Hypothyroidism and Me

 I have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Hypothyroidism.  Now since then I have lost all respect for the doctor who said I had PCOS, plus a newer doctor who took my through 2 pregnancies said in response to my telling I had this condition, "Really?  Are you sure?"  Considering she would know more than me, I think maybe not.  But the Hypothyroidism I do have.

Today I decided to do a little research on that.  As I recently ran out of Synthroid and went about a month without my pills.  Now I've been back on them for a few weeks and it seems as if I'm on a more even keel mentally and physically when I have them regularly.

The Mayo Clinic has a great website with lots of information on all topics medical.  They say that early on the symptoms may not even show up, but can lead to obesity, infertility, joint pain and heart disease.  The first 2 are also problems with PCOS.  Now I do have the Insulin Resistance as well, but that could be from my obesity alone.

The following is word for word from the Mayo Clinic's list of symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Sluggishness
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Pale, dry skin
• A puffy face
• Hoarse voice
• An elevated blood cholesterol level
• Unexplained weight gain
• Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
• Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
• Muscle weakness
• Heavier than normal menstrual periods
• Brittle fingernails and hair
• Depression

I have 9 of those symptoms.  And that last one is probably why I sink into a funk when I stop taking my pills.

Now when Googling (OMG - that's actually a word according to spellcheck) this topic, Google finished my text with "Hypothyroidism Diet."  Is there really a diet to cure this?

No.  One cause is through Iodine deficency, but since adding this to salt in the US, it's been virtually eliminated here.  In response to the question, "Is there a diet that can cure Hypothyroidism" the Mayo Clinic doctor Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D. says that no, there is no food cure.  But you should take your meds on an empty stomach and pretty much on it's own.  Even my multivitamin can interfere with Synthroid's effectiveness.  I did not know that!  I've been taking my vitamin, Metformin and Synthroid all together in the morning when I eat.  Also High Fiber foods, soy and calcium supplements can have an impact on absorption of the medication.

The "diet" is a common sense approach that would increase your health regardless of your thyroid.  They want you to exercise, eat more vegetables and fruit, whole grain breads, etc.  Well, DUH!

Synthroid.com recommends taking it in the morning 1/2 or 1 hour before eating breakfast.  I guess I can handle that.  Ok, I will take it on it's own 1st thing in the morning.