Thyroid?

[Rosie55]

I am on thyroxine for underactive thyroid.
I'm sure I need an upgrade of the dose because I cannot lose weight despite lots of exercise and a very healthy diet. However, my blood tests come back as " within the range ".
Can I therefore take an iodine supplement like kelp tablets safely?

[sqad617]

Your inability to lose weight is nothing to do with your dose of thyroxine as this is governed by the results of your blood test. Why do you need to take an iodine supplement, it would be a waste of money and I cannot see any benefit.

[skyep]

Hi Rosie!
I have a thyroid problem. I have actually put weight on so I'm going to ask for a thyroid function test, I may just need my dose upping. When was the last time you had your blood tested? I would avoid taking kelp as it will intefere with any further blood tests & if they found you to be over, would reduce your dosage even more.

[Le Chat]

What was the actual result of your test? In the USA 4 or above is underactive, whilst here it is 6 or above I believe. So you could still be deficient, even if you are boarderline.

[CathH]

Hi Rosie

I am exactly the same as you. I take 200mg of thyroxine every day, and although my blood tests show I am within the range, I cannot lose weight. It is an uphill struggle and I totally sympathise with you.

I am sorry I cannot offer any advice.

CathH

[Hermia]

I also have an underactive thyroid and find it harder to lose weight than other people. I go to Slimming World and find I lose less weight each week even though I follow the plan. My doctor says that in his experience people with an underactive thyroid will always need to be more careful with their diet and do more exercise than a normal person. A friend of mine has got to a healthy weight, but she goes to the gym and has a personal trainer. She agrees that whilst walking the dog might be enough to keep a normal person slim thyroid sufferers need to do serious exercise to keep their metabolism ticking over. I have got an exercise bike and do half an hour of fast cycling on it each night (I look like a demented hamster on a wheel). When I lose weight I intend to join a gym.

[Rosie55]

Thank you everyone for your constructive replies. I will go back to my doctor and also watch my diet even more closely, allied to more exercise!
I find it really strange to have a weight problem now when I was like a racehorse for so many years! But my Gran had a severe case of goitre in her early 30s and also in later life, so it could be genetic.