Yesterday as I was grading my January progress toward my 2017 goals, you might have seen the big fat F in the weightloss department. I promised an explanation. Well here it is…kind of.
First a little background
I’m a hashimoto thyroid girl. That means my thyroid doesn’t work. For reasons unknown, my auto-immune system killed it shortly after Thing 2 was born, which as I understand it, isn’t terribly uncommon. It took a couple of months for me to feel hellish enough to see a doc, get diagnosed and treated. End of story….for awhile.
Enter peri-menopause and my thyroid meds needed tweaking. I spent years telling my doc I wasn’t feeling great (exhausted, weight gain, sluggish) but she assured me repeatedly my numbers were “normal”, and then offered me a statin. Because that’s how she rolls.
I found a holistic “anti-aging” doc smart enough to look past that initial TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) number and discover I had the right amount of T4 (from the med) but wasn’t converting it to T3 (the shit I need). He prescribed a new T3 med that made me feel amazing. Because I required no other treatments (think hormone replacement) from this doc, he suggested I see if my “mainstream” doc would prescribe it. Anti-aging doc is uber pricey after all and of course insurance covers none of it.
Fast forward to last December at my annual physical with mainstream doc. She agreed to prescribe the T3 med I need, but it was up to me to find a pharmacy who could “compound” it. Previously I’d gotten it shipped from a “compounding pharmacy” in Florida. Trying to make things simpler (and cheaper), after some internet research, I walked my prescription into the local Walgreens. Gotta give it a shot, right?
The Pharmacist I spoke to didn’t know what compounding meant (red flag), yet she assured me she had what I needed. A few minutes later she told me she’d have it in a few days. After a few days I got a voicemail saying there’d be a delay. When I called back they told me they had what I needed after all. Thrilled, I rushed in and picked up a 3-month supply.
The following day we left for Florida, where we spent the holidays. I had a great time. As expected, healthy eating went out the window although I continued to run. No regrets.
First week of January: I returned home, 3 pounds heavier. Did I earn those 3 pounds? I sure did. I reined in my eating that first week back, figuring everything would go back to normal pretty quickly. Except I continued to gain weight. How could I be gaining weight when I was eating less and exercising more? Does not compute, but maybe I need to give it more time.
Week 2 I cracked down on eating further with my CTC (cut the crap) diet. Gone were the added sugar, cookies, snacks and grazing, not that there’d been many since vacation. I added brisk walks to my rest days, an intense, midweek spin class, and veggies with every meal. Only to gain 2 more pounds. Maybe there was some muscle gain, because I’ve been spanking my strength and Crossfit workouts, but my clothes weren’t getting looser. I felt myself derail and slip into a black hole. A depressed, sluggish, embarrassed, tired, stabby funk. Was this my new “normal”? How middle age/menopause was going to be? I questioned everything.
Week 3. I took the (overweight) bull by the horns and started journaling my food, documenting every single morsel. Consistently I came in under the daily 1410-calorie allotment the app said I needed to lose one pound/week. Finally I stopped gaining weight. But I didn’t lose any either. The brain fog and depression continued. This is when it dawned on me that maybe something was up with my thyroid. Was the new prescription different?? Am I crazy???
Not sure I should be so quick to point the finger at a pill, now I was on a mission. I wanted to make sure I was being accountable first. Weightloss is all about calories in and energy out. You can’t gain weight on air, can you? (Maybe if it’s bacon scented?) I was determined to find the level of calories I needed to eat vs burn in order to actually start LOSING weight. What would it take? Had I been over-estimating my calorie burn from workouts? Underestimating portion sizes?? Is the app inaccurate?? I still gained weight eating 1400 calories/day after all, despite burning 300-600 calories working out most days.
Week 4 I cut calories further. I can do anything if I’m pissed off enough. A couple of days I ended up skipping a meal, entirely. I know this sounds obsessive and disordered and it is. I just wanted the answer. How many calories can I eat and LOSE ONE FREAKING POUND/WEEK???
Finally an answer: The magic number for me to actually lose that pound/week = 1060 calories. Even less on days I don’t exercise. Please tell me that’s BS.
Good-Bad-Uglies
- I did not struggle with cutting out processed sweets and snacks because I was so damn angry and irritated by this whole phenomenon. How’s that for a silver lining?
- When I eat really well I go through a boatload of fresh produce
- Fruits and veggies taste oh so delicious once your palate adjusts to not having overly sweet treats
- Overall I’d say my CTC (cut the crap) diet is Paleo-esque and veggie-centric but I do have some whole grains…think maybe one serving/day
- I haven’t over-eaten one single time since the New Year. Most of the time I feel like gnawing off a limb though
- Never feeling stuffed and eating nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods = zero indigestion
- The brain fog/depression has not cleared, despite having close to normal Vitamin D levels after mega dosing last month
Some of you have said “you look great” “put away the scale” etc. and believe me I’m not doing this so I can get my summer bikini body on, but I’m not buying larger pants either. To put this in perspective, I am now 20 pounds heavier than I was when I ran my first Boston 8 years ago. 10 pounds heavier than I was just last summer. Think about dragging around a 20-lb. dumbbell. Now run with it. Not insignificant, especially for someone who isn’t the tallest drink of water ever.
Next steps: I’m headed back to my “anti-aging” doc to see wtf my thyroid is up to. Until then I’ll keep moving, and no, I didn’t take the effing statin. I’m rarely such a downer here on the blog, and feeling depressed is so not typical of me. I know January was tough on all of us. Losing an Instagram friend to cancer and seeing a childhood friend’s chemo schedule makes me feel like a whiner of the highest order, but I’m keeping it real. If you’ve waded through my novella, thank you.
Ever have issues with thyroid? Depression? Weight gain? Hormones? Been offered a statin?
I’m linking up with Deb where the word is Derail.
I would love to know the name of your anti-aging doc. I need him/her!
Oh dear, what a frustrating month dealing with issues. I’ve also had some frustrating weight gain and sluggishness, but everything comes back “normal”.
I’m most certainly questioning your doc/pharmacist since 1060 calories is really, concerningly LOW (in my opinion).
My solution: take the batteries out of the scale. I haven’t weighed myself in forever. It works for me. Much less depressing.
I’ve seen you in person and I think you look great!!
But seriously. I hope you find out WHY you are not losing weight so you don’t have to starve yourself.
I weigh at least 10 lbs more than when I started running. I laugh when people say that you lose weight when you run and you can eat whatever you want – Not So.
I used to wear size small (bottoms – still small on top 🙁 ). I’ve given that stuff away and now it’s mediums.
I will commit hari kari if I start wearing larges. I think it is mostly age and I hope it stops.
Good luck with finding an answer.
Aw, the effects of our babies long after we carried them for nine months. At first, I thought “she does look great” but you’re right running around with that extra weight is unneeded stress on your joints. I hope your team of docs can come to a resolution because only 1060 a day or less, girl I feel for you.
I’m sorry that you are struggling, but 1060 calories is probably not even your base metabolic rate, or enough to keep you alive and breathing every day, much less training. Please reconsider restricting your diet this much. Eating too little CAN cause weight gain, though it is counterintuitive.
Here are a couple of suggestions/thoughts:
1. have you seen a sports dietitian? One can help you figure things out. You can find one here: http://www.scandpg.org/search-rd/. You might be able to get a referral to one to have insurance cover it, but if not, most are reasonable. I’m going to a new one next week.
2. Statin drugs do not have to be the answer. It’s common for thyroid medication to be adjusted from time to time. If your doctor doesn’t know this, find one who gives answers other a prescription.
3. There are a lot of compounding pharmacies around, but they are mostly the “old-fashioned” kind. And insurance does not cover them. I use a local one that mails me my compounded T4/T3.
4. Read the book “Roar” by Dr. Stacy Sims. It will give you a lot of background on many of your issues.
Yes, that is what I tell people – it isn’t about vanity – it is about trying to perform and feel good. I tell people I feel like I am running with a 40 pound tire strapped around your waist. I really thought I was Hashimoto’s from all my symptoms, and my crazy immune system issues, but the doctor said I am not, just low T3. However, I have been to numerous docs and none will treat it because “it is not a severe enough issue.”
I slept 12 hours again last night. I look at food I gain weight. I feel you, oh boy do I feel you.
PS – Trying a new doctor today after work.
Marcia, I don’t have that disease but you know my opinion of the scale, the hormones, the change & all that. I’ve written about it for years. I find the people that post about putting the scale away are either eating so clean that it does not matter or younger or not like me that even gained when I was younger so I always had to watch my weight. Reason for my GoFundMe page to write a book. SOOOO tired of the falsehoods out there.
I know you are always doing what is right for you.
Kinda off subject but lie people that post to not block out your face when you are not wearing make-up or don’t wear it – usually the ones that look great with & without….
Your thyroid is definitely being an a-hole.
Just thoughts as they have applied to me in a similar journey (also a hashimotos girl – also started after baby #2 but now without a thyroid as I had cancerous nodules).
Every trainer I’ve ever had has told me to eat a minimum of 1500 calories a day – when I go lower in hopes of losing weight faster they yell at me. 🙂 Even my online trackers yell at me if I go under 1200. So eating less is not the answer for sure. What you’re eating is more important. You may already be doing this but when I focus on increasing proteins I seem to do better. For me, that means keeping my carbs around 150-175 grams (which is high for some people but I do a lot of cardio so I’m cool with it) and protein at 80-110 grams a day (my specific numbers have been based on a few different recommendations).
I think the meds are probably more the answer though. I really suffered from Sept-Dec with gaining weight and maintaining a good diet. Turns out my snythroid med dosage was too high (I take both Levothyroxine for T4 and Liothyronine for T3). My TSH was at .04. You would think swinging hyper-thyroid would help you lose weight but since I was hungry all the time it didn’t and I continually felt like I was in that funk you mention above. But my doctor had increased my meds because at my July appointment I was around 5.6 for my TSH (for each test my T4 and T3 levels were normal). Previous to July my last test was at the end of March and everything was beautiful and I felt great. All this to say – your levels can swing wildly even if you’re taking your meds correctly. And unfortunately it takes 4-6 weeks before you can get a new blood test to see what’s working and what’s not. Since December I’ve lowered my levothyroxine and January has been much better. But weight still just comes off slowly or in weird burps. Like I’ll lose 3 lbs in a week and then nothing for a month. Super frustrating but I’m getting used to it.
Just curious if you’re using Snythroid or Armour? The only time I’ve used a compound was when I was on Armour but doctors hate to prescribe it (unless you find a holistic one). My regular Walgreens pharmacy doesn’t compound at all so I had to use a different one. From my readings on thyroid issues some people swear by using Armour. I didn’t really find a difference for me though.
Good luck!
Oh my, I’m so sorry for the frustrating time that you have had with this! I’m one of those people that thing you look great, but I totally understand how hard it is to run with any extra weight. The extra 10 lbs I gamed is really making my runs so damn difficult!
Yes to the last 3 (oh boy yes, and there’s nothing wrong with my thyroid); no to the first 2 (or mild SADD).
You know I’ve struggled with weight my whole life. 1000 (or 1100) calories is NOT enough to fuel a healthy lifestyle — I’m quite sure of that. My guess is there is something going on. I have lost 40 lbs . . . more than once . . . oddly enough my post tomorrow is about “diet” (although I don’t like to use that word).
Although I can tell you for sure, it’s not as simple as calories in & calories burned. Our bodies are such complex machines!
Oh man. These god damn autoimmune diseases!!! WHAT THE F????
How tall are you? When I was counting calories for weight loss and all that stuff, I was right around 1060 calories/day, sometimes less. But I’m short (5’1″). If you’re short, too, maybe that’s why you’re only allotted that many calories?
How frustrating, Marcia. Sending lots of strength and positivity your way.
I’m so sorry you’ve had a tough time. My mother has thyroid issues because of the radiation she had when she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease. She said she feels tired all the time and cannot lose weight. It’s hard seeing her so frustrated. I have a heart valve problem that gives me fits sometimes. January was a stressful month for me too. I hope you can get some answers when you get your thyroid checked again.
Ouch! I hate dealing with thyroid issues! I wonder if the new med is backfiring on you? I’ve had hypothyroidism for years and have been very happy on Naturethroid since I got prescribed it last year. I wrote a bit about some of my struggles back in August (http://www.laurenruns.com/2016/08/24/listen-to-your-body/) and am getting ready to start writing more about it as well. Let me know if you want any doc information I have!
You know that thyroid is like the one thing that keeps everything in check! It has got to be out of wack no matter what your Dr. says your levels are. You know your body and you know what you’re doing and the effort you’re expelling and it’s just not adding up!
I can’t imagine how frustrating this is for you. I sure hope you get some answers soon!
I can’t imagine how frustrated you must be. Cutting down to 1,060 calories per day is too low, but I think you already know that and it was just an experiment to see how low you’d have to go…
Unless I’m confused, the T3 you got from the anti-aging doc made you feel amazing, but the T3 you got compounded from Walgreens didn’t. Is it possible that the drug from Walgreens isn’t the correct one, especially since you said that there was a lot of confusion when you took your prescription in? Are you on HRT? I’ve had great luck with mine, but I do know some women who have said they just didn’t feel like themselves while on hormones. Good luck figuring out what you need to do to feel like you again!
Thanks for linking up!
How freaking frustrating! I’m sorry you’ve been struggling. Are you sure the T3 compounded by Walgreens is the same stuff your anti-aging doc gave you? Hopefully the anti-aging doc can shed some light on what the heck is going on. Keeping my fingers crossed you get some answers soon!
I don’t have a thyroid problem that I know of but the last 5 months have been really hard for me as well. Everyone says that’s normal in your mid 40’s but I feel your frustration. Have you considered that maybe you are eating too little calories? That does not sound like a lot for all that you do.
Wow. It sounds like you’ve done MORE than your due diligence in trying to figure this out! I agree…a trip back to the anti-aging doc is a good idea. He or she got you on the right track in the first place…and hopefully can get you there again!
I’m sorry you have to deal with this, Marcia. Your frustration and anger is valid, it doesn’t matter if there are other horrible things are going on in the world. We are allowed to feel our feelings!!
How frustrating! Hopefully your holistic doctor will help you figure out what’s going on. I really dislike mainstream doctors just dishing out meds. Hormones do play a big part with regards to weight so it’s probably not your nutrition – since you’re not taking enough calories already. Sending you positive vibes!
I think your thyroid needs to spend some time in the timeout corner (or you need it whoop ITS a$$). How frustrating! I hope you get some definitive answers…. ((hugs))
1060 calories? Your thyroid is being an asshole. I’m really interested to hear what your doctor says. It just doesn’t make sense to me, with all the exercising you do.
I hope you will be able to squeeze in a few of those calories with me in the next week or 2. We need lunch…
I am not sure how an active person can survive on a 1000 calories – that is crazy and someone is definitely an asshole for sure. I would head back to the wholistic doctor- there has got to be an answer and a statin is not it!
I hope you get some helpful answers. It sure sounds like the weight gain isn’t you but your thyroid issues. I know I spent a few months just unhappy with how I looked, but that was due to my food choices…it has to be so much more frustrating when you’re doing all the right things and still seeing your weight climb. Best wishes!
I’ve not heard of an anti-aging doc, or a statin so I can’t speak to either of those…I struggled with weight (still do) gain for the last couple years and that’s without a thyroid problem. I think part of it comes with aging unfortunately. Have you tried intermittent fasting before? That’s what finally jump started my metabolism. Also, if I REALLY track my calories (wine included) and stick to 1200 calories (and I don’t subtract calories that I’ve burned exercising) I can lose a couple lbs. The struggle is real!!!
Sorry t hear you aren’t feeling well. Sounds like a bit of a roller-coaster figuring it all out. Hope you get into see your other doc soon.
Sorry to hear about your struggles, the thyroid can really screw things up.
I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been going through, Marcia. My mom is also having auto immune issues and is in constant pain, and her doctor can’t seem to come up with the “right” answers either. Hopefully you both will get some answers and find some relief soon.