Thyroid musings

[compo]

I read the thread about weight loss pills, which vaguely morphed into a discussion about thyroid problems. Having no thyroid at all I am completely dependant on Thyroxine to replace the thyroid output.

Exercise raises metabolism, and this raised state continues for a period even when the exercise stops. This is why exercise is so good for weight loss. I wonder where that leaves people like me. I take a set amount of thyroxine and regardless of my exercise levels or energy requirements my absent thyroid is unable to regulate my metabolism, by whatever means it achieves this function. So my basic question is does exercise raise my metabolism and does it stay raised by different physiological means? Is this part of the scenario that can make weight control difficult for those with underactive or missing thyroid glands. I have asked my doctor but he just dismissed the query. Obviously he didn't know the answer.

 

[Becs]

Metsbolism is incredibly complex and is regulated by a bunch of different mechanisms, some of which can compensate for others that aren't working as well. The thyroid plays a role in regulating your basal metabolic rate but has very little to do with the acute effects of exercise. The aim of thyroxine is to replace the thyroid hormones that regulate day to day metabolism - so if you're taking the right dose there's no reason why you can't control your weight. The metabolic changes after exercise are more mediated by your adrenal system, in a more controlled version of a fight or flight response, working via adrenalin and corticosteroids. There are all sorts of complex feedback loops but in general you should be fine as long as you are on the thyroxine. The increase in metabolism following exercise is mainly driven by your muscle's continued demand for increased oxygen as they restore their energy reserves, clear lactic acid etc which should be broadly the same for everyone at a given level of exercise and fitness.

 

[compo]

Thanks for that Becs. I think I understand most of it As a point of interest I have lost 2 stone since the beginning of September purely by an increase in exercise, walking and cycling. I don't do diets.

 

[david k]

as your probably aware i too have an underactive thyroid aND TAKE 125MCG OF LEVOTHYROXINE A DAY.

IM MOSTLY FINE BUT OCCASIONALLY GET TIRED. I DID READ THAT ALTHOUGH WE REQUIRE PRETTY SET AMOUNTS OF THESE HORMONES OUR BODIES ARE DESIGNED TO 'REQUEST' MORE WHEN NEEDED. OBVIOUSLY WE CANNOT PROVIDE MORE IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES SO I PRESUME WHEN TRAINING MAYBE WE NEED MORE BUT WE ONLY HAVE WHAT WE HAVE!

I ALSO PRESUME THAT WHEN IM TIRED MY BOSY WOULD REQUEST MORE BUT AGAIN BECAUSE IT CANNOT DO THIS I REMAIN TIRED.

THE BODY INS SUPPOSE TO BE IN SYNC WITH ITS HORMONES AND THEY ALL PLAY A BALANCED PART. OURS WILL BE MOSTLY CORRECT BUT WE ARE UNABLE TO ADJUST TO CERTAIN PRESSURE, TIMES OF DAY, TIRDNESS, STRESS ETC SO I SUPPOSE WE FELE IT MORE THAN MOST AT TIMES

THATS SAID IT RARELY CAUSES ME ANY ISSUES AND IM NOW FEELING GREAT

IVE TRIED DIETING FOR 3 WEEKS AND LOST 11LBS IN FIRST 2 WEEKS, JUST WEIGHED MYSELF AND GAINED A 1LB THIS WEEK? BIZZAREE IVE DONE NOTHING DIFFERENT BUT CYCLED 20 MILES HAVING NOT CYCLED AT ALL THE PREVIOUS 2 WEEKS, IM A BIT CONFUSSED BUT IM LOOKING FORWARD TO A DOUBLE DROP NEXT WEEK


ARRH, just relaised i hit the caps button, sorry

 

[Becs]

A change that small will just be related to hydration levels and/or the size of the sh*t you had that morning!

 

[summerdays]

A friend of mine has had her thyroid gland removed and has been on tablets for a couple of years now. She does generally manage OK but from what I gather any change in dosage takes about a month to see the effects of on her system. She finds it difficult to control her weight and to get the balance right.

 

[fossyant]

My wife is on the T3 and T4 (technical term) and her dose isn't right yet for her. Get's very tired, but does find benefit of hitting the gym/classes and has got these back upto 3 times a week. Exercise is important generally, and I think if you are over tired then you've got to accept you've over done it.

 

[david k]

the tiredness isnt from exercise, it appears now and then randomly. its like somebody turning a switch, you go from fine to exhausted in seconds

 

[fossyant]

the tiredness isnt from exercise, it appears now and then randomly. its like somebody turning a switch, you go from fine to exhausted in seconds

I realise that, but you can 'overdo it'. My wife feels the exercise helps (she was very tired at first till meds got more).

 

[compo]

the tiredness isnt from exercise, it appears now and then randomly. its like somebody turning a switch, you go from fine to exhausted in seconds

This is exactly what I get, but usually at night time. I can be sitting watching TV and feeling perfectly normal but within a couple of minutes I can't keep my eyes open and my body feels like lead. I just take myself off to bed. I take 200mcg Thyroxine daily by the way.

 

[david k]

im on 125 and think thats about right for me. sometimes it doesnt seem enough but presume that may be my body asking for more. im worried about going on more as it affects my heart