Thyroid, Weight, & Depression

Posted by Linda Hodge on October 19, 2007 3:15 PM PDT

Recommend this? YES NO

Can't get the weight off? Feeling a little blue? "Over 13 million Americans with thyroid disease remain undiagnosed." Clinical guidelines published by the AACE in November 2002 "...doctors had relied on a normal TSH level ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 to diagnose and treat patients with a thyroid disorder... Now AACE encourages doctors to consider treatment for patients who test outside the boundaries of a narrower margin based on a target TSH level of 0.3 to 3.0"

'Thyroid Disease 101' by Mary J. Shomon talks about misdiagnosed conditions of depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, even high cholesterol stemming from a thyroid out of balance.

There is also evidence that excessive isoflavones -- found in popular soy products and supplements, may contribute to hypothyroidism. "Going overboard on soy supplements and powders may trigger or worsen thyroid problems." (Larrian Gillespie, M.D. author of 'The Goddess Diet') "Also, remember that a long-term, steady diet of soy formula may make your baby more vulnerable to developing autoimmune thyroid conditions, due to overexposure to antithyroid isoflavones."

Elizabeth Lee Vliet, M.D., author of 'Screaming to Be Heard: Hormonal Connections Women Suspect... and Doctors Ignore' suggests testing for elevated thyroid antibodies, and low Free T3 and Free T4 levels.

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6 Comments

Great advice Linda! I also want to add that I am one of those people who had normal TSH levels (and T4) but presented over 15 symptoms of hypothyroidism,some very severe. I went to multiple doctors until I found one who would treat my symptoms and not my lab reports. The outcome? We ramped up to 150 mg of Armour Thyroid and I lost 50 pounds and am still losing! In addition, I feel like a new person with ample energy and vitality. I encourage anyone who feels they may have a thyroid issue to review the symptoms and if you have many of them, get tested and even if the tests say you're in normal range keep pursuing it.

Posted by Amy Ruppert on October 23, 2007 7:31 AM PDT

I was curious to know what those symptoms were. According to endocrineweb.com, some of the most common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

Palpitations
Heat intolerance
Nervousness
Insomnia
Breathlessness
Increased bowel movements
Light or absent menstrual periods
Fatigue

Fast heart rate
Trembling hands
Weight loss
Muscle weakness
Warm moist skin
Hair loss
Staring gaze

Posted by Sharon Rich on October 23, 2007 9:08 AM PDT

Thank you both, Amy and Sharon, for sharing my passion and sharing your great insights. It's nice to hear others who have and are living through this... and are willing to bring it to the forefront. Amy, you are SO right on about not accepting a normal TSH reading - pursue it! And Sharon, you make a great point that not all thyroid imbalance is hypo - some people are hyper, and there is definitely a difference! Thank you, girls, for sharing!!

Posted by Linda Hodge on October 23, 2007 12:20 PM PDT

Sharon, as per my experience in 'stories'(Thyroid, Weight, & Depression), the symptoms I know about for Hypo-thyroid (sluggish thyroid) are:

Loss of vibrancy/energy
Dry, itchy skin
Hair loss
Diminishing eyebrows
Depression or sadness
Anxiety
Moodiness, Irritability
Cold hands/feet
Puffy eyes/face
Low sex drive
Heart palpitations
Constipation
Memory is slow
Heavier than normal menstrual period

I'm sure there are others. Hope this helps. ;)

Posted by Linda Hodge on October 23, 2007 12:33 PM PDT

A friend of mine suffered from nearly all of these excessive symptoms. We met in acting class and her work always had this "jittery" quality about it. She was extremely thin, self-conscious, and suspicious.

She treated everyone as though they were judging her and so they did. Most of the class thought she was on speed. It wasn't until I reached out to her that I was able to understand her condition and their corresponding symptoms.

At first, I was still tempted to think that she was indeed a drug addict and covering her addiction with an "over-active thyroid" excuse. Her child had been taken away from her and she was in desperate need of a friend. I spent a couple sleepless night consoling her, which was enough to see how serious and out of control a thyroid problem can become.

Thankfully, she got the medical help she needed.

Posted by Amanda on October 23, 2007 2:09 PM PDT

It’s is amazing all the similar experiences! What an important topic this is! Approximately 8 years ago I was experiencing numerous symptoms of hypothyroidism. I asked my doctor to check my T3 and T4 levels. The results came back normal. She says all is ok.

I knew in my gut I was not ok. I came across an article by Christiane Northrup, MD. She stated that many times, hypothyroidism is undiagnosed by lab work and suggested checking your temperature. If it is running low, ask your doctor to start you on a small dose of a natural thyroid hormone.

I brought the article along with my low temperature readings to my physician. She said “oh no I can’t do that it could be dangerous.” Ok nice try.

I waited a few more years and tried again. I talked with my doctor and she finally agreed to a minimal dose. I was put on a synthetic form of thyroid hormone. There was noticeable improvement.

A few years later I worked with a naturopath, he again noted some of the symptoms. He said this is because you need to change to a natural hormone. He changed my prescription to Armour thyroid hormone..

In a matter of weeks, many of the symptoms had dramatically improved.

Thank-you for starting this conversation on the importance of following your instincts and for letting it be known this is a very common condition.

Tina Elliot
Personal Life Health, Weigh Loss and Wellness Coach