Do You Have An Under-Active Thyroid Gland?
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
December 14, 2009 8:28am CST
I ask this question for a bit of research as I am not sure what to do regarding my weight gain. I do not have any weighing-scales in the house (which would help) but I noticed that a large, baggy-ish top that I wear for going out in JUST ABOUT FITS me now!! To say I was shocked was an understatement! It was a while ago that I last wore it but I wasn't expecting that at all.
What shall I do? Go on a diet first to see what happens or book in at the docs for a blood test to see if I have an under-active thyroid?
Your advice on this matter would be much appreciated, thank you.
2 responses
@LaurenInLA (2270)
• United States
14 Dec 09
I always thought that I had a thyroid problem because I couldn't understand how I could possibly gain weight when I exercised so much. The doctor told me that rather than do expensive testing to eat no more than 1,000 calories a day for a week. If at the end of the week, I hadn't lost weight, I probably had a thyroid problem and should invest in the testing. After a week, I lost almost 4 lbs. I was just eating too much.
@LaurenInLA (2270)
• United States
14 Dec 09
I know tht this is easier said than done but turn the fact that you are out of work into an opportunity. You have two jobs now. The first is to find a job and the second is to get healthy by beginning an exercise program and watching what you ear. Even though I've battled an ongoing weight problem, I've always exercised. Exercise will keep you in the right frame of mind for your job hunt. Good luck to you.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
14 Dec 09
Thank you for your encouraging posts. When I was younger I used to bop around the room to rock music (at Mum's house) and later on I rode my bike to work and back. Since I moved to a completely different location my weight has ballooned and I think you are right (and I've been in denial) it's lack of exercise that is the culprit. I could trundle up and downstairs a few times!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
14 Dec 09
Well, that could be right in my case as I know for a fact I do not exercise like I should. It doesn't help that I am out of work because the tendency to become lazier is very strong.
@davidmcneal22 (40)
• United States
14 Dec 09
My wife had an over-active thyroid, she was completely unaware of it until she was 20 years old. After months of unsuccessful chemotherapy she finally had surgery to have it removed. After 2 years she has finally stabled her body and hormones and is feeling much better, she is prescribed Levothyroxine to substitute for her old thyroid.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
14 Dec 09
May I ask what her symptoms were? I do know that unexpected weight gain plays a part but of course other factors are taken into consideration as well. Glad she is on the mend. :-)
@davidmcneal22 (40)
• United States
15 Dec 09
You are right, under-active Thyroidism does lead to weight gain in most case. It also leads to a more depressing lifestyle. On the other had Over-active Thyroidism is the complete opposite. Often in these case's lose of apatite accures, your entire body and mind speeds up due to this condition. Often leading in anger, anxiety, confusion, and possibly more health problems. In both cases medical treatment is highly recommended, I suggest that everyone with the slightest suspicion of symptoms get tested for this.
