I have an underactive thyroid, and I find the winter months particulary difficult and feel so tired?

Question

Does anyone have any suggestions that would help me feel less lethargic?

Answer 1

My Wife Suffers from Under-active Thyroid and she has to take Thyroxin every day. She also Suffers a little from SAD. Get yourself a Daylight Lamp. We have one from a Company called 'Outside In'. Anyone would benefit, not just SAD sufferers.
It does sound like you need to get your Thyroid medication sorted.

Answer 2

Have you seen a doctor? There are thyroid medications to address this. Also, I am assuming you have been ruled out for SAD ( Seasonal Affective Disorder) and depression.
In the meantime, ensure you are getting sufficient sleep, are eating a balanced diet with a minimum of 5 ( preferably 7-10) serving s of fruit/veg, limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake and staying away from foods that rapidly increase blood sugar levels for short durations. 30 minutes of activity at least 4-5 x week will also help energize you.

Answer 3

There is a great thyroid patient advocate on About.com. Her name is Mary Shoman. She has wonderful information on all thyroid conditions. I have an autoimmune thyroid condition and I found her information the most helpful. (Better and more in depth information/explanation of what was going on than from doctors!) She even has information on "Winterizing your Thyroid"(10 Tips For Surviving the Winter Cold). I hope she can help you as much as she has helped me.

http://thyroid.about.com/od/relatedconditions1/a/winterize.htm?nl=1

Answer 4

I have had an under active thyroid for 4 years and take 100 micrograms of thyroxine daily. I havn`t found the time of year makes any difference to me. Have you had a blood test to check your level lately? I always make a point of going for my 45min walk daily about 6-6.30pm, whatever the weather. I think you have to have regular exercise, this fits in with my routine, and I enjoy it. It probably isn`t your thyroid problem, you could be a S.A.D. sufferer.

Answer 5

You dont say if you are on meds, perhaps a visit to the doctor and blood testing for latest levels is in order. You may need to start or increase meds, you should not be affected by the levels more during the winter. Perhaps you have a touch of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) too...;

Answer 6

When the thyroid gland fails to function adequately the result is reduced hormone levels. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful:

http://www.solgar.co.uk/healthnotes/healthnotes.asp?org=boots&ContentID=1035002

Answer 7

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Answer 8

my mother suffered from the same thing so might be able to give some advice,eat more iodine_ rich foods like fish, kelp,nuts seed´s & oily fish, sardinnes have plenty of this, that´s if you like fish. Avoid ,or eat less iodine supressing food´s like cabbage, bussel sprout´s Avoid drinks with caffine, if you smoke try to stop or cut down, same with alcohole, streess try to be more calm, & daily excersice , walk as much as you can , good for you and plenty fresh air, Hope I helped Merry Christmas

Answer 9

My husband suffers from this also. First check with your doctor to see if your levels are ok. You may need an increase in your medication.

Try making a list of small jobs you want to do around the house, like cleaning out a drawer, running the vacuum, etc. The smaller the better. Then make yourself do just one of them. When you get to cross one off the list you get that feeling of accomplishment so maybe you'll do one more job on that list? Or in doing one job it may lead to another that wasn't on the list. If so, write that unexpected job down on the list so you can cross it off too! Reward yourself!! If you can cross of so many chores on that list treat yourself to something you really enjoy!

Is there someone in your neighborhood that could benefit from your actions? Like an elderly person who would like a home baked cake? (Even if it came from a mix) If you're going to the grocery store see if they would like to go along or if there's something they need that you could pick up for them.

Put the radio on or pop in a cd of your favorite music and turn it up! That can be motivating.

Go for a brisk walk. Make yourself!

Start a new hobby. Do a jigsaw puzzle. Rent a new release from the local video store.

If all else fails, try some caffeine!! Hope some of these ideas help you.

Answer 10

I think you should try relaxing and don't worry about Any thing