Weight gain due to hypothyroidism, advice?

[Anonymous]

So I'm a teenager, and I have had hypothyroidism since I was 5. One of the side effects is weight gain and I've been trying to lose some of the weight but nothing seems to work :/ I'm average in how healthy I am, I guess. I eat right, I am on our school's golf team and regularly exercise about 30 min a day, not counting golf(BTW my season just ended, any ideas on practicing during winter?) practices and matches (which would be hours of walking and hitting and whatnot.) I'm not trying to hardcore lose weight, (I'm overall pretty happy with how I look!) but I just want to do some extra things because I know I can be healthier!

BTW, I do regularly go to an endocrinologist for my hypothyroidism, and she is pleased with how I am doing, so I'm just trying be a better me! :)

If you have hypothyroidism and would like to share anything, I'd love to hear from you! (especially from teens like me!) (:

[Anonymous]

There are different levels of hypothyroidism. I was born with it, and in my case my body produced next to none of the thyroid hormone, so I've had to take a pill of synthetic thyroid hormone my entire life.

I have to go to the doctor every so often and get a blood test to make sure my levels are okay, if not they change the dose of my pill to more/less of the hormone.

I consider myself lucky though. I know that if you need a pill your body has a greater lack/produces significantly less of the hormone than needed for metabolic function, so since I take the pill it allows my body to function the way my metabolism was supposed to based on my genetics. In my case, my metabolism is fine. I do exercise and make sure not to eat too much but I am not on a strict or special diet. I am not stick skinny, but I am thin and not overweight, and my doctor says I am healthy. But apparently not being stick skinny does not have to do with my condition since it is under control, but rather I just don't have the genes for it.

Since I go to the doctor and take my pill regularly, I have never experienced the symptoms, but I know that if I were to skip the pill for too many days or my dose is significantly too low for a while, I will start to experience the symptoms like weight gain and sluggishness, since my body doesn't produce the hormone there is only so much in my bloodstream until I need more of the pill. But since I've always kept it under control, I never experienced the symptoms. that's why it is always important to keep up the doctor visits.

Do you take a pill?

I do exercise though. I do like 45-60 minutes of cardio 4-5 times a week. This is a mix of treadmill, elliptical, bike, stairmaster. The machine I use most is the elliptical, then the stairmaster 2nd. I also use some weights targeted for specific areas of my body, I belong to a gym and also use my school gym. Exercise is very enjoyable and boosts up your mood and energy too! I highly recommend for anyone.

Hope I helped.

[Asker]

Thanks! Yeah, I don't produce it at all, and I was born with it too. I go to my doctor approx. everyh 6 months, or if something has changed, then I go every 3 months until I'm stable again. I'm not sure what genes I have for weight because I'm adopted. I am SUPER busy (just started HS!) so sometimes I don't remember to take my pill for a day or two, or eat more healthful foods, but I'm pretty average. I don't have time to join a gym, but I sometimes workout with my grandpa! He likes to workout

[Darkfairie17]

I would try stepping up the exercise. That could be all you need to get your weight loss started. Plus it sounds like you don't have too much to lose. So even just doing some more intense exercise could be that little push that gets those last few pounds off.

I have Hypothyroidism too, so I get how hard it is! It sucks! Plus right now my levels are changing so it's impossible for me to lose weight at this state. My body is just working against me. But it is possible if your levels are fine. I used to be able to lose a couple sizes quite easily. Just by eating slightly better and doing some exercise. So it is possible if your levels are all good.

Cycling is a good exercise, as is doing a few light jogs for like 5 min during a walk. Weight lifting exercises are also good as are pilates and yoga! Good luck!

[Asker]

Thanks! It's nice to know I'm not the only one :) I did get my dosage changed a couple months ago, and it kind of messed me up for awhile, so I had some trouble with my routine then, but now I think I'm okay with doing more things.

Just wondering, did you hit puberty early? If that's not too personal? I always wondered but I never had anyone to ask, and I just thought that it usually happened late to girls with hypothyroidism. Thanks in advance if you decide to answer :)

[Darkfairie17]

Yes I did, my doctor even said that a year after I started treatment at 9 (when I was diagnosed) I would start puberty. Don't know why, but that is what she said. I think it has to do with the hormones? I have no idea why, but my doctor said that :P So I'm guessing that it's normal for it to come early for us who have Hypothyroidism :)

[Asker]

Yeah I guess so! Thanks! :) I started right when I was around 10 too, but I had started treatment when I was around 6 years old.

[Musical546]

hmm. for these questions I always say cycling. biking does wonders for all of your body xD. legs, abs, stomach. xD. and weight. I used to be about 15 pounds overweight, started cycling and got to where I am today xD. (lost about 25 pounds). but you have to do what works for you =D

[Asker]

Thanks! :) Since you mentioned that, I remember when I had like zero want to be healthy and my mom forced me to ride this bike and I lost 4 pounds that year because I was lazy and didn't actually want to do it XD so thanks for reminding me! I'll try it :)

[Musical546]

lol. yep. I had zero want a while ago. started running then started cycling xD.

oh. another thing- if you can get a basic bike computer (about 20 bucks) does wonders with motivation (ok, I have to get 20 mi today xD). finding a friend that does it helps, or in my area there are clubs xD

[Asker]

I'm sure motivation won't be a problem lol but thanks for the suggestions! I'll check it out :D

[Anonymous]

im caught in the middle so I'm lost. but the best way I thought of dealing with it has been swimming but since its cold can't really do that. I bought a book of how to deal with everyday life with thyroid diesease might sound dumb but its got foods and things that can make dealing with your thyroid easier its really cool