Atkins has helped my thyroid!

[LooseShoes]

Just came from the doctor and I asked what my results were from my last thyroid test. Last August, my TSH was 4.46--this July, it was .85!

No wonder I don't need naps anymore!

I've been taking Armour thyroid since I was 5 and was told I'd have to take it forever and would probably need more as I got older.

So, does Atkins help if you have thyroid problems? I sure think so!

[zencyn]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

Caryl, that is awesome!

[*Wendy*]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

Excellent! You must be feeling pretty zippy at that number!

I'm on Synthroid (my original TSH reading was >150, so the lab my doc uses couldn't even tell how high it was), and the dosage that I'm on got me leveled out at the high end of "normal", but I still didn't have the spunk I knew I ought to have. But 20 or so pounds later, I'm noticing that I'm feeling alot better. I guess the dosage must in part be based on weight?

Anyway, I'm so happy for you!

[DDubb82]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

I always thought TSH levels were independent of types of food that you eat or current weight. I guess you proved that wrong. Congrats!

[mirna05]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

Congratulations! The first time I hear Atkins doing that!

[Alexa]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

Hey Caryl! That is such great news, well done!

I expect my dose to go down but so far it hasn't. Still hoping

[Alexa]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

Caryl and everyone,

further to this discussion did you notice that as you lost weight you felt a bit speeded up, anxious, etc and so needed your dose lowering? I've been feeling funny and having palpitations, which the dr said is a sign I'm probably on too much.

Anyone had that?

Also has anyone had their dose cut whilst on this diet and what effect did it have?

I'm having a blood test today, so we'll see...

[LooseShoes]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

I haven't had my dosage cut yet. I'm still on the same dose I was given when diagnosed 43 years ago. I have noticed that I have more energy, don't need near as much sleep (I'm sleeping 5-6 hours a night instead of always being tired at 8-9). My level was to the point a year ago that they were thinking of increasing it. I'm at a lower level now, but I still feel fine so I hope they leave it alone for right now.

I know that heart palpitations is a symptom of too much thyroid in your system. I haven't had that yet. Too much thyroid can also cause anxiety problems. Sounds like testing is the right thing to do. It's always great to need less medication. If they bring your dosage down slowly, you ought to just start feeling better. If they cut you dramatically, too much at one time, you could start feeling sluggish and tired. It's kind of a fine line.

Good luck at the doctor, hope it goes well for you!

[Alexa]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

Thanks Caryl,

Right, I see now. Wow, amazing to have a stable dose for 43 years! I have been up and down a little too. I really hope the test shows I can cut, the anxiety and palpitations are getting to me! It is reassuring to know they could be linked to this and it's not me going crazy

I had the test just now, got to wait a week to see...

[LooseShoes]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

Thyroid is one of the things that can make you think you are crazy. It affects such a lot of things. Just knowing it's something physical makes the mental and emotional a little easier to handle, not all the way, but it does help.

Have you taken your temperature lately? Thyroid affects that, especially first thing in the morning. My temperature used to be below 97, in the mornings--a sign thyroid was low. Just thought you might check to confirm.

Good luck on the waiting!

[Alexa]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

Caryl,

yep, knowing it's the throid making me crazy really helps.

Yeah, good idea I will take my temp. I always pretty low and I'm freezing at the moment!

[Alexa]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

Urghh, well just got my blood test result and it seems that it is 'normal'. Which means it's not the thyroid making me crazy or stalling my loss - it's just me.

I'm so disappointed. I was sure that the dose would go down and I would calm down, stop the palpitations and feel in control again.

I hate the way you just get your result over the phone! I could really do with talking to the Dr. You don't even get to hear your tsh levels. I don't want to make an appointment with her though because tbh I'm scared the issue of diet will come up and she'll blame palpitations etc on excess fat consumption.

[LooseShoes]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

There's a wide range in what they call "normal". I'd call and get actual figures for the last year or so and see if they've changed. They may or may not give them to you, but it wouldn't hurt to try. It doesn't make sense to me that fat consumption would cause palpitations--sugar, maybe, but not fat. If you're having palpitations, you really ought to see the doctor. It could be serious. I have a friend who has a heart valve problem and has those. It's fine with medication, but not something you should ignore. I hate doctors, too, so I understand--but there are times to bite the bullet and see them. Sometimes it's something minor, but just knowing what it is can ease your mind. Also, I'm not so sure the tests are that accurate with thyroid, sometimes they have to change things based on symptoms no matter what the tests say. Thyroid problems are frustrating to deal with, I hope you get some real help from your doctor.

[Alexa]

Re: Atkins has helped my thyroid!

Hi Caryl,

You're right and that is what BF said too. Urghh, I suppose I'll have to go and she her and try and get some answers.

Thanks I really appreciate the support