Thyroid Medication

[Browneyedmelly]

I was just wondering has anyone had trouble losing weight since being put on Thyroid Medication. I just got the call a few minutes ago that I need to start taking Thyroid Meds, and I am hoping it won't interfere or cause me to stall big time while on this woe. I do not know why I am in a panic but right now I am. The doctor knows I am on Atkins woe, he never said to stop. In fact he was happy I lost 100 pounds. I would just love to hear from anyone on what they think. Because I have such a long long way to go with weight loss. I am just wondering how the Thyroid Medication and Atkins woe work together. Thank you.

[bizzlekitty]

Re: Thyroid Medication

I've been on a thyroid medication for over 17 years for an underactive thyroid. I couldn't lose weight very well on any other diet until Atkins. My weight loss is not fast (maybe a 1 lb a week) and I'm really careful about avoiding known stallers (products, aspartame, soda, cheese, dairy) and figuring out what foods stall me else the weight loss is slower. I was careful to find my CCLL in OWL (30) but have found the OWL rung I'm good at. My endocrinologist is pleased at how well I've been losing weight, something that most patients do not do.

I lost weight with Atkins even when my TSH was out of range (we were still adjusting my dosage).

If you are properly medicated (meaning your numbers are within range) you should be fine (just weight loss might be a little slower). You should have it checked periodically to make sure, sometimes it takes a little while to find the right dosage, and then as you lose weight, you might need to adjust as well (I did).

I know this is new to you, but thyroid issues are more common than people realize. It's not the end of the world and it is rather treatable.

[Browneyedmelly]

Re: Thyroid Medication

Gosh Kitty.. if you were here I would give you a great big hug....thank you so much for sharing with me...I am not a doctor goer... I only went because of my sore shoulder.. and now I found out about my thyroid.. a kidney problem.. blah blah.. My doctor was very pleased of the 100 pounds I have lost in the past 9 months...so he told me not to change my diet.. I just want to make sure the weight loss keeps going in the same direction. You know funny thing I find if I eat anything with mayo, the next day I gain a pound.. but I can eat almonds and walnuts and I am fine.. go figure...Hopefully the meds he prescribed will be right the first time.. I am a little nervous but I know so many of us have this problem...Congrats to you on your weight loss...and thank you so much again...

[jenaselene]

Re: Thyroid Medication

• Always check the prescription against what you receive. Don't allow generic substitutions.
• Most doctors feel that taking thyroid hormone on an empty stomach allows for maximum absorption.
• Many practitioners advise that you allow at least one hour before eating, because it allows for maximum absorption.
• Be consistent about a high-fiber diet. If you start or stop eating high-fiber, get your thyroid rechecked, because it may change your absorption.
• Many experts recommend you take vitamins or supplements with iron at least two to three hours apart from thyroid hormone. Iron can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption if taken too close together.
• Be careful about taking calcium and calcium-fortified orange juice at the same time as thyroid hormone. Allow at least 2-3 hours apart, so absorption is not affected.
• Don't take antacids within two hours of thyroid hormone. Allow at least 2-3 hours apart, so absorption is not affected.
• Watch for interactions with antidepressants & thyroid hormone. Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac can make thyroid meds more or less effective. Talk to your doctor.
• Don't stop taking thyroid hormone when you're pregnant or breastfeeding. It's necessary for you and your baby's health. Talk to your doctor about adjusting to the right dosage.
  
  
  

  http://thyroid.about.com/cs/thyroiddrugs/ht/takemeds.htm

  
  

[Browneyedmelly]

Re: Thyroid Medication

Jenaselene..thank you very very much for the information.. as a new thyroid pill taker I will definitely be making a copy of that...