Hashimoto Disease and Weight Loss

Hashimoto's runs in my family, and it is possible to lose weight on thyroid meds. We do better with our TSH optimized to where we feel best. (Most people without thyroid problems have a TSH between 1-2 mIU/L, and there is increasing evidence that a "normal" TSH is below 2.5 mIU/L).

We also do best on diets that cut back on refined carbs (basically white flour white sugar and white potatoes) like low glycemic index or South Beach or Sugar Busters or even Hawaii Diet. And of course with a regular excercise schedule, even if it is just walking or yoga.

Unfortunately you can gain weight when hyperthyroid and hypothyroid. A good rule of thumb is to get your thyroid rechecked if you lose (or gain) 10% of your body weight.

Good luck! Take it easy on yourself 'til you get your levels straightened out.

From what I know about the thyroid and Hashimoto your weight gain in September was caused by your dysfunctional thyroid. I wouldn't worry about losing weight until your thyroid levels are increased, either by removal of a goiter if there is one or in some cases removal of the gland it's self or with medication.

This article also states that someone with Hashimoto may be able to adjust their thyroid levels by taking Synthroid, an artificial thyroid hormone.

My mother and one of her sisters had goiters 60 years ago and they had both the goiter and the thyroid removed and lived the rest of their lives using a synthetic hormone. They were healthy and maintained a healthy weight without difficulty.

My daughter takes Synthroid and has a blood test every so often to measure how much her thyroid gland is making on it's own and then the doctor adjusts her medication. I don't think she's been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, however. She does have difficulty keeping her weight down to a healthy limit.

You won't really know much about how this disease will pan out for you until you complete the tests.

http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/Hashimoto/index.htm

You can 'try' raw virgin coconut oil. It speeds up metabolism and it also helps to create steriod hormones. Certain steroid hormones are responsible for carbohydrate metabolism. lack of those hormones cause weight gain.

I would do 2-3 T off a spoon, daily.

my daughter has hashimoto--same thing--up and down;she lost 10 lbs-ate less,minimal snacks---it is difficult to control----luck to you

Hopefully you're working with an endocrinologist regarding your thyroid.

Hormones are amazing chemicals, and there are MANY in the body that have a direct effect on your ability to gain/lose weight. For instance, my former company is trying to develop hormone-based weight loss medications (Rx), and have found that the combination of several interacting together are more potent than each one individually.

It's quite possible that abnormal thyroid levels affect other hormones such as leptin, ghrelin, GLP-1, etc that can moderate weight levels - some can be treated, others can not.

I wish you well. It is difficult and hard to treat thyroid. Hopefully, you'll have a good Endocrinologist who is a thyroid expert.

I don't have Hashimoto's, but I do have hypothyroidism. It is important to KNOW YOUR TSH# and try to stick with the one that works best for you. Dawn G. is right. A normal thyroid functions between 1-2 mlU/L TSH. For a long time drs. were saying up to 5mlU/L was normal! I would be completely out of whack if I went that high! Don't just assume your dr (hopefully an endocrynologist) knows what is "normal" for you. I personally feel my best when I'm around 1. Mine does not fluctuate like you say yours does. The only time I had to adjust my synthroid was during pregnancies when I would go hyper at the end. You need to "get everything settled with (your) thyroid" before you try any other diet ideas. The thyroid controls your body functions. Good luck!

SO frustrating!! I have Hashimoto's and hypothyroid too and have been taking Synthroid. I recently had a baby, was losing the weight and then BAM, started putting it back on for no reason, got depressed, etc. Went back to my endocrinologist and they put me on Cytomel with the synthroid. I instantly started feeling better and I've dropped about 6 of the 10 lbs. I put back on but I'm eating healthy, no cheating, AND exercising and it's just been nearly impossible to drop the weight. Hopefully your doctor will treat your symptoms and not just your numbers and they can get you straightened out. Ask for Cytomel and see if that helps.....Good luck!