Weight, Thyroid And gluten-free

[amybeth]

I know that the thyroid and weight link up. My TSH levels have always been "just barely" considered normal (on the high end). I'm about due for bloodwork to check it again, but since going gluten-free I have noticed a steady increase in my weight, although the way I eat, snack, etc. has not changed in other ways - and more recently a strange feeling in my throat when I swallow, which I know can be an indicator of a thyroid condition. There is family history of hypo and hyper thyroidism in my family, so there's a very good chance that this is the issue.

I'm basically wondering if anyone else has experienced thyroid symptoms or conditions as a result of going gluten-free -- or if it's just a coincidence?

Thanks!

[Guest Robbin]

I am having the EXACT problem with the throat and the whole weight thing. I went to the website --stop the thyroid madness.com and wow I have every symptom of hypo thyroidism. I am learning so much on here from the experiences of others and it appears that thyroid problems are very common with this. I also am learning that drs. are just as stubborn and blind to this as with the celiac issues. It is very frustrating to go without eating much of anything, and the weight just stays glued to my gut. I feel like I have a lump in my throat and it feels vaguely sore deep down. Drinking cold drinks help for a few minutes and then it is back. This is something I have noticed with much more clarity since going gluten-free. Before, I just felt so bad all over, it was hard to pinpoint problems. If anyone has any more knowledge about this, I'd appreciate it too. Also has anyone tried some of the otc treatments on their own? ((I had the upper GI to check out the throat and esophagus, but nothing there thank God)

[jams]

I am having the EXACT problem with the throat and the whole weight thing. I went to the website --stop the thyroid madness.com and wow I have every symptom of hypo thyroidism. I am learning so much on here from the experiences of others and it appears that thyroid problems are very common with this. I also am learning that drs. are just as stubborn and blind to this as with the celiac issues. It is very frustrating to go without eating much of anything, and the weight just stays glued to my gut. I feel like I have a lump in my throat and it feels vaguely sore deep down. Drinking cold drinks help for a few minutes and then it is back. This is something I have noticed with much more clarity since going gluten-free. Before, I just felt so bad all over, it was hard to pinpoint problems. If anyone has any more knowledge about this, I'd appreciate it too. Also has anyone tried some of the otc treatments on their own? ((I had the upper GI to check out the throat and esophagus, but nothing there thank God)

So GLAD you posted this!! I have been dealing with this since January. I have been gluten-free for 2 yrs. I have put on 15 pounds since January and have had a "sticky" feeling in my throat since. I had my levels checked then and they are okay. He (the dr) said to keep an "eye on it". I am not sure what that means. Meanwhile, I have all of my friends laughing at me because I think I have all sorts of issues after looking on the web. I am bad like that!! Let me know what you all find out about this. I will keep you posted if I have any new news.

Thanks!!

[inquirer]

Do you have a copy of the lab work done? Get it and do some research. A few years back I was freezing all of the time and I was starting to gain weight. My Mom, Aunt and her daughter are all hypothyroid. I told the doctor that I wanted to be tested because of the family tendency. He looked at me like I was a hypochondriac. He asked me if my hair was falling out, breaking off, etc. I said no I'm just really intolerant to cold and I lack energy. To pacify me he said that he would order a cholesterol test since that had never been done and test for thyroid at the same time. He also recommended I get some biofeedback for my anxiety issues. He embarrased me so much that when I didn't hear from his office I didn't call to follow up. A few months went by and I was just miserable. I would come back from class in the evening and it would take me hours in bed to warm up. I switched to another doctor and I made sure that she was more holistic oriented because I had already done some research and knew that if I did have hypothyroid I wanted to be prescribed Armour's thyroid because it has T3 with the T4. Well, my TSH had skyrocketed and she instantly put me on thyroid medication. I went back to the first doctor's office got a copy of my lab work and found that my TSH had been elevated but there had been no follow up.

Do some research about thyroid. Alot of doctors for some reason don't like to prescribe Armours even though it has been around for a long time. The synthetic thyroid medications often don't work as well and one of them. I can't remember which, had some real problems. Mary Shommon (sp?) has a website and book that has lots of information. The important thing is to get someone to prescribe Armours from the beginning. If you do well on it they won't switch you off it, even the doctors that don't traditionally prescribe it.