Online Blog

Hi everyone,

Hey all, I posted some new pics...

In one of my workout tops, and my new pair of size 14 jeans...

The weightloss is fast and furious right now! I am down to 188 lbs!!!!!!

Unfortunately, my skin is not snapping back as good as I would like it too...so I look forward to having body lifts and tucks when I lose about 25-30 more lbs...hopefully they can put my boobs back where they belong...lol...I also need a little more fat back on my face...it seems that every time I lose, I lose there first...

Hugs and prayers for you all,

Bee

You've mixed us up, I think, Bee.... Wendy was 51, and I'm the younger one that is self treating... Wendy was under a doc's care and prescribed Armour... but the doc refused to increase her dose even though her symptoms and numbers still sucked.

They ignored her Hashi's until she developed Cellulitis infections (she also had Lymphedema) and was hospitalized twice for that in '04.

Her body was just all worn out from dealing with some many things that didn't work right... Many of the years that she was dealing with the symptoms resulting from the Hashi's they just brushed her off with prescriptions for antidepressants.

Topper (Linda)

On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 17:36:18 -0800 (PST) Bee Fuddled <beefuddled912@...

Hi lauren,

Wendy was 49...

Also, high bp can be caused by low doses of thyroid hormone...because high bp can be a symptom of a thyroid problem and thyroid hormone is the solution to the thyroid problem...

She could have had heart problems from her thyroid disease being neglected for so many years before she started self medicating and found relief from a lot of her symptoms...

Wendy was a great lady and will be missed...

Hugs, Bee

Lauren Michaels <myprincessjayden@...

Bee how old was she?

My last conversation with my endo doc was about high doses of thyroid *possibly* causing blood pressure issues and silent heart disease. Hoping this did not happen to this fine woman.

Prayer to her and her family. Bee, thanks for passing this along.

Lauren

Bee how old was she?

My last conversation with my endo doc was about high doses of thyroid *possibly* causing blood pressure issues and silent heart disease. Hoping this did not happen to this fine woman.

Prayer to her and her family. Bee, thanks for passing this along.

Lauren

That is so sad, my heart goes out to all that was blessed by knowing
her.
Monica

Hi Bee,
so sorry to hear about Wendy. She did write a lot of information on
here. I send my prayers to her family.
Take care everyone. Christine UK.

Hi all,

I have the sad job of informing all of you of the death of one our beloved thyroid advocates...

Feisty Wendy/WacoWind/Thyrofeisty are all names that she went by... here at this group, she posted good informational articles, but rarely posted otherwise...

They think she died of a heart attack and I have not been informed of anything any different...

She will be sorely missed...

Please keep her and all of her loved ones in your prayers...

Hugs, Bee

May she rest in Peace
Kathy

That is awesome! I had stopped losing, and that and a couple other things told me my medication needed to be adjusted. After the adjustment, I'm feeling better and losing too!

I think with thyroid the body restores many things in order with weight loss being one of the last things. So a person can feel "ok" but not be optimized for weight loss. I think thyroid levels need to definitely be in the high end to lose. Congratulations and hope the trend continues!

-Amie

Hi all!

I posted before that I am exercising (most) every day and that includes weights & aerobics...I also was upped to 16 grains of armour thyroid about the 2nd week of December...

I have really been working out hard...and being better on the diet...not perfect...just better...I refuse to be perfect...life is too short...all that hard work and I just stayed on the same platteau for so long...

The hospital I work at, had an employee health fair and I weighed 217.5 at the health fair...on the 5th...the first meeting for the beyond diets group that meets on monday, was the 16th...I weighed 207...

Just a few minutes ago, I weighed 199!!! this is at the end of the day...not first thing in am...

My weigh flucutates a lot...I can gain and lose 10 lbs in a 3 day period and had been down to 203 right at christmas (& back in Sept.), but by new years, weighed 220...was ridiculous...and then I struggled to get it to move and now it is moving like crazy...lol

My pants are baggy again, I need to buy new underwear that fits...one thing I have been doing is taking orange slices to work instead of buying something fattening in the cafeteria...

I just had to post and tell the good news! It has been 15 to 20 years since I have weighed less than 200 lbs! So, this means that I have now lost a total of 185.5 lbs from my highest weight ever...and 108 wsince finally finding a doctor who does not have his head up his but when it comes to thyroid disease!

Hope everyone else finally finds a great doctor!

Hugs, Bee

http://www.humanapress.com/ArticleDetail.pasp?issn=1541-6933&acode=NCC:3:3:224

Endocrine Alterations in Critically Ill Patients With Stroke During the Early Recovery Period
[INLINE]
Neurocritical Care
December 2005, Volume 3, Issue 3, pps. 224-229
(ISSN 1541-6933)
Ioanna Dimopoulou (Department of Critical Care Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece)
Andreas T. Kouyialis (Department of Neurosurgery, Evangelismos Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece)
Stylianos Orfanos (Department of Critical Care Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece)
Apostolos Armaganidis (Department of Critical Care Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece)
Marinella Tzanela (Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece)
Nikolaos Thalassinos (Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece)
Stylianos Tsagarakis (Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece)

File size: 219 KB
See all articles for this issue
See all issues for this journal
Abstract:
Introduction: Endocrine abnormalities in critically ill patients with stroke during the early recovery period have not been well characterized.
Methods: To investigate this issue, 33 consecutive mechanically ventilated patients (27 men) with hemorrhagic ( n = 21) or ischemic ( n = 12) stroke having a mean age of 57 ± 12 years were studied. Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission in the hospital was 8 ± 3. The following basal hormones were measured within 72 hours postextubation: cortisol, corticotropin (ACTH), free thyroxine, tri-iodothyronine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Subsequently, a low-dose (1 Ìg) ACTH stimulation test was performed.
Results: Twenty-six (79%) patients showed endocrine alterations. The most common change was low IGF-1 levels compatible with growth hormone deficiency (45%), followed by hypogonadism (39%), thyroid dysfunction (36%), and cortisol hyporesponsiveness (33%).
Conclusion: Neuroendocrine changes occur with high frequency in critically ill patients with stroke during the early recovery period. It remains to be determined whether these changes have implications for functional and/or clinical outcome.
Keywords: Ischemic stroke ; intracerebral hemorrhage ; mechanical ventilation ; growth hormone deficiency ; hypogonadism ; thyroid dysfunction ; cortisol hyporesponsiveness
Language: English
Document Type: Original Research

Citations (none)

Hi Kat,

I just lost a big long email due to a thunder shower/power failure...UGH. Scared me, it came so fast, I had no warning!

Anyway, I was wondering, do you ever do Internet searches Kat? Have you gone to www.google.com and entered words that are related to some of your questions? Many of the questions you ask here can be found by doing some simple searches. I believe you would find much more and more detailed information than you will asking here (in some cases.) I recommend you do a search for LapBand and Gastric Bypass.

Every insurance company and individual is different, as far as coverage is concerned. It depends on the person's specific needs and health issues, as to whether or not surgery will be covered. But yes, MY insurance will cover LapBand for ME.

I will say though, that there are many differences between the two. LapBand is a quicker, safer, less invasive approach. It is a less risky surgery, although ANY major surgery runs risks. The long term affects are to be the same or better than GB. The restrictions are less severe/limited with LapBand as well (after surgery.) Of course, because of that, the weight loss is slower....however, the 5 year mark is supposed to be the same as it is with GB. BUT the bonus I see with that, is that if the weight comes off slower, the excess skin will be less...since the elasticity will have more of a chance to recover (provided adequate diet, exercise and weight training are implemented in the process of that weight loss.) Of course, depending on how much one loses, where one needs to lose, and one's skin tone/type and many other factors, WILL make a difference in regard to how much skin removal/plastic surgery will be needed *if any.

Gallstones are a very likely possibility for ANYONE that loses a significant portion of weight, and especially if they lose it rapidly (as one would do with GB or LapBand.) However, no matter the method of weight loss, if weight is lost rapidly, anyone could develop gallstones. Specifically speaking, the office I am going to often removes the gallbladder at the time of the surgery, if the person has had gallstones in the past. Again, this is a very individualized situation. They look at each person VERY closely and do plenty of research and history to determine what appears to be best for THAT person. Sometimes they decide to wait and see if the individual will develop gallstones, if they do, they will address that issue at the time and possibly remove the gallbladder. My mother had her gallbladder removed several years ago. If she were to do GB or LapBand, obviously this is a non issue for her.

You mentioned the risk of death. That is possible with ANY major surgery. Death is most likely to occur in those that are severely ill, prior to the surgery. That is the reason this surgery is taking place! It is due to their already extremely high risk of mortality. Some that undergo GB are uncontrolled diabetics or those dealing with heart issues. Those in themselves are risky, and having surgery increases those odds greatly. I met a woman that was so very ill, she had been given about a year to live, due to all of the issues she was dealing with. She is doing GB, as a last hope that it could help these problems and possibly save her life...or at least extend it.
However, I would hope the reason any person even considers such a drastic step such as this, is because they are facing drastic issues WITHOUT it, as well! All of the odds need to be weighed and it is a personal decision. The office I go to may decide one is NOT a candidate, depending on THEIR findings and refuse to operate, or choose to do it at a later date, depending upon modifications and changes, as they deem necessary.

I hope this answers your questions, but again, I suggest you do a search and see what you can find on the web.

Laura

Message: 6 Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 08:50:40 EST
From: KathyIandolo@...
Subject: Re: Re: Eating Habits/Laura
What is the difference between bypass surgery and the lap band? And is the lap band covered under the insurance?
I had a cousin that had the gastric bypass and she was fine, did great and lost a lot of weight from it. And this was about three years ago.
The only thing now is that I think she is getting Gaul stones and it hurts her back and side and I know that was one of the symptoms that could happen but not to everyone. But I guess in her case it looks that way.
She was told by the Doctor it could be a Gaul Stone infection or just Goal Stone's and gave her percosiet for the pain and an antibiotic but so far the antibiotic has not one anyting.
So that is what I know because of her and I read up on it because my husband did want it done but now you hear of all these deaths and that scares me and plus that don't know what future holds for it.
Good Luck...
Kat



body building only took off for me when i got properly medicated. Prior to that i did things like taebo and just walking, normal everyday stuff. AND still was able to lose wt. At first, all i was capable was walking too. You build on it. If your used to sitting all day or dont have the energy for much more, you have to do it slowly with baby steps.

.. Optimizing ones meds is what is key for some of us, along with very good nutrition to feel well. If you eat sugar and processed foods, not only does it affect your waistline, but it affects how we feel as well too.

healthyful, whole foods and plenty of gentle physical
activity.

So what is the point then? Because that's what's been said all along that people need to do, and that's what nutritionists counsel people to do as well. I'm not sure who stated nutritionists could save the world, anyway, in fact not sure where that came from - I am not a nutritionist, not sure what the point was.

This subject is done for me, as well.

-Amie

Okay, as far as twisting around words, can you please
let me know when I stated that everyone should eat
crap and lay around? Because I never, ever said that.
Ever.
Also, body-building shouldn't be required to keep
one's body fit. I am very happy for you that BB works
and I am glad you have the reserves to do such
strenuous training - not everyone does. In fact, I
would guess that not many people do. I hope that you
stay healthy and fit..
I want to make clear that I believe (and practice) in
healthyful, whole foods and plenty of gentle physical
activity. I have never said otherwise. I am just
saying that if nutritionists could save the world,
they would be making the big bucks and putting
physicians out of business.
Misty
msl5858@...
Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the
present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 - 1882)

What is the difference between bypass surgery and the lap band? And is the lap band covered under the insurance?

I had a cousin that had the gastric bypass and she was fine, did great and lost a lot of weight from it. And this was about three years ago.

The only thing now is that I think she is getting Gaul stones and it hurts her back and side and I know that was one of the symptoms that could happen but not to everyone. But I guess in her case it looks that way.

She was told by the Doctor it could be a Gaul Stone infection or just Goal Stone's and gave her percosiet for the pain and an antibiotic but so far the antibiotic has not one anyting.

So that is what I know because of her and I read up on it because my husband did want it done but now you hear of all these deaths and that scares me and plus that don't know what future holds for it.

Good Luck...

Kat

Maybe "diets" don't work but most people I know think I am on a `diet' and all I do is eat healthy foods, which is what the discussion was originally about - NOT restrictive diets - again, seems some love to twist words around to fit their own definitions.

I'm glad you can advise people that eating healthfully and regular exercise aren't going to help them - I suppose then people are going to live healthier lives eating as much of whatever food as they please and being sedentary and taking more medications - not sure I'd be doling out that advice to anyone, not matter what the profession - that is pseudo-science to me.

And yes - I do know people who have, though a balanced diet and exercise - lost weight and halved or discontinued many of the medications they were on previously - including diabetics and thyroid sufferers. People reading can decide which life they'd rather lead. I know I have.

-Amie

As I said, I am training to be a PA, so I would hardly
call my observations personal. My problem is with
people in pseudo-medical careers who dish out
information and try to fix problems they are not able
to handle with "research" that I have yet to find
anywhere.
I am hardly angry, just passionate about healthcare
and people who need it and do not receive it.
Especially when they are made to feel that it can be
fixed by nutritionists/chiropractors/acupuncturists,
etc.. I see all three of these - but only ones who
are well-read and intelligent to know the limits of
his or her training.
I hope I don't seem like I am attacking anyone - I
just think people may have thier numbers backward -
95% of people do not have long-term success with
dieting - this contrasts that only 5% of people have
medical problems.
I think there are a few frustrated and angry people on
this board who
are
waiting to have a chance to release their frustration
at anyone who
they
assume is 'judging' overweight people, and therefore
not able to see
past
their own condition to discuss an issue across all
populations. I
understand some have frustration with their weight but
don't think it's
fair
to jump out at others for having a different view
based on research and
experience in the field that goes beyond just our own
personal analysis
as
well.
Misty
msl5858@...
Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the
present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 - 1882)

Hallo,
Ga lekker mee, morgen ga ik met het hele gezin naar de Belgische
Ardennen. Het zal een behoorlijke aanslag zijn op mijn lichaam, maar
ik zou het voor geen goud willen missen.
Ik weet dat mijn lichaam wel weer bij trekt, maar de herinnering is
blijvend.
Ik kan niet veel maar wil wel alles uit het leven halen wat er nog
inzit. Als alles goed verder gaat leef ik nog lang, ik ben 34 jaar.
Dus geniet ik van elk fijn moment.
Parijs lijkt mijn mooi met kerst, een herinnering om nooit te vergeten.
Daar geniet je ondanks alles nog lang van door.
Veel plezier,
Groetjes en voor iedereen nog fijne feest dagen en een goed 2004
Jolanda van Rumpt

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-01/jhmi-ndl010906.php

Public release date: 9-Jan-2006
[ Print Article | E-mail Article | Close Window ]
Contact: Eric Vohr
evohr1@...
410-955-8665
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

New drug lets thyroid cancer patients avoid nasty side effects during treatment

A multicenter international study, including Johns Hopkins, has found that after surgery for thyroid cancer, giving genetically engineered human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) before radioiodine treatment avoids the previous need to stop thyroid replacement therapy and the miserable side effects that go with it.
The study, led by Paul Ladenson, M.D., director of the Division of Endocrinology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Furio Pacini at the University of Siena in Italy, was reported in the December online edition of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Typically, radioiodine treatment for cancer of the thyroid gland requires temporary discontinuation of thyroid hormone replacement for several weeks, leading to weight gain, constipation, fatigue, slowed thinking, depressed mood, muscle cramps, intolerance of cold temperatures and other symptoms. "This study shows that patients who use a recombinant form of TSH can continue their thyroid replacement therapy and enjoy a better quality of life during their cancer treatment," Ladenson says.
Thyroid cancer is first treated by surgical removal of the gland in the neck, often followed by radioactive iodine treatment to remove any remaining thyroid tissue.
Once the thyroid is diseased or removed, it no longer produces the hormones T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), which help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Therefore, it is essential to add back the thyroid hormone L-thyroxine to keep the body functioning normally. Paradoxically, for radioiodine treatment to be effective, thyroid hormone treatments previously had to be suspended, according to Ladenson. Suspending hormone treatments stimulates the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH stimulates any remaining thyroid tissue to concentrate the radioiodine, which can then eliminate remaining thyroid tissue. Once inside the cell, radioiodine emits beta particles that damage the DNA in thyroid cells without affecting surrounding tissues, according to Ladenson.
TSH made by the pituitary gland and rhTSH produce equivalent biological actions, according to Ladenson, and there are only slight structural differences.
"This multi-institutional study proved that rhTSH is just as effective as the TSH produced by the body in destroying these remaining thyroid cells," Ladenson says.
This randomized, controlled, study involved 60 patients from four centers in Europe and five in North America. The first patient was enrolled on Dec. 17, 2001, and the last patient completed the final study visit on Sept. 26, 2003.
Within 14 days after surgical removal of the thyroid, 32 of these patients were randomized to a group that received their thyroid hormone treatment, L-thyroxine, without interruption and rhTSH for four to six weeks prior to radioiodine treatment. Twenty-eight were randomized to a group that did not receive L-thyroxine or rhTSH and were then treated after hypothyroidism prompted their own pituitary glands to make TSH. Quality of life was tested during this period and symptoms were assessed using the Billewicz scale -- an observer-rated evaluation of 14 symptoms and signs exhibited by patients who have a lack of thyroid hormone in their system. Patients then underwent radioiodine treatment. Eight months after this treatment, doctors performed a scan to determine if there was any remaining thyroid tissue.
Before radioiodine treatment, Billewicz scores revealed both groups to be comparable -- with mild and transient symptoms reported by only eight patients in each group. As they were prepared for radioiodine treatment, the group denied thyroid hormone therapy had significantly higher total symptom scores at weeks two and four. The most common complaints of patients who were denied thyroid hormone therapy, vs. patients who received thyroid hormone therapy and rhTSH, were cold intolerance (50 percent vs. 21 percent), weight increase (60 percent vs. 21 percent), constipation (43 percent vs. 3 percent), lethargy (50 percent vs. 12 percent), cold skin (47 percent vs. 12 percent), and puffiness around the eyes (50 percent vs. 0 percent).
Eight months after radioiodine therapy, tests showed that remaining thyroid cells had been successfully destroyed in all patients in both groups, according to the study.
These results clearly indicate that rhTSH combined with radiation therapy successfully destroys remaining thyroid tissue without the need to discontinue thyroid hormones, thus reducing the unpleasant side effects generally associated with this treatment, Ladenson says.

Hi there, not sure if I answered this question or not (got away from the computer for a while.....)

It is true, bypass surgery is NOT covered all the time. However, under the right circumstances, it usually is. And I certainly would NOT want the surgery unless it WAS the right circumstances! I am actually likely going to be doing the lapband, vs. gastric bypass.

I am way beyond needing to call the insurance company to see if they will cover the surgery. Referrals are necessary, and this is not something you 'just decide' to do. It takes A LOT of serious consideration. OF COURSE I have contacted my insurance company and discussed it in great detail with them. They said that at this time, they even cover the excess skin removal after the weight loss, but that may be changing before I would need to do that surgery. (I am not concerned, I will cross that bridge when I get to it!...a loan or my father may be able to help.)

I don't have any questions in regard to the surgery. I had only asked if anyone in this group had actually HAD the surgery done.

Well, I am not in school to be a nutritionist, but a
diagnostician and healer. I guess I am looking
through those glasses - and research and teaching from
physicians.
It is so funny, if I go to a nutritionist (except for
mine who knows that it is a medical problem), it is my
diet that is a problem, if I go to a cardiologist, it
is my heart, an endocrinologist tells me that it is my
endocrine system, and my GI doctor tells me that it is
my GI system that is making me so sick. I guess we
all see through our own experiences.
I know that for most people, dieting helps in the
short term and physical activity can be a long-term
part of the solution. But the American Medical
Association says that there are millions of untreatd
hypoT patients - more than diabetics! I guess I am
"reading into that" that there are a whole lot of
people who need medical treatment for a disease that
makes them fat and depressed.
I apologize if I seem too heated, but it will be
interesting to see what happens to all of our children
who eat hormone-infused meat and drink too much
floridated water (which contributes to
hypothyroidism). Will low-fat eating and working out
solve those problems?
Like I said, there are idiots who overeat and sit on
asses for no good reason, but I wonder if they are
fewer than some think? Almost everyone (myself
excluded) can ditch a good amount of weight in the
short term by eating fewer calories, or mini-meals, or
by neglecting a food group, or whatever else they are
told will work. But 95% of these people are fatter at
the five year anniversary of the weight loss. That
means, in the LONG TERM, 5% of people solve weight
problems by diet and physical activity.
I guess I am just around people who I trust are
motivated and intelligent enough to make good
decisions about health; I know that I am. And when
you have stumped doctors for as long as I have, you
learn very quickly for your own good what is working
for people and what is not.
However, if people think the majority of what is
making people
overweight/obese in this country are medical
disorders, then they
haven't
been doing research and are looking through glasses
that they
themselves see
because they have a medical issue. I'm talking about
what I see at my
work,
normally, across the average population.
Believe what you want, but if not even 1/3 of all the
people in the usa
are
exercising for 20 minutes 3 times a week, THAT's a
problem. And THAT's
a
problem that will LEAD TO more medical issues, health
concerns, etc.
that
will then lead to more overweight and obesity.
Misty
msl5858@...
Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the
present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 - 1882)

I did not get the impression from your posts that were judging, merely

pointing out what you see everyday....as was I..

Simple observations, shared in an effort to open new doors and

get folks to think...(for themselves.)

I know there are people with medical issues that keep them from being active,

or from holding a job and and being well, due to accidents or whatever.

I do not pretend to know what they go thru.....but they know who

they are, and they should be able to recognize posts that do not apply to

them, and not take offense to it.

In this forum we speak g e n e r a l l y...one size does not fit all.

Why is it though as a people...we are so reluctant to look at the truth and

see our responsibility in many of our own conditions?

I am on 5 grains of Armour, I walk 3 miles 4-5 times
weekly, run around all day with my child - lessons,
school, charity work for his school, eat 5-6 small
meals, no yeasty foods (sugar, simple carbs, vinegar,
moldy foods - cheese, etc..) no processed foods, no
dairy, eggs, etc..) I eat plain chicken, steak, salad
with olive oil, and a handful of other things approved
by my nutritionist (who has been on the Oprah Winfrey
show because fo the miracles she performs). I eat
between 1200-1400 calories each day of whole food with
no sugar!
I am 5'10" and weighed 140 pounds my whole life until
I got pregnant and lost weight because I was so sick.
Then I doubled in size. I get sooooooooooooooooooo
profoundly hurt when people assume that I am lazy,
uninformed, addicted to McDs, etc.
I am in school to be a physician's assistant, my best
friend of over 10 years is a personal trainer and I am
close with my intergrative physicians and still no one
can give me a definitive answer as to why I am so
sick.
I am just asking people to be more compassionate
toward people with problems. NO ONE CHOOSES TO BE
HUGE ANY MORE THAN SOMEONE CHOOSES TO HAVE MS OR
WHATEVER. I sure didn't stand in line for Hashimoto's
diesease, hyperemesis gravidarum, adrenal failure,
etc.
I cannot believe how judgemental and uninformed people
can be! Yes, a few people are complete idiots (I
don't know anyone who goes to buffets often unless for
brunch - and country fried steak isn't a big northern
thing). In my area (Chicago's North Shore area),
people are thin, health conscious and many have
personal chefs prepare meals for them. I don't, but I
know how to cook healthfully.
I disagree with you; I think we will learn soon that
most cases of obesity are caused by medical issues
such as estrogen dominance, food addictions, yeast
overgrowth in intestines, rx drugs (antidepressants)
making people fat and other hormonal problems.
Just my two cents. But I guess I am just one of
"those fat people" so I probably don't know anything..

Hi All,

It makes a lot of sense Misty about what you are saying about the eating. I understand where your coming from. Because I have had that same problem.

At one point in my life I was very thin as well like Pamela Anderson body like and then I had 4 kids but that is not the reason it is because I get depressed and eat all the time but I'm sure the 4 kids didn't help.

I do eat a lot because of my depression and anxiety and boredom as well, I'm a stay at home Mom and there is nothing to do so I go to the kitchen a lot. Then the kids and there snacks .

I thought I was doing good in Aug, the end of Aug. I knew I had to be in my nieces wedding and I had to lose weight so I did it. I went to the gym every morning before my husband went to work at 5:30 am and I worked out for an hour and I did it every day and I also ate right too.

I ended looking 40 pounds by the time of the wedding which was Oct. 23 rd and it was great. Then my My dies a week later and that put a damper on everything because I was so depressed my kids were and I got back into that rut and ever since then I have no been back to the gym and I have been eating just whatever.

So now I gained all my weight back and I look and feel awful and my Thyroid doesn't help I'm sure. So I understand 100% what everyone is saying it's very hard, and I can't seem to get back on and I want to so bad.

But at this point I'm very very depressed my med's aren't working and my anxiety is pretty bad. I just feel so alone inside and I get No help.

So I feel ALONE now I have No Mother & Father.

I'm an only child and depressed all the time I love my husband and 4 kids dearly but sometimes I feel like it's a lot for me because I need someone too you know?

Life isn't fear sometimes and I need to talk to people too and my therapist isn't what I mean you understand? I need family for me, other then just my kids because with them I'm the Mother they come to me with problems there still all young they need there mother I have an 11 year old 9 year old 3 year old and 20 month old. and three boys and my daughter is the 3 year old.

So I have got it rough it's a lot of work but I do it how sometimes I don't know. But Thank you all for listening and I'm always hear too for you ALL!!!!!

OXOXOXOX Kat

Way to go Monica....it's a hard thing to choose better for yourself when the

group isnt...be proud!

Yeah, I agree. It's not like people wake up one day and are all of a sudden fat, or sick, from what they are putting into their bodies. It is gradual, the weight gain, the illnesses, etc. People are so into instant gratification, what is quick, easy, and tastes good, that they don't care. I BET if people ate a hamburger and the next day woke up 10 lbs fatter, sick, etc, not many people would do it.

Yeah, maybe they read an article or heard something on the news that these things are bad, but that's "someone else." Few ever think, "That could be me" They think, I'm young, slim and drink all I want and eat bad, with no repercussions. But the body can only take so much over time.

I agree with this too. I think the lawsuits against the fast food industry are really an excuse against personal responsibility. I can see marketing ploys, etc, but at the same time, no one put a gun to anyone's head and made them eat the big macs or supersize their fries, there are just as many grocery stores around the corner as fast food places. And the fast food places have always served salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, etc, too.

Many people talk about natural diets and don't realize that they work well because our bodies haven't adjusted to the newer chemicals that are added in foods. Yet then they bash things like natural sugar and rather eat artificial sweeteners, etc., which makes NO sense to me.

As with foods, our bodies also aren't adjusted to today's lack of activity. Our ancestors may have run 10 miles a day or more on average in search of food and survival. I know many, many people who could hardly run around the block. Society is becoming less physical and more mental in the work. Yet few want to put in the work to keep themselves healthy. If you look at countries lower on the economic scale than most prosperous industrial countries and those in which manual labor is more prominent, the rate of obesity is very low or non-existent.

When my thyroid problem was really bad, I used to get so mad at the people I'd see every day who were healthy enough to exercise, yet just "didn't want to." When I would have given anything to be able to. I personally think it's a gift that we have bodies to use and take care of, but so many people trash them anymore, and then wonder why there is a problem with obesity or growing illness trends. Many people think exercise is so popular because of all their friends who go to the gym; don't realize that the people they see at the gyms and workout facilities are a minority representing maybe 5-10% of the population. Organic food sections in grocery stores are rare and expensive. It is a multifaceted problem that can't be blamed on just one thing, but is growing in magnitude.

-Amie

Hello All,
I just wanted to share with everyone what happend to me last night. I
am really trying to cut calories and only eat good stuff so I found
myself at a gathering last night when five loaded pizzas get delivered
to the party...they looked so good and everyone was eating it......I
DID NOT HAVE A SLICE!!!!!!!!!! OR any of the CHIPS,DORITOS, or any of
the food lying around - for I had dinner before I came!!!!!!!!! I am
sooooo proud of myself and just wanted to share. Thank you guys for
your help!
Monica

Personally I find more and more people who really do not have a clue

how their bodies work....they think they can throw any old thing down their

gullet, and they will digest and make use of it.

Just because you CAN ...doesnt mean you SHOULD, but nobody told them

that I guess.

Then a great deal of my co workers, friends even my own kids...I'm finding

are just more concerned with what tastes good, ....and feels good...etc..

They are always asking themselves...hmmm what do I WANT....instead of

what SHOULD I have.

My kids have been well educated about what is and is not good nutrition.

But, you know what...it seems like they just don't care.

Good nutrition doesnt "taste good" to them, and for some reason they can't seem

to get beyond their primal, pleasure wired selves long enough to make good

choices.

(We can't go blaming mac donalds, and coke etc...though because they do not

force feed us...we choose it.)

I live in a "college town" in Colorado, and the young people here are the same.

They drink excessively, eat excessively...and otherwise abuse themselves on

some level.

Is it just a lack of self-respect? or ignorance?......or self absorption?....

I believe the latter myself.

Nothing is more important to these young people than feeling good, and having fun.

Their "feel good" is all that drives them.

They choose the feel good food.

do the feel good activities. (who needs to work)

drink the feel good drinks.

smoke the feel good smokes.

play the freakin video games endlessly, in an effort to forget

that they have no idea what they are doing, and why they even bother.

and they have the feel good sex, with whomever feels good...(cant leave that one out)

They all just would rather "feel good" than DO good.

And they want it NOW, they don't know how to wait...for anything.

Technology has allowed us to get so dependent and lazy, and impatient.

So, I sit with my guys at night, and try to understand how it could come to this.

Why is it so much more important to feel good, than DO good.

And how can I help them to realize that this isn't going to serve them in the long run.

(there are plenty of adults with this mindset too)

And then I realized.

They spend 7 1/2 hours of their day..institutionalized.

They go to school, and sit............and they wait.........and they are ordered

around, and their needs are largely ignored for the bulk of the day.

They can't eat when they are hungry...they cant drink without permission, they

cant go to the bathroom without permission...and worst of all..they go all day

without smiles, hugs and kisses...we are all so paranoid now, that we will

not hug a child that does not belong to us! Though we ALL know that they need it.

They are understimulated....overstimulated....bored, scared...frustrated, anxious.

Its no wonder some American children are so angry..and fat, and sad.

And focus only on feeling good, or at least better.

Especially if they are un-lucky enough to have to come home to a worse situation.

I really think that the "emptiness" that this breeds fuels our constant need

to fill ourselves up...with anything that makes us feel better...be it food or

otherwise.

I have tried, and will continue to try and instill good habits in my boys, but considering

the competition, and the ever-increasing stresses of life...I know I'm in for a long

hard battle.

I always hear the old...when we know better...we do better....

but I'm not finding that to be very true.

Well, I have worked in the fitness industry in many capacities for 13 years now, and I see it all the time - people THINK they are eating ok, or dieting, when they are not. It's not so much faith in humankind as it is a need for them to be educated. Many people don't know what proper portion control is, or what constitutes a healthy diet. And if they don't know, they certainly aren't teaching it to their kids.

No, maybe they don't ask themselves to be fat, lazy, and depressed, but they don't know what they are doing to themselves by what they are eating. I'm not saying this from faith, opinion, or stereotyping, I'm saying this from what I've seen in study and practice. I've seen people tell me they have a healthy diet like country fried streak. I've seen people say they are on diet meaning they only go to a lunch buffet a couple times a week.

Yes, there could be problems with the foods we are eating, etc. but I find it hard to believe that anyone has not seen any of the statistics about how most people fail to get even the very minimum standards of exercise, not even for weight loss. Studies have shown that only 30-45% of the people in America meet the minimum standards of 30 minutes of moderate exercise (brisk walking) five days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise at least three days a week. A recent study showed that at least a fifth don't partake in 10 minutes of exercise for the entire week.

As well, most people don't know what a healthy diet is, even if they try, there is so much mis-information out there about that as well - quick fixes for weight loss, cutting out this food group or that. Education isn't as readily available to those in lower economic areas as well, nor is `healthy' food in many cases affordable to them. Convenience and abundance of food is also a problem in the USA. 24 hours a day, people can easily get whatever they crave and any amount of it at generally an affordable price.

I'm not saying this applies to every single person who is overweight, lord knows I have problems as well and I'm an athlete, however I've been diagnosed with a medical problem, too. But on the other hand, medical problems are not the cause of overweight/obesity in all cases, either.

That is an interesting perspective.
I was thin my entire life (model-thin) and throughout
my pregnancy. Six weeks after my son was born, my
milk dried up, I got very sick and gained 140 lbs in a
matter of 8 months.
No one eats that much McDonalds and I certainly did
not.
Also, 20% of all adults (1 out of 5) have a pituitary
tumor but docs say only a very few of these tumors
affect weight. Weird huh?? Some glob of tissue
pushes on the gland that regulates the info that goes
to your thyroid gland and it makes no difference?
Just like $ynthroid is supposed to fix hypothyroidism
(and does if you believe only in TSH)..
And how many obese people are undiagnosed/undertreated
thyroid patients? How many people eat because they
are depressed and are depressed because of thier
crappy, useless thyroid that $nythroid fails, time and
time again, to fix.
No one wakes up and says, "Hey today, I think I will
choose to be fat, lazy and depressed! Doesn't that
sound like fun? If it works out, maybe I will do it
again tomorrow!!"
Have a little faith in humankind and ask more
questions about what is going on in our world that
makes so many people hypoT, therefore, fat, tired,
depressed, etc.. Could it be all the crap they feed
out animals which we eat? Or how about all of our
yummy genetically modified, pesticide-ridden fruits
and vegges we feed to our children??? And let us not
forget all of those amazingly expensive prescriptions
all of our homes are full of???
Geez - I believe everyone is trying to be healthy
here.. I eat 10X better than my husband and yet he is
rail-thin.. Amazing - I don't buy McDonalds, I eat
organics when possible and I stay physically busy and
walk for any hour at night 4-5 times weekly, but my
weight won't move.
Maybe I am not the only one???
Misty
msl5858@...
Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the
present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 - 1882)

HI all,

Gail, from Gail's thyroid tips website, posted this at another group I am a member of...thought you would all like to see it...Hugs, Bee

http://www.greenwillowtree.com/Page.bok?file=selenium.iodine.html

INTERACTIONS BETWEEN SELENIUM AND IODINE
April 27, 1999
This article was posted at www.ithyroid.com and we thank the author, John, for his excellent research. The article has since been taken down, and we have been unable to reach the author to request his permission, but we respectfully give credit to the source.
According to the manufacturer, Thyodine contains about 40 mcg. (micrograms) of iodine per tablet. The manufacturer has now added 50 mcg. of selenium per tablet. Thyodine now contains a relatively balanced amount of selenium and iodine. We recommend a total daily intake of 200-400 mcg./day of selenium, depending upon body size.

Selenium and iodine are two minerals which are critically important in the proper functioning of the thyroid. While the importance of iodine has been known a long time, the importance of selenium has only been discovered and explored since 1990. Much research is presently being conducted on the functions of these two minerals in thyroid function and it is becoming clear that there is an interaction between the two. Iodine has a seemingly simple role in the thyroid-it is incorporated into the thyroid hormone molecule.
A deficiency of iodine will cause hypothyroidism and if this is severe and occurs during pregnancy, the offspring will be mentally damaged and is called a cretin. Cretinism, or myxeodematous cretinism as it is sometimes called, is not only caused by an iodine deficiency, but is also influenced by a selenium deficiency. Iodine apparently has just one function in the body-in the thyroid.
Selenium, on the other hand, performs many functions. At the beginning of the 1990s it was discovered that the deiodinase enzymes which convert T4 (thyroxin, the thyroid prohormone) into T3 (triiodothyronine, the cellularly active hormone) and also convert T3 into T2, thereby degrading it, are selenium enzymes (formed with the amino acid cysteine). This discovery has led to a lot of research studies on the effects of selenium, iodine, and their interactions.
Selenium also performs other important roles in the body. The most important of these is probably as its role as the body's best antioxidant (anti-peroxidant). It performs this role as part of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx or GPX). As part of GPX, selenium prevents lipids and fats from being peroxidized (oxidized), which literally means that it prevents fats from going rancid (this can be seen on your skin as "age spots" or "liver spots" (autopsies show that skin "liver spots" are accompanied by similar spots of peroxidized fats in the liver.) Therefore selenium protects all of the cellular membranes, which are made up of fats, from peroxidation. Peroxidation of cellular membranes reduces the ability of the membrane to pass nutrients including minerals and vitamins, so selenium deficiency is the first step toward developing the many problems caused by nutrient deficiencies.
Joel Wallach considers a selenium deficiency combined with high intake of vegetable oils (salad dressings, margarine, cooking oils) as the "quickest route to a heart attack and cancer." It seems that the body uses a lot of selenium to protect the fats from peroxidation. Polyunsaturated fats which are hydrogenated or heated become the same as rancid fats and large amounts of selenium are then needed to protect the body. Consumption of these dietary fats can thus lead to a selenium deficiency.
Selenium is also essential for the production of estrogen sulfotranserfase which is the enzyme which breaks down estrogen. A deficiency of selenium can thus lead to excessive amounts of estrogen, which may depress thyroid function, and also upset the progesterone-estrogen balance.
Wallach also lists other effects of selenium deficiency: anemia (red blood cell fragility), fatigue, muscular weakness, myalgia (muscle pain), muscular dystrophy (white muscle disease in animals), cardiomyopathy (sudden death in athletes), heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, Lou Gehrig's and Parkinson's diseases (mercury toxicity), Alzheimer's Disease (high intake of vegetable oil), sudden infant death syndrome (and possibly "breathlessness" in adults, jj), cancer, multiple sclerosis, and sickle cell anemia.
Selenium is essential for the production of testosterone. A deficiency seems to be involved in osteoarthritis. I've found studies linking selenium deficiency to alopecia (hair loss) and to degeneration of the knee joint (seen in Kashin-Beck disease). Since selenium is necessary to produce GPX which is a major detoxifier of man-made and environmental toxins, selenium deficiency can lead to chemical and drug sensitivities.
These are some of the non-thyroidal effects of selenium deficiency. The effects of selenium deficiency on thyroidal health is even more interesting. One study I read indicated that in experimental animals, selenium deficiency will increase T3 in the heart. This may be the reason that selenium deficiency causes heart palpitations and rapid heart beat, which is common in thyroid disease.
While we've seen that selenium deficiency will interfere with T4 to T3 conversion and lead to functional hypothyroidism (low T3 phenomenon), selenium plays another vital role in the thyroid as part of GPX. During the production of thyroid hormone, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced. H2O2 is important for the production of thyroid hormone, but excessive amounts lead to high production of thyroxin (T4) and also damage to the cells of the thyroid. GPX plays the extremely vital role of degrading H2O2 and thereby limiting hormone production and preventing damage to the thyroid cells. This seems to be the main way in which selenium protects the thyroid from sustaining damage which can lead ultimately to cancer.
Without selenium, the thyroid gland becomes damaged and it is through this mechanism that the main selenium and iodine interactions are found. An iodine deficiency will cause goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland produced by the body in an attempt to increase hormone production from limited amount of iodine. Selenium deficiency increases the weight of the thyroid in experimental animals, and a selenium deficiency combined with an iodine deficiency leads to a further increase in thyroidal weight (bigger goiter). In African countries like Zaire, there are areas where both iodine and selenium are very scarce in the soil (these deficiencies seem to run parallel in most areas). Consequently a high percentage of the people have goiters and hypothyroidism. An experimental attempt was made to correct the selenium deficiency and the result was that the hypothyroidism was made WORSE in the hypos and it produced hypothyroidism in some euthroid subjects. This was entirely
unexpected and the experimenters issued a warning about supplementing with selenium (and not iodine) when both deficiencies exist concurrently.
The body has a compensatory mechanism to maintain T3 levels when iodine is deficient--it increases the production of the deiodinase Type I enzyme (DI-I). This is not a small increase, but has been shown in cattle to be an increase of 10-12 times. This increase in ID-I increases the conversion of the existing T4 to T3 to maintain T3 levels, but also increases the conversion of T3 to T2 (the degraded by-product of T3). Because of the iodine deficiency, T4 is not replenished and T3 ultimately decreases from the lack of sufficient T4 leading to a worsening of the hypothyroidism.
This result is made worse by another phenomenon which hasn't been thoroughly studied: a selenium deficiency causes an iodine deficiency to get worse. This may be a protective adaptation by the body to limit the damage caused to the thyroid when selenium is deficient and iodine is adequate. Let's examine this part of the interaction.
We've all heard that many doctors tell hypo patients, especially those with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, not to take iodine because it can aggravate their condition. The reason seems to be that selenium protects the thyroid gland from oxidative damage and this damage can increase significantly if iodine is supplemented. Taking iodine will increase thyroid hormone production and the production of H2O2 which damages the thyroidal cells. The lack of selenium prevents GPX from being able to protect the cells from this oxidative damage. While I doubt if most doctors realize why iodine should be restricted (it certainly seemed counter-intuitive to me at first), they have learned through experience that iodine can increase the thyroid damage in Hashimoto's. The information that selenium should be supplemented along with iodine is so new that most of them are unaware of it.
Here's what we have: Studies have shown that if iodine is low, selenium must also be kept low to prevent the hypothyroidism from becoming worse (from increased DI-I and T4 depletion, as explained above.) So if both minerals are low, then the person is hypo and gets a goiter, but the damage to the thyroid is kept to a minimum. More severe problems happen when either selenium or iodine is high and the other is low. If selenium is high and iodine low, then T4 to T3 to T2 conversion is accelerated without T4 being replenished, leading to a worsening of the hypoT. If iodine is high and selenium is low, then H2O2 is not degraded by GPX. Since H2O2 drives the thyroid hormone production, then the thyroid over-produces thyroid hormone (Grave's hyperthyroidism), the thyroid is damaged from the oxidation by the H2O2, and the end result is that the damaged thyroid ultimately decreases activity and hypothyroidism results (Hashimoto's thyroiditis). This could explain the observed
progression of Grave's to Hashimoto's.
If a selenium deficiency causes an iodine deficiency, leaving you both selenium and iodine deficient, and supplementing with either selenium or iodine causes severe problems, then the only solution is to supplement both selenium and iodine simultaneously and gradually. Even then you could experience an immediate boost (from increased conversion of T4 to T3) with a subsequent letdown (lack of T4 production because of insufficient iodine or other necessary nutrient). You have to be prepared to ride out the tough times and continue increasing the selenium and iodine until those two deficiencies are corrected and the respective metabolic pathways are back working properly.
Everything that I've read about selenium indicates that it is absolutely essential for proper functioning of the thyroid. A deficiency of selenium may lead to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. I've always wondered if high intake of selenium can lead to hyperthyroidism and finally found someone who did the experiment. They found that a high intake of selenium will not increase T4 production and lead to hyperthyroidism.
If a person has hyperT, then it looks like taking selenium without iodine will result in a decrease in production of T4 (although there may be an initial transient increase in T4 to T3 conversion and hence higher T3). I would suggest to start with a small amount of selenium methionine (about 50 mcg) and gradually increase it. I cannot see any way that thyroid function can be normalized without selenium.
For hypos the important message is that a selenium deficiency may cause an iodine deficiency, so that even though you are taking iodine you may not be assimilating it unless selenium is also being taken. This would explain how people can have iodine deficiencies even though salt and many foods have iodine added. Supplement with both iodine and selenium. I would recommend starting with 100 mcg of selenium and one kelp tablet and gradually work up to 400-600 mcg of selenium and 2-4 tablets of kelp. [Note from the Green Willow Tree: Our research indicates that there is an upper safety limit of 400 mcg./day for selenium, and we do not recommend taking more than that amount. Also, kelp is extremely high in iodine, which is good for the short term. However, excess iodine consumption long term can actually depress thyroid function. Dulse, bladderwrack, and Irish moss--the seaweeds found in Thyodine--are safer, in our opinion, for long term use.]
While I've found research on the interactions of iodine and selenium, there are two other minerals which need to be studied for their interactions with these two: zinc and copper. I found one study which examined the complex interactions of selenium, iodine, and zinc (there are interactions), but none which have looked at all four minerals in a 4 X 4 factorial design. Now that would be an interesting study! Hopefully someone will do that soon.
I think one lesson from studying the interactions of selenium and iodine is that the interrelationships between minerals are very complicated. Supplementing with one or two can cause further problems. You have to make sure that you correct every deficiency. Health is built from a chain of nutrients and, like a chain, health cannot be accomplished if one nutrient is missing. Sometimes it's complicated putting the chain back together without running into problems (like supplementing with either selenium or iodine, but not both), but every deficiency has to be corrected. -- John
The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

Dear Amie,

I agree with you about not being in control when having a predisposed tendency.

Yet, the old adage," Knowledge is power" still applies.

Sometimes people try so hard and think that they are doing something wrong.
This of course becomes frustrating and eventually self defeating.

Personally, I would want to know if I was predisposed ,and if not, it would empower me to seek a solution.

This particular researcher has a great deal of experience in the field; I believe he would be able to help shed light on the subject.

Thank you,
Liora

Amie <amie1@...

Hi, just wondering what a blood test for an obesity gene would tell someone. If it exists, it might predispose someone to more likely being obese, but would not be the only factor leading to it. I doubt it would change what a person would need to do in order to avoid becoming or stop being obese . . . just wondering.

Thanks,
Amie

I heard bypass surgery sometimes is not covered with the insurance company's now. My husband tried doing it and it was a no no with him and he has tufts. I know there getting really strict so I would call the insurance company and ask them what you need to do. Like I said try it but it may not work. My husband really wanted it done but he couldn't do it he got denied. Any other questions about let me know..

xxooxoxox

Kat

Beste Yolanda,
Goh zeer vervelend, een tweede whiplash. Aan eentje heb ik mijn handen al
vol. Ook ik volg fysiotherapie, sinds mei 2003. Deze bestaat vooral uit
bewegen van nek en schouders en uiteraard lopen. Want dit laatste ging
namelijk ook niet.
Ik wens je heel veel sterkte toe.
Sjoukje

I thought that was an interesting perspective, too. I do believe that a lot of people though who are overweight, just don't watch what they eat or exercise enough, whether they know it or not. Then they go to the doctor saying they can't lose weight, etc, and make things harder for those that really have a problem. But also I have even seen people with medical issues who are overweight, also not eating correctly or exercising and still complaining about it. Sometimes I think a person "thinks" they are doing these things right but really they aren't.

I do get annoyed though how some people who eat McDonald's, all sorts of junk food, and don't exercise at all yet are thin, are more likely to be classified as `healthy' or `fit' than someone who is overweight, yet eats healthfully and exercises, if viewed from afar.

-Amie

Hi, just wondering what a blood test for an obesity gene would tell someone. If it exists, it might predispose someone to more likely being obese, but would not be the only factor leading to it. I doubt it would change what a person would need to do in order to avoid becoming or stop being obese . . . just wondering.

Thanks,

Amie

Hi Everyone, and April,

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you all I have been really busy. My husbands birthday was the 4th then my Sisters was the 2nd and my Son's today. It's been crazy here with my 4 kids.

April,

Sorry I have not got back to you but I never got your emails on post, I don't know how to use it. I'm new with all of this so I only know how to use this group email. Yes I would like to email you back and forth give me your email address and mine is KathyIandolo@.... if anyone wants to know that.

As far as my Thyroid I have No symptoms because I am on antidepressants for depression and Anxiety that I had all my life, before my thyroid problem. My Thyroid problem started after I had my second child but it was borderline then for many years.

It was just last year when they said I was Hyper- overactive and gave me my blood work numbers whatever they mean I have No idea.

Again- they are

Free T 4 2.0

Total 3 T 1.6 7

Hot Right Nogial

My Doctor said, so that was all he would give me and that all I think was available. I don't know something like that. But I don't understand at all though I have No symptoms and I'm gaining weight not loosing weight. I wouldn't say I'm really really overweight but Yes I have weight on me that should not be there.

With the overactive Thyroid you loose weight so I'm confused about that and don't understand that. Anyone- can you help me out there and explain what you think? I would appreciate it.

I Thank you all for all your help so far, you all are just wonderful People and I'm lucky I have found this Group and have you all to talk to. Thank you for all your time and caring.

With Love

oxoxoxoxox

Kat

Hi,Everyone!

I wanted to share some information on a doctor who has been researching genetic related obesity. He has developed a specific blood test .

I first saw his work on the discovery channel and then contacted him directly.

He is very kind.

Perhaps he could help one of you?!

The following is his e-mail and address:

Nikhil Vinod Dhurandhar ag8675@...

Nikhil V. Dhurandhar Phd.

William Hardy Chair in obesity Research

3009 Science Hall

Dept. of Nutrition and Food Science

Wayne State University

Detroit ,MI. 48202

Voice Mail: 313-577-5978 Fax: 313- 577-8616

Wish everyone great health and hope he may assist .

Sincerely, Liora
Thank you for sharing with us Laura...sorry things have gotten so complicated

with you...so much of this is such a mystery.

Why some can lose weight, and some seem to have a harder time.

If you don't mind my asking...how much do you have to weigh in order to

to be considered for bypass surgery?

A friend of mine had surgery about a year and a half ago, and though

she was extremely heavy, her doctor did not think it significant enough

to warrant at first. He agreed after her insurance company agreed. (amazing)

She has lost weight...and also energy, and hair and skin tone.

There are days when she is much more miserable than before the surgery.

I'm sure you have done your homework there though.

I guess it's a trade off at best.

Have you always been overweight? (even slightly)

Or is it just now that you are hashi.

I have been writing short articles that I submit to my to local paper,

and some of the commonalities among those of us with thyroid disease

are pretty interesting. (I like to gather statistics from the group too)

I live in the rocky mountain area....one of the more poor areas for iodine.

In the county that I live in...thyroid cancer, and hypothyroidism are pretty

common....scarily so.

I have become very good at identifying folks in a crowd, just by the way they

look.

Some of the things that I have found we have in common here...are chronic

viral infections..and funny thing is...nine out of ten of us were "formula" fed.

I have three sons, and my first was breast fed for three weeks..(I was not

encouraged to do it, and I had to go back to work)

My second was bottle fed...(I was still working)

And my baby...I was able to stay at home, and he was breast fed.

The older two, have many of the same hypo-related problems that I do,

but my youngest does not. Could be just coincidental...but the tendency

to overfeed with bottle fed babies is greater, and they have a greater

proportion of fat than do breast fed babies.

Our set-point weight is determined early on I believe. Genetic...maybe, but

maybe not. And that set-point is very hard to "re-program".

Our brains work very hard to keep us at our set-point.

We're all born with a set number of fat cells...they can swell...but we don't make

any new ones until the ones we have are at capacity...(about 60lbs overweight is

said to be capacity) existing fat cells are difficult to shrink, and harder still to

actually get rid of.

Males are born with enough fat cells to keep them at 15% body fat.

And women enough to keep them at 30%.

Enough to sustain us for about three months, should there be a lack of food.

There are times when out percentages will be higher or lower, but in general

that is what nature keeps us at.

No easy answers to any of it....just keep doing what you can to be

healthy as possible huh?

BIG WOW
I have never looked at it that way! That is an amazing double
standard for overweight people. I feel so much better now-Thank you!
MOnica

Thank you for sharing with us Laura...sorry things have gotten so complicated

with you...so much of this is such a mystery.

Why some can lose weight, and some seem to have a harder time.

If you don't mind my asking...how much do you have to weigh in order to

to be considered for bypass surgery?

A friend of mine had surgery about a year and a half ago, and though

she was extremely heavy, her doctor did not think it significant enough

to warrant at first. He agreed after her insurance company agreed. (amazing)

She has lost weight...and also energy, and hair and skin tone.

There are days when she is much more miserable than before the surgery.

I'm sure you have done your homework there though.

I guess it's a trade off at best.

Have you always been overweight? (even slightly)

Or is it just now that you are hashi.

I have been writing short articles that I submit to my to local paper,

and some of the commonalities among those of us with thyroid disease

are pretty interesting. (I like to gather statistics from the group too)

I live in the rocky mountain area....one of the more poor areas for iodine.

In the county that I live in...thyroid cancer, and hypothyroidism are pretty

common....scarily so.

I have become very good at identifying folks in a crowd, just by the way they

look.

Some of the things that I have found we have in common here...are chronic

viral infections..and funny thing is...nine out of ten of us were "formula" fed.

I have three sons, and my first was breast fed for three weeks..(I was not

encouraged to do it, and I had to go back to work)

My second was bottle fed...(I was still working)

And my baby...I was able to stay at home, and he was breast fed.

The older two, have many of the same hypo-related problems that I do,

but my youngest does not. Could be just coincidental...but the tendency

to overfeed with bottle fed babies is greater, and they have a greater

proportion of fat than do breast fed babies.

Our set-point weight is determined early on I believe. Genetic...maybe, but

maybe not. And that set-point is very hard to "re-program".

Our brains work very hard to keep us at our set-point.

We're all born with a set number of fat cells...they can swell...but we don't make

any new ones until the ones we have are at capacity...(about 60lbs overweight is

said to be capacity) existing fat cells are difficult to shrink, and harder still to

actually get rid of.

Males are born with enough fat cells to keep them at 15% body fat.

And women enough to keep them at 30%.

Enough to sustain us for about three months, should there be a lack of food.

There are times when out percentages will be higher or lower, but in general

that is what nature keeps us at.

No easy answers to any of it....just keep doing what you can to be

healthy as possible huh?

http://health.msn.com/dietnutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100118695

Fire Up Your Metabolism

Wow,

You sure have done all the food things to exclude. It is amazing and sure shows how the thyroid really controls our weight. I was just thinking today, when someone eats and eats {and we all know one of them}, and they eat everything in site trying to gain weight and they don't how come everyone says and thinks that it is just their metabolism, but when we are severely overweight and can not lose the same people say it is our fault. It is so depressing that society will accept the metabolism problem for someone that can not gain weight, but when it works the opposite and will not allow us to lose weight all of a sudden it is not the metabolism.

Good luck with trying to lose the weight and this is just a thought, but after reading how you eat I am wondering if vitamins and supplements might be keeping you from losing also. I just don't see what else you can do. Some day they will have this figured out and then they all owe us an apology, but I am afraid we well be long gone till that happens.

LUcy

I think whatever the amount of weight a person has to lose, is not insignificant, especially if they have health issues so the weight isn't coming off. I had 10 # to lose, now its 25#, and so not being able to lose is a problem because that means you can only go up. I know there are people with quite a bit more to lose but that's still a problem in any case.

Any amount of weight that makes a person not feel their best, imo, is not insignificant.

-Amie

Hi April/Monica,

I agreed with what you had to say April! *although I have a very significant amount of weight to lose.....

I have lost weight before my thyroid problem (at least before it was identified.) HOWEVER, I worked out like a maniac! I was an exercise freak...that should NOT be necessary.......and I didn't have much to lose maybe 20 # max.
Anyway, back to your response, (as copied below)....I have also found that if it isn't found in nature to not put it in my mouth. I have gone gluten free (due to Celiac) and thus it was 'easier' for me to also go organic/natural.

I had to RETRAIN myself to be hungry again. Amazing, here I was morbidly obese, and I was hardly ever hungry. I only ate because I knew I needed to! I was very malnourished and often ate the food I thought I wanted....and food I thought I needed (high grain...obviously bad for a Celiac..but I didn't know that then!) I figured I craved it because I needed it, yet like an alcoholic, I craved the very thing that made me sick. Now that I am GF (gluten free) I DO realize when I need red meat (not often, but at least once a week.) I start thinking about things that have red meat in them and really wanting them...so I give that to myself and don't really desire it for days or a week afterward. I do find that I crave fish more often than anything else...so I started taking Cod/Fish Liver Oil (Norway ONLY) and the cravings subside. I have cut out using Splenda (told I should use that as I am insulin resistent.) I never used other artificial subsistutes as they gave me
headaches. I also heard that using those substitutes makes you want more and more sweet......and I now believe that! as I find I don't crave sugar much at all anymore! (Actually, it doesn't even appeal sometimes, when I DO choose to eat something with sugar in it~) I am not a chocolate person.....but on occasion, I DO really want a taste of chocolate, so I take a bit. Oddly enough, I have NOT lost weight (not sure why) BUT, I FEEL MUCH better! and people see me and say, "Oh! You have lost weight!" (I haven't!!) but I LOOK better. My nutrition is sooooo much better and thus the malnutrion is gone, and I am much healthier due to it.

Oops, got off track.

YES, I learned to not ignore hunger and I did re establish that hunger mechanism (ordered by my doctor.) I only eat when hungry or at meal times (even if very little.) I actually find I don't get hungry more.....I thought I would (this is a GOOD thing!) I have learned to look at food as a medicine, vs a treat or enjoyment. I used to dine out for a hobby (I ate out almost every day, at least once!) I now go out a couple times a week, and when I do, I am very selective, to make wise choices and I use that time to connect with those that I am with, I focus on them and not food! It is a time to fellowship and focus on knowing others better, the food is just incidental. We do all need to eat......but it is not the most important part of why we are at the table together.

I have found if I drink enough water, my hunger is balanced. I have also learned that sometimes, I THINK I am hungry, when I am actually thirsty. I will sometimes take a drink, when I think I am hungry, to see if that feeling subsides...it often does. If it doesn't.....I then eat something appropriate for the time of day.

None of the MANY doctors/specialists/nutritionists I have seen are able to pinpoint WHY the weight isn't coming off. I am very seriously considering having a lapband done (gastric) to truly limit the portions that I eat. I know I have a good diet.....so that is the only thing that seems to make a difference. If I KNOW I cannot eat more without actually injuring myself...it should work (I pray!) As with the Gluten Free diet....I KNEW having it would make me physically sick, so I didn't/don't eat it....and am fine. I believe the same philosophy will work for me to lose the increasedss portions (although it really doesn't seem that much.......compared to so many others I see...)
I take supplements and have already done so much of the preliminary work for preparation for gastric surgery, that I feel I will be successful in this endeavor. I will have more energy and ability without this excess weight. I FEEL okay.......it is just the weight is 'in the way.'

I have had lots of lab work done and all my doctors are just amazed at how healthy I am overall (with all the things I have going against me!) That several doctors have encouraged me to consider the gastric surgery......and I am! My cholesterols are great and my BP is like 110/68.

The one thing I have to really keep watch with is my Thyroid (it tends to really fluctuate, Hashimoto's). I also have to focus on the Fibromyalgia, but I think that will improve with weight loss....I have to take meds every day for that to be tolerable. All the other stuff seems to be under good control....thank God!

I know this was a bit off topic, but I wanted to share some of my story. Sometimes it is not the weight that matters, it is the actual health! If I was only 15 # overweight, I would be so greatful just to have balanced health!

I have also read dozens of books about diet/health and such.......but I do have a book that I would recommend. I am sort of using this philosophy and modifying it some. (Veggies, proteins and carbs via colorful veggies! I try to have sweet potatoes at least 4 times per week.) My doctor knows and works with Diana Schwartzbein (the Schwartzbein Principle.) And I definitely recommend at least taking a good look at this book.

Sorry I got a bit off topic, but I guess I just needed to express some stuff!

Hope some of this helps you,
Laura

Hi Monica...

Personally I do not find Mary S. particularly appealing....I have read her books etc.

and I have been able to find much on my own.

Where do you suppose she gets her information?

Anyway...I really don't have weight issues now.

when I was first diagnosed, I was a little heavier than usual, just because

I didnt have the energy to move around much, and I would be out of breath

with very little exertion.

This was following a period of HyPer metabolism. (most likely due to extreme stress,

and chronic infection)

Sounds like you dont really have much to lose either...15lbs is fairly minimal.

Most of the folks here are big on particular diets, and avoiding certain foods.

I find that too complicated.

On a cellular level we are all the same...our nutritional needs are just like

everyone elses. (hormone deficiency or not)

If you are malnourished, your appetite will be stimulated more often.

Its the only way your body can let you know its deficient!

(I understand that there are things that interfere with thyroid hormone, and

those you could perhaps familiarize yourself with.)

So, I try not to focus on how many calories I'm getting, and I'm more concerned

with the nutritive value of what I eat.

I don't ask myself "hmmm what do I want?" I ask myself what do I NEED?

What have I not given myself today?

I also don't spend more time than I have to thinking about it...

Success on the weight loss front really does require more than just

deciding you want to lose it

it requires behavioral, and attitude shifts to maintain for the long

run.

I have not really come accross any ONE book that has it all.

I have read many, many...and I have done some research on related

subjects on my own...and there is a good deal of helpful information in all of them.

Bottom line though,...everyone wants "their" book to sell, and they will make you

believe that their way is the only way...

All of the ones that I have read, are so convincing its scary! even when I know

better.

for me the simplest formula is...

If it isnt found in nature, don't put it in your mouth.

Dont ignore your hunger...

Food is fuel...nothing more.

as far as meat goes...how often would you eat it, if you had to eat it

in its natural form?

Dont eat and drink at the same sitting

the human body is designed for movement

do it often!

best regards...April.

I find if levels are balanced, then a standard diet of calories in < calories out ust works, without adding and bells and whistles to the program. If not, then almost nothing works, besides the starvation diet, which yes, will lower your thyroid levels even more.

-Amie

Hi All,
I am desperate to change my eating habits and wondered if any one has
some good tips on types of food hypos should eat, natural supplements
to promote thyroid function....basically since I am happy with my
level of meds (I have successfully lost about 8 lbs-permanently) I am
interested in losing the rest of the wieght the "right" way (about 15+
lbs) :) I do have the thyroid diet book by Mary S. - did that book
actually help anyone? I was going to start with that book and go from
there. I am so desperate that I was going to commit to eating nothing
but salads, veggies, and fish but I am afraid if that extreme diet for
weightloss would damage the thyroid further. So...this is what I am
thinking...I waould appreciate any advice you all might have or please
tell me what worked for you! I appreciate everything.
Thank you,
Monica

http://health.msn.com/fitness/women.aspx

Women's Fitness Index

© Corbis Find the motivation and routines you need to tame those problem areas. These workouts will tone your arms, flatten your belly and keep your legs lean. Plus articles on the latest gear and more!

Total Body

* 10-Minute Hotel Workout
* 10-Minute Yoga Workout
* 8 Minutes in the Morning
* Aquatic Exercise: Gentle on Your Bones, Joints and Muscles
* Build a Better Workout
* Burn More Calories While You Sleep
* Couch Potato Workout
* Cross-Train for Your Brain
* Dance It Off
* Don't Be a Slouch
* Easy Ways to Get Fit During Lunch
* Everyday Aerobics
* Exercise in a Hurry
* Fitness on a Budget: Low-Cost Ideas for Getting in Shape
* Fitness Training: 4 Elements of a Rounded Routine

Core

* Back in Business
* Better Than an Underwire
* Bust Booster
* Fat to Firm in 3-2-1
* No More Flabby Abs
* Reboot Your Posture
* The Belly and Thighs Workout
* Tighten Your Tummy

Arms

* De-Flab Your Arms
* Sexy Shoulders

Legs

* Butt Toning Exercises: How to Sculpt Your Rear
* Kick Butt!
* Sexy Summer Legs
* Shin Guards
* Trim Those Hips and Thighs
* True Grit

Gear

* Dirty Dogs
* Don't Skip A Beat
* Solutions For Stinky Feet And Shoes
* Top Honors
* We Test It! Energy Bars
* We Test It! Treadmills

http://health.msn.com/dietnutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100120844&GT1=7538

Burn More Calories While You Sleep

Does that mean it has to be taking out the nodule because it
is the right hot nogial? Or do they do something else about it. I have
an overactive thyroid so I don't know what to do about that? Does my thyroid need to be taking out with the blood work I told to you?
Free T 4 2.0
Total 3T 1.6 7
Hot Right Nogial
That is all my blood work they gave to me everyone, any advice?
With Love
Kat

Hi, try reading this site,
http://www.endocrineweb.com/nodule.html

Hi all,

Here is an article by Mary Shomon about nodules and such...there are a couple of links at the bottom that are searches on nodules where you can find lots of other, more detailed articles on topics, such as hot or cold nodules. treatments, FNA (fine needle aspiration), etc.

Hugs, Bee

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/nodulesgoiter.htm

Thyroid Nodules, Lumps, Enlarged Thyroid, Goiter
Key Information

by Mary Shomon
If your doctor has diagnosed you as having a thyroid nodule, a thyroid lump or an enlargement of the thyroid known as goiter, you'll want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment process, the relationship between nodules to thyroid cancer, and followup.
What is a Thyroid Nodule?
Thyroid nodules are very common. A nodule is a swelling or lump, which can be a solid or liquid filled cyst or mass. Most are benign, but a small percentage can be cancerous. So you should always have a nodule evaluated by your physician as soon as you notice it.
Symptoms of a nodule can be varied. Some people have hyperthyroidism symptoms -- such as palpitations, insomnia, weight loss, anxiety, and tremors -- and others have hypothyroidism symptoms -- weight gain, fatigue, depression. Some will cycle back and forth between hyperthyroid and hypothyroid symptoms. Some people mainly have difficulty swallowing, a feeling of fullness, pain or pressure in the neck, a hoarse voice, or neck tenderness. And finally, many people have nodules wiht no obvious symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction at all.
If you have a thyroid nodule, don't be very worried that it is cancerous. Only 5% of nodules are cancerous, and most forms of thyroid cancers are highly treatable and curable.
Thyroid Nodule Statistics
* An estimated one in 12 to 15 women and one in 50 men has a thyroid nodule
* More than 90 percent of all thyroid nodules are not cancerous

Evaluating a Nodule By Blood Test
Typically, the first step when a nodule is discovered is for the doctor to conduct a blood test to evaluate your thyroid hormone levels. The results are usually normal, because thyroid nodules do not typically produce thyroid hormone.
Occasionally, nodules will produce thyroid hormone, and cause hyperthyroidism. Nodules can also develop in patients who have an existing thyroid condition. This frequently occurs with people who have Hashimoto's Disease, the autoimmune thyroid condition that can cause hypothyroidism.
A rare form of thyroid cancer is medullary cancer, which can sometimes be detected by a blood test to measure calcitonin levels. Medullary thyroid is known to have hereditary factors, so calcitonin tests are recommended for those who have family members with medullary cancer.
Evaluating a Nodule By Thyroid Scans
Commonly, in addition to a blood test, a thyroid scan will also be conducted to evaluate the nodule. In a thyroid scan, you'll receive a small amount of radioactive iodine that is absorbed by your thyroid. An image of the thyroid taken is then taken, and can show a picture of the distribution of the radioactive material in your thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules may some iodine ("warm nodules"), show more activity ("hot" nodules), or take up little iodine and show decreased acitvity ("cold" nodules). Warm and hot nodules are rarely cancerous. Even among cold nodules, only a small percentage are cancerous, but these types of nodules typically require further evaluation.
Evaluating a Nodule By Ultrasound Test
A next step can be an ultrasound of the thyroid. This test can determine the nature of the cold nodule -- solid versus fluid-filled. Ultrasounds are being used less frequently, however, because most doctors evaluating a cold nodule prefer to evaluate both the type of nodule, and test the cells for cancer at the same time, a process than can be accomplished by a test known as "Fine Needle Aspiration," (FNA) or a needle biopsy.
Evaluating a Nodule By Needle Aspiration / Needle Biopsy.
In needle aspiration or needle biopsy a local anesthetic is usually used to help minimize any pain. You'll mainly feel just pressure or a pinching feeling as a needle is inserted into the thyroid in order to withdraw cells for testing. Typically, in what's known as a fine needle aspiration (FNA), several samples will be taken from the nodule in order to make sure various parts are evaluated. The sample taken from the thyroid will be evaluated by a pathologist. Typically, the findings will indicate that your nodule is:
* Benign. This means your nodule is not cancerous. Approximately 70% of nodules will come back benign.
* Malignant. This means your nodule is cancerous. Approximately 5 % of suspicious nodules will be malignant.
* Suspicious. This means diagnosis wasn't conclusive, but there was possible cancer.
* Inconclusive. If the sampling wasn't sufficient, a diagnosis might be difficult. In this case, an additional biopsy might be recommended.

For an in-depth discussion of the fine needle aspiration process, see my article, Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid -- Questions & Answers.
Thyroid Nodule Treatments
Typically, for a benign nodule, the treatment is to prescribe thyroid hormone, which can usually shrink the nodule, or prevent it from growing. If the nodule continues to grow, your doctor may biopsy it again, or recommend surgical removal.
Most doctors will recommend surgical removal of a malignant nodule. While in surgery, the thyroid cells can be evaluated, and a decision to remove the lobe of the thyroid -- or the entire gland -- can be made based on the results. Based on the diagnosis, thyroid cancer treatment can then be pursued.
In the case of an inconclusive nodule, if a repeat biopsy is not possible, or if the doctor is suspicious of the nodule, some doctors will recommend surgical removal and evaluation. The majority of these nodules are also benign.
Goiters
What is a Goiter?
A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid, and is sometimes used as a term to refer to an enlarged thyroid. The thyroid becomes large enough so that it can be seen as enlarged on ultrasounds or x- rays, and may be enlarged enough to enlarge the neck area visibly.
What are the Symptoms of a Goiter?
Some goiters can be tender to the touch. An enlarged thyroid can also press on your windpipe or your esophagus, which may make you cough, have a hoarse voice, feel shortness of breath, feel like you don't want to wear turtlenecks or neckties, feel fullness in your neck, experience choking or shortness of breath at night, or feel like food is getting stuck in your throat.
Causes of Goiter
In areas outside the U.S., particularly parts of Asia and Africa, iodine deficiency is a key cause of goiter. But in the U.S. and many other industrialized nations, the use of iodized salt and processed foods has eliminated that problem for all but about 10-20% of the population.
In the U.S., goiter is more commonly caused by autoimmune thyroid problems that cause an inflammatory reaction in the thyroid.
Doctors will typically treat a smaller goiter with thyroid hormone replacement drugs. This can slow down or stop the growth of the goiter, but doesn't typically shrink the goiter.
If the goiter continues to grow while on thyroid hormone, or symptoms continue, or the goiter is cosmetically unsightly, most doctors will recommend surgery. If the goiter contains any suspicious nodules, that may also be reason for surgery.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles.htm#nodule

http://thyroid.about.com/sitesearch.htm?terms=nodules&SUName=thyroid&TopNode=3902&type=1

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=35572

Check Your Neck - January Is Thyroid Awareness Month

Category: Endocrinology News
Article Date: 01 Jan 2006 [INLINE]

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Over 27 million Americans have overactive or underactive thyroid glands, but more than half remain undiagnosed. To recognize Thyroid Awareness Month 2006 in January, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), in cooperation with the American Thyroid Association (ATA), will highlight the importance of the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and Free T4 tests, simple blood tests that measures the appropriateness of the thyroid gland's hormone production. It is very important for patients with thyroid imbalance to know their TSH and Free T4 numbers. The optimal TSH range is 0.3 to 3.0 mIU/L. Patients should talk to their doctors about their Free T4 numbers since laboratory ranges can vary.
WHY:
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland found just below the Adam's apple. It makes thyroid hormones, which are chemicals that affect the function of many of the body's organs including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. If your thyroid is not working properly, neither are you!
-- More than 8 out of 10 patients with thyroid disease are women.
-- Fifteen to 20 percent of people with diabetes and their siblings or parents are likely to develop thyroid disease (compared to 4.5 percent of the general population).
-- Nearly 1 out of every 50 women who become pregnant in the U.S. is diagnosed with hypothyroidism (underactive thy