Tired all the Time and Gaining Weight?
It's been estimated that an under active thyroid condition affects one in five women. Typically the TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone is tested to determine hypothyroidism. A low thyroid is medically determined usually in a blood test but in many situations it can actually fall at the low end of normal which ideally should send you and your doctor a red flag. This may be a warning that levels aren't quite where they should be, indicating a "gray" area, and possibly indicating low thyroid activity.
Typical symptoms of low thyroid include:
-Gaining weight without any apparent reason especially when your eating and exercise habits have remained the same.
-Intolerance to cold (especially if everyone else in the room is warm); or experiencing cold hands and feet
-A change in your mood and/or energy level lasting more than several months
-Unexplained muscle pain
-Gray hair before the age of 30
-Fertility problems
-High cholesterol
-Low immunity
-A morning basal temperature reading between 97.6 and 98.2
So if your lab test falls into this subclinical level, take your basal morning temperature for several days (starting on the second day of your cycle) and discuss your symptoms to your doctor. Sometimes correcting a sluggish thyroid can make a big difference in how you lose weight and what your energy level is like.
older posts
Posted by: Elaine | Sep 10, 2009 6:01:08 PM
Hi Patty,
Follow the same advice I gave to Lisa in the blog response section. then go to your doctor! -Elaine
Posted by: Patty | Sep 10, 2009 1:36:28 PM
I'm 53. I keep gaining weight, even though I watche what I eat... I've gained 28 pounds in 2 1/2 years, but the past several months, I'm getting bigger.. I can't keep buying new clothes. My Doctor has done bloodwork several times to check my thyroid, he says, it's fine.. My skin is real dry also.. Is there another test for thyroid?
Posted by: Elaine Murphy | Feb 16, 2009 7:59:24 PM
Please read the suggestion I gave Lisa above. Many women are missed when it comes to the thyroid. If you have the symptoms and a low temperature reading tell you doctor. If he does nothing feel free to email me at emurphy@weightohealth.com. Let me know how it works out for you.
Posted by: pquline neilson | Feb 16, 2009 5:13:31 AM
I'm 54 and it dosn't matter how careful I am with what i eat I just seem to be putting on weight for no apparent reason. I've noticed over the last 6 months that my skin is especially dry, I have never had to use a moisturiser but now can't find one that helps. I am quite tired well at least I yawn constantly from early morning. My mother had thyriod problems and I started going grey at 17
Posted by: Mala | Aug 15, 2008 5:55:59 PM
I keep gaining lots of weight and have same life style , I eat healthy and exercise
my energy level is low
shortness or breath and chest tightness climbing stairs or walking fast
i will feel extremeley tried and get chills and my hands feel very warm and feverish, thanks
Posted by: Elaine Murphy | Apr 2, 2008 10:08:51 PM
Hi Lisa,
Did you take the morning basal temperature reading? Press on the link above and it will show you how to do that. If your readings are even a tiny bit low it could be your thyroid. Take your readings and really talk to your doctor about all of it. If that doesn't work contact me at my email. Let me know how it goes.
Posted by: Lisa | Apr 2, 2008 3:58:58 PM
I have been taking a perscription diet pill called Adipex and everyone I know has lost weight on it. I have gained 10 pds in almost 2 months and I am tired all the time I could sleep for hours and still be tired. I was checke about 8 years ago for my thyroid and they said it was a little off but nothing to worry about. I have always struggled with my weight but it is alot worse lately. I am 38 5 ft 7.5 in and I weigh 211. I am pretty thick and muscular but I really need to loose weight I am too tired and out of shape when I go to do my regular activities. I have a few of the symptoms most of them except early grey and contipation.
Posted by: Elaine | Mar 14, 2008 3:17:31 PM
Hi LMZ,
Does your daughter have any of the symptoms related above (see blog)?
Has she done the morning basal temperature reading? If so take all that information to her doctor. It certainly would not hurt to have it checked. Yes, even young women can have low thyroid.
