Thyroid Problems?

[Philippa]

I don't know how this will be received, but I want to suggest researching a product called Maca. It is a root that comes from the Peruvian mountains, and is known as an adaptogen...which means it adapts to the individuals own hormonal system, and balances it out...as well as many other healthy benefits. I've been taking maca on and off for a year, and although I have no current issues with thyroid, my mother does, so it is possible that I would have developed issues later in life.

I can recommend this without hesitation, for giving more energy, and for endurance. The brand I use is called Maca Power, and is certified organic. I think you'd find some interesting things if you were to research it. Best of luck.

 

[KP the nut]

I take 150mg thyroxine daily. I am very fat and really struggle to lose anything.

I have just had my dosage increased to 200mcg per day. It will take a few weeks for my body to recognise the change. Until then I'm struggling with symptoms. It is hard.

 

[bell]

Thyroid problems here, too! I take levothyroxine. It apparently helps keep my thyroid in balance, which is good, even though it's my least favorite med that I take because I have to wait an hour each morning before eating anything. (First world problem, I know.)

@Leah123, that's interesting about maca! I've been wondering about adding it to my smoothies in the morning and may have to try it. Thanks!

 

[Leah123]

Just an FYI, our avatars look somewhat similar I guess, but it was Philippa who mentioned maca: I'm not really familiar with it. :)

 

[radicalgratitude]

I have Hashimoto's too and I had thyroid cancer. I am in my 20s. I never knew that there could be a connection to PTSD!

 

[Sammyxxx]

I have hashimotos too, I read up and found a few articles that advised taking meds just before bed and find that works well for me also saves waiting to eat in the mornings. I got my diagnosis about 12yrs ago but looking back know it was overactive when I was in my late teens hence loosing 21lbs over a few months and then went under. Only got my PTSD diagnosed a few weeks ago but so much now makes sense.

 

[roaminggnome]

I have hypothyroidism and started taking synthroid today. I'm hoping it will help. I've had no energy.

 

[Zef]

Thyroid issues here, too. It definitely is associated with stress and depression symptoms. A few things I've learned over the years. . .thyroid meds are one of the few meds where who manufactures the pill matters.

Once you figure out your proper dosage level (which can takes months), you will want to try to make sure that your pills are being made by the same company. Sometimes this isn't possible. When it isn't possible, I suggest you inform your medical doctor about it and pay closer attention to symptoms related to thyroid. In a lot of cases, there will probably not be anything to worry about, but it is definitely something to be aware of.

My doc and pharmacist actually put notes on the prescription to not to change manufacturer.

Whatever food instructions are on your thyroid medication, take them seriously. The thyroid meds that I'm aware of are pretty difficult to absorb into your body, so anything that changes how well it gets absorbed can have an impact.

 

[BlueOcean]

My doctor says I most likely have hyperthyroid. I have the symptoms of it. The biggest thing is I can't maintain weight. I lost 10lbs this year w/out wanting to. So, now I'm underweight for my height. Over the past few months I will gain a few pounds back, but a few weeks later, I lose them all.

This weight issue has been very distressing for me. I already have IBS and my body is not absorbing food nutrients well making me anemic, low in vitamin D & protein, which I take high dose vitamins and protein shake for.

To have to deal with hyperthyroid feels so overwhelming! That's why I haven't gone in to get bloodwork for it.
I see my doctor again in 2 months. I'm hoping I'll be brave enough to get the bloodwork.

 

[Britt.f7]

I have hypothyroid and take levothyroxian. I have gained a lot of weight over the years, without eating lots. Most I think is from the inability to exercise. The meds have not helped me lose. It is definitely harder to lose now in my 40's then when I was in my early 20's. I think stress makes my autoimmune illnesses worse. I also suffer from depression.

 

[mammajoe]

Hi, I am new and found this forum yesterday. This thread caught my attention because I found out early this year I was hypothyroid and probably have been since childhood. I had no idea how it was related to PSTD either and depression and a boat load of other symptoms I have always associated only with PSDT. I have found the work of a scientist named Ray Peat to be eye opening and extremely helpful to me.

 

[Ally]

I have thought I might have thyroid issues for years now. When I get tested, they don't find anything wrong. Most of my life I have struggled with my weight. Over the last year (it's been a very stressful one) I have lost over 23 pounds. I'll gain back 10 lbs and lose it again within a few weeks. I'm tired all the time (have major sleep issues), have no energy, feel very weak. I have to eat constantly or I feel ill - shaky, nauseous, sweaty and irritable. I am 5'8" tall and now weigh about 112 lbs. I fluctuate between a size 4 and 5.

A year ago I weighed 135 lbs. I had maintained that weight for over 5 years after struggling with being overweight most of my adult life (since the age of 18). I got down to 135 lbs. after a bout of IBS, where I lost 25 lbs. in a month. I also have a major potassium deficiency (don't know if there is a correlation between this and thyroid disorders). I have looked at the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and I have all the symptoms.

I was tested last January. The first test came back very abnormal. The second test came back normal. I felt a third test should have been done, but the doc said it wasn't necessary. I have a family history of Thyroid disease. I am depressed quite often; my moods swing a lot throughout the day. I have PTSD. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when I was 27 years old and was on medication until last Feb. On meds I was hypo-manic for the last 6 years.

I really don't think I am Bipolar, but I could be - who knows? All I know, is that on meds I was manic. Off meds I have not had a manic episode, but am very moody. I'm 44, so I'm sure menopause is playing a part, as well. I have severe PMS now; severe depression and suicidal ideation, crying jags and irritability 10-14 days a month before onset of period.

I feel like I am going crazy because I do not know what my diagnosis is or how to get a Dr. to listen to me to get properly diagnosed. I feel like a walking mental illness - PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, PMDD and Alcoholism( I'm a recovering alcoholic - thank God - got one of them figured out; A Day At A Time.)

I have been depressed and suicidal since I was 6 years old. I have taken meds most of my adult life and my depression has never gotten better (except when my meds made me hypo-manic for 6 years). LOL!! I actually thought I was getting better and was just happy.

I have been in therapy for over 20 years. I finally got a great counselor and made a lot of progress over a year, however, I relocated out of state and am not in counseling at the moment. Have to make another appt. I missed the last one due to no transportation. God, I feel like a Whack Job!!

I am very overwhelmed and confused. I pray constantly, however, that only helps a little. I don't know if my problem is psychological, physical or hormonal - or worse - all of the above!! Please help. I have no idea what to do - where to start. I have lost faith in doctors completely. They don't listen. They say it's all in my head. Partly, they are correct. I really feel something is physically wrong, as well. I feel that needs to be addressed first; before looking at it from a Psych Issue Perspective.

I've also read over the years that thyroid issues can be misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder. Maybe I do have Bipolar Disorder. My line of thinking is this...If this is the case, then why in over 20 ( started antidepressants at 21 yrs. old - anti-psychotics at 27 yrs. old) years of trying different medications did I get worse not better? They never found an antidepressant that worked. I was still depressed. I never had a manic episode until after being on antidepressants. And after years of being a guinea pig, I became hypo-manic for 6 years while on anti-psychotics and antidepressants( the only time I wasn't depressed). Sorry if this is hard to follow. I'm just desperate for answers and some understanding(compassion).

Anyway, I guess I had to verbally vomit (vulgar, I know -sorry - that's what it feels like). I have no idea if there is any help for me. I'll keep praying. It's the only thing that gives me hope.