peak which then settles down to a lower constant plateau.
I have always been someone who reacts unusually to drugs (I've come out in some interesting allergies to drugs in the past) If I'm tested too soon after the drug change I seem to be Ok when a month later I'm not.
I am now more aware of what my side effects are and so keep an eye out for them and will ask for a blood test if they reappear. (once I've actually got them to go and the drug levels Ok that it!)
JLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 18
Posted by Daisy Nook (U14257963) on Monday, 17th May 2010
I would like to join the underactive thyroid self help group. I am very overweight so it has been interesting to read others' thoughts
I was diagnosed 10 years ago after reading an article in a magazine, I realised that I ticked more boxes than I didn't especially tiredness, feeling very cold and being unable to lose weight. The GP was a little dismissive but agreed to a blood test which proved I was. I am now upto 175 thyroxine. I have been back a few times over the years saying I don't think it is high enough as I know I don't feel "quite right" but he is adamant that it shouldn't be any higher.
At one point I went to the hospital for more tests, after explaining that I was utterly exhausted the doctor suggested I was depressed and needed prozac. All tests prove that with the assistance of thyroxine I am in the normal range so I was interested to read WelshTeddy's post about different people's version of normal. I think at my next appointment I might bring that up.Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 19
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Tuesday, 18th May 2010
Daisy
Do you know what your last TSH reading was ? The guidance says it should be below 3 (v crudely) but some GPs are still using 5 as the measure.
There's a very useful BMA guide to thyroid disorders. Doctors are less likely to discount the information in this than they are stuff from the internet, as it was written by a "proper" endocrinologist and is approved by the BMA (of which doctors are members !)
The other interesting thing this book mentions in that although different brands of thyroxine are supposed to provide the same dose of the drug, this is not always the case. You could ask your GP to stick to a brand which suits you (this make take some persistence, especially if they are a dispensing surgery, as they like to get the cheapest ones they can.)
This is one of those conditions where it pays to be as well informed and persistent as possible. It seems to me that as many of the sufferers are middle aged women, they tend to get palmed off with depression and menopausal diagnoses.
dondyLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 20
Posted by Daisy Nook (U14257963) on Tuesday, 18th May 2010
Thanks Dondy
I will check on my TSH and pursue the GP if necessary.
I agree it is a condition where you can be palmed off. It really annoyed me when the young hospital doctor said I must be depressed and not to be ashamed of taking anti-depressants. I told her that if I was depressed I would have willingly taken them but as I wasn't, just thoroughly exhausted I didn't see the point. It certainly felt a case of take the tablet and be quiet.Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 21
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Tuesday, 18th May 2010
Daisy
There does seem to be a view that if your bloods are ok, your symptoms cannot POSSIBLY be thyroid related !
My GP recokns it is not that straightforward and they will find more refined ways of testing people in the future. As he says though, it doesn't help right now...
I would reiterate that I have found taking glucosamine sulphate and calcium/vit d suppplements has helped a lot with the joint/muscle pains.
Also (easier said than done) I have to pace myself and try to get enough sleep. At first I thought it was my congenital laziness (!) but this is a different sort of tired when it hits.
dondyLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 22
Posted by Auntie Molly (U14110968) on Tuesday, 18th May 2010
I have started taking Sea Kelp (rich source of iodine, which is a key component of thyroid hormone) - only a small dose though, 60mg a day, as I've read it can be harmful in larger doses. If it helps I'll post here.
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Message 23
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Tuesday, 18th May 2010
Will be interested to heat how you get on, Auntie M.
When my GP first diagnosed me, he asked (semi-joking) if I came from Derbyshire. There used to be a condition called "Derbyshire Neck" apparently (lots of people with goitres). They think it was caused by a lack of iodine in the local soil (which presumably affected crops and hence diet).
dondyLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 24
Posted by DragonFluff (U6879248) on Tuesday, 18th May 2010
In reply to Auntie Molly in message 22
Auntie Molly, did you talk to your GP before starting with the sea kelp? Mine told me to talk to her before taking this sort of thing - it stimulates the wrong hormones for hypothyroidism and will give odd readings when you have your TFT and TSH tests. Please do have a chat with your doc about it when you have a chance.
Fluff (150/175mcg thyroxine on alternate days.)Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 25
Posted by savannahlady (U2362903) on Tuesday, 18th May 2010
Tue, 18 May 2010 21:51 GMT, in reply to dondy b
I would reiterate that I have found taking glucosamine sulphate and calcium/vit d suppplements has helped a lot with the joint/muscle pains.Â
Yes, I'd agree with you about the glucosamine dondy - I have taken 1500 mgs a day for several years and it has helped me to keep up a reasonable level of walking and other exercise. Thanks for your sympathy re my health in your earlier post BTW, it was very kind of you. People who know me say they would never know I had any health problems at all and that is how I like it to be! Sorry - my little boast but I do work hard at it.
SavvieLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 26
Posted by Jane (U1484860) on Thursday, 20th May 2010
/Very/ interesting to hear about the glucosamine sulphate and calcium/vit d suppplements helping with the joint/muscle pains.
I've been suffering a lot recently and feel I've gone downhill rapidly on the energy and joint pain front. (Was in bed last night at 9pm and slept thro til 5.10am and staggered to work feeling exhausted.)
Will definately try the supplements and have just called Dr for blood test results and have been told to increase dose by 25mg/day. Will collect new prescription tomorrow on the way home.
Such a relief to know that the dose is still wrong - if the bloods had been Ok I don't know how I'd've dealt with the symptoms!
KOKO all
JaneLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 27
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Friday, 21st May 2010
Jane
Such a relief to know that the dose is still wrong - if the bloods had been Ok I don't know how I'd've dealt with the symptoms! Â
I know exactly what you mean, Jan. It takes a few weeks for the new dose to have an effect, so don't know if you want to hold fire on the supplements to see if the change in thyroxine does the trick.
If you are interested in the supplements, search for "ultimate bone support" on the web. The glucosamine I use is also made by the same people (trying not to advertise !)
Hope you start to feel better soon. KOKO !
dondyLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 28
Posted by Jane (U1484860) on Friday, 21st May 2010
I don't hang around - went into a large chain of health food shops last night on the way to the theatre and bought gs and vit pills.
Took them this morning - the size of the pills really astonished me! they're bludy horse pills - I had to break them in half to take them!
I have other (far worse) problems that are (probably) due to the low thyroxine so will be able to tell from them how the adjusted dose is going.
Hopefully I'm heading in the right direction tho'
JLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 29
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Friday, 21st May 2010
Good luck, Jane.
I went for the ones I mentioned, as the brand has a good reputation, but I may just be being conned into paying over the odds !
dondy
(who has eaten a lot of choc digestives today, so can't blame any weight gain on the thyroid probs !!!)Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 30
Posted by savannahlady (U2362903) on Friday, 21st May 2010
Fri, 21 May 2010 21:10 GMT, in reply to Jane in message 28
Jane - do give the glucosamine time to start working on your joints - it is not an immediate response by any means - a few weeks to build up.
Also worth asking your GP if (s)he will prescribe them for you (mine does) and as I am over 60 that means they are free.
Good luck with them and with the increased thyroxine - they reckon it can take a year or so to sort out dosages so be prepared.
all the best
SavvieLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 31
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Friday, 21st May 2010
Also worth asking your GP if (s)he will prescribe them for you (mine does) and as I am over 60 that means they are free.Â
If you are on thyroxine you can get all your prescribed meds free, regardless of age. It's a quirk left over from the early days of the NHS. Ask your surgery for the form if you do not have the exemption. Also ask for help filling it in - hypothyroidism is still listed under a very old name which I did not recognise !!
dondyLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 32
Posted by dean volecape (U1477030) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
Anyone who is taking Thyroxine, particularly if you are on a higher dose than you started with, should keep an eye on your THS levels when you have your six month checks. If the TSH gets very low it can be an indication that you're on too much Thyroxine - which is not good, and makes you even more exhausted and fat-faced (been there). Good luck all.
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Message 33
Posted by Retired-Rural-Person (U8479978) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
Sat, 22 May 2010 08:26 GMT, in reply to dondy b in message 31
Is it written as myxoedoema, Dondy?
It is so long since I needed an exemption card, I can't remember!
RetiredLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 34
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
If the TSH gets very low it can be an indication that you're on too much Thyroxine - which is not good, and makes you even more exhausted and fat-faced (been there)Â
Hi Dean. I remember you mentioned this before when there was a hypothyroidism thread (think it was you !).
How low is low, I wonder ? My last TSH was 0.47. My GP is pretty clued up, so I would hope he would spot it, but you never know, do you ?
dondyLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 35
Posted by dondy (U3463640) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
Is it written as myxoedoema, Dondy?Â
That was it, RRP. There are various other conditions on the form as well. Can't remember them all.
I wonder if this quirk will ever be picked up by those reviewing NHS costs ? Seems odd that someone like me can get all my meds free, but I'm not complaning...
dondyLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 36
Posted by riversend (U14242443) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
Iodine is the factor controlling the thyroid, it picks it up from the blood stream and if there is a shortage it will grow bigger to process the depleted supply.
As the main source of iodine is the sea and the rain generated from the sea is the main supply of water, the Pennines are a barrier to the westerley winds and Derbyshire is in the rain shadow of this barrier much of the water in Derbyshire is filtered through rock and the iodine "fived" or is held back.
Many forms of seaweed "fix" iodine and are therefore useful sources of this essential chemical.
A similar effect happens to the west of the Rockies and the plains Indians were wont to suffer from enlarged Thyroids.
There is also a tribe in the north of Cambodia many miles from the sea where the rain comes from inland where the same effect has been noted.
As the thyroid "fixes" iodine the treatment for an over active thyroid is to access the amount of over activeity and calculate how much should be removed to allow it to function at a slightly lower level than is required.
This is achieved by adminstering a radio active iodine water taken by mouth,this dose will knock out the required amount of the over active gland.
This depletion is then made up by administering a regular dose of Thyroxine to bring the concentration in the blood back up to the correct level.
The treatment is not to be feared of to be worried about, the most painful by product of the whole scenario is wondering what is happening to you as your bodies main regulator is running away and the prick of the blood test needle.Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 37
Posted by Jane (U1484860) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
If the GS helps I'll speak to the Dr about having a prescription for it (I keep a diary of symptoms grading them for my record and to back up Dr visits)
The pharmacist in the local old fashioned pharmacy (they could probalbly use it in the next Dickens adaptations) told me I was entitled to an exemption cert when I took in my 1st prescription so I went back to the Drs and got it sorted. The info barely known as a co-worker who has UT and other health problems had been paying for an annual prescription for years until the subject came up a few weeks ago!
Its been 18mths since I was dianoed with an UT and its still not balanced
Thanks to all for the info and support
JLink to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 38
Posted by dean volecape (U1477030) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
Hi dondy, yes, it was me - my TSH was 0.01
my GP did not pick it up as a problem, even though I commented on my constant tiredness and fibromyalgia. I'm aware that most GPs are more clued in, but just wanted to remind people that the only person who can really keep tabs on your own health is you.Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 39
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Sunday, 23rd May 2010
Sun, 23 May 2010 09:26 GMT, in reply to Auntie Molly in message 3
Yes, I am on medication for the thyroid, which deals with the mental symptoms, tiredness, depression, memory/concentration problems etc, but doesn't seem to help with the underlying metabolism.Â
When you go for a blood test, ask them to test for T3 & T4. Have a look on Thyroid UK for an explanation of this. Have I said this before? If so, I'm sorry, but at my age, I'm having my dosage reduced. The TSH blood test is a blunt instrument so talk to your GP and ask him to refer you to a consultant. He will say he can't (or won't) but it's a good opening salvo.Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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Message 40
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Sunday, 23rd May 2010
Sun, 23 May 2010 13:48 GMT, in reply to savannahlady in message 30
Also worth asking your GP if (s)he will prescribe them for you (mine does) and as I am over 60 that means they are free.Â
I have had free prescriptions all my life with Hypothyroidism. Well since 1948 anyway. It is one of the exempt conditions. I used to think it was a bit unfair, compared with Diabetics who have scores of related conditions from head to toe contd p94. Some conditions are worse in my opinion, and aren't included as exempt, like MS or epilepsy. Until recently, cancer patients had to pay for non-chemo drugs, but not any more.
I think we do need to refer to the BMA report and point out that heart trouble results just as much from UA as OA thyroid and being near the high dose of the normal range is much better for the patient to function. If one feels very tired, one tends to put off a GP visit. I was always falling behind with my thyroxine when I ran short, but now I have a renewing prescription with a High street pharmacy, though my GP practice lost all the prescription requests last
time.Link to this forum: Losing weight with an underactive thyroid
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