My told me that a big mis conception is that if you have a Thyroid Problem it causes you to gain weight or to have a hard time losing it. He said it wasn't true.
What do you think of that?
I have always thought it did make you gain wieght and make it hard to lose it. I guess I was thinking wrong the whole time.
2006-08-27 16:52:54 · 20 answers · asked by Tired-Mom 5 in Health ➔ Women's Health
There are many thyroid disorders. Let's take just one of them-Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It can be bi-phasic, first hyperthyroid, then hypothyroid, or it can also be entirely euthyroid.
Only profound hypo-thyroidism is a cause for weight gain; the weight gain is modest, and usually it is due to edema more than it is to actual accumulation of fat.
He is correct that morbid obesity is not "caused" by "Thyroid Problem", NOS.
Conclusion: Modern Urban Myth, not difficult to understand why it has staying power though, everyone is looking for an excuse.
2006-08-27 17:01:27 · answer #1 · answered by finaldx 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think what he meant to say was that thyroid problems are only very rarely the reason why someone is overweight. The complaint that someone has a thyroid problem does not usually explain someone having a weight problem.
However, people who are hyperthyroid (ie. too much thyroid hormone) frequently are thin, and may have difficulty maintaining a normal weight.
Theoretically, hypothyroid patients (too little thyroid hormone) might have difficulty losing weight, since thyroid hormone is responsible in part for controlling your rate of metabolism.
2006-08-27 23:59:45 · answer #2 · answered by Wondering 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is not a misconception, i don't know why your doc said this...i have an aunt who has low thyroid and she been to several specialist and they have told her the same thing that she will be able to lose weight but it will take her longer and be harder to keep it off. i also have a best friend who has an over active thyroid and she eats constantly and can't gain ! she says she gets sick of eating but if she doesn't she loses weight very quickly, she suffers from headaches and menstrual problems too because of this...to me common sense dictates that if an over active thyroid makes you lose weight and you can' t keep it on then an under active one will do the reverse. but i think its best to believe the experts in this case and the ones my aunt sees are the best in their field so i go with their opinion.
2006-08-27 23:58:55 · answer #3 · answered by susie_q 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Then tell him to explain why most people who get checked for a thyroid disorder complain of either weight gain or not being able to lose weight!! Can all these other doctors and web sites be wrong? I think it's time to find another doctor!
2006-08-27 23:57:33 · answer #4 · answered by Maimee 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My ex-wife had her Thyroid removed two weeks ago due to Hyperthyroidism affecting her ability to lose weight and control her diabetes. She is very strict about her diet and regular exercise, but it didn't work. Unfortunately, they found cancer on it, and now she has to take radioactive iodine, meaning that she has to live in her basement for a week, with limited contact with any other living being. They have to stay five feet away, including her pets.
2006-08-28 00:02:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on if you have hypo or hyper thyroidism. You gain weight with hypo and it is difficult to lose it even with the proper medication. With hyper, you loose a lot of weight and it is difficult to gain back. As lovely as that sounds ( to loose weight) you loose it thru the process of uncontrollable diarrhea and if I am not mistaken, vomiting. Either way, seek medical attention. Both are very serious.
2006-08-27 23:59:54 · answer #6 · answered by Tina B 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Weight gain is a problem associated with hypothyroidism. Weight loss is sometimes associated with hyperthyroidism.
Soooo, whether weight gain is an issue depends on what "thyroid problem" you have.
2006-08-27 23:56:07 · answer #7 · answered by K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does your thyroid not control metabolism? I have hypothyroidism and I have been able to keep my weight under control but some days I have trouble just moving due to lack of energy. Would that alone not cause weight gain. I dunno but I would say your doc is wrong on that one.
2006-08-27 23:59:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Uhh..
No actually that is what they teach at least at my medical school.
Hyperthyroidism = most of the time causes increased metabolism
Hypothyroid = hard time losing weight, and causes you to keep weight on by lowering your metabolism rate.
2006-08-27 23:55:33 · answer #9 · answered by PreviouslyChap 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is one of the biggest misconceptions or excuses for people with Thyroid problems. I'm glad you got the right answer from a physycian.
2006-08-27 23:56:22 · answer #10 · answered by Private Account 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋