Training & Hyperthyroidism

[Ash&Wes07]

I need some talking-off-the-ledge, I guess.

I was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (explains so much of my symptoms) and I am waiting to get into an endocrinologist. Until I get my treatment plan started, they've asked me to abstain from cardio, not that I have the energy to run as it is.

If you've gone through this, how long did it take you to get a med plan worked out to where you had your energy back (and dr's permission) and could train again? If you ended up "nuking" your thyroid, how long did that put you out of running commission?

I know everyone is different, I just wanted to get some perspectives on it.

Thanks!

 

[rubato]

I have Hashimotos Thyroiditis with hypothyroidism. So, the opposite of your thyroid issues. However, I had NO energy at all for a long time before I started medication. I hate to say this, but it took me a good 6 months to get 100% back to normal. I started feeling better after a month, but not completely myself for 6. I think I started running again after about 3 months. Hope that helps. Good luck and don't worry. You will feel better, I promise!

 

[flightdave82]

About 4 years ago I had a total Thyroidectamy!! It's totally gone and I am dependent everyday on syntrhoid. Although my case is alittle different then yours since you will still have a functioning thyroid, however I can tell you that it will take some time for you to find the right level for your meds.

Just as rubato pointed out, I too found that it took about 5-7 months to feel normal. In the beginning i had to little of syntrhoid and I was feeling exhausted by the end of the day and my legs felt sore as if i was running outside when infact i was doing no training at all. Then after a visit to the endo where he increaded my dosage i ended up having to much! Then the symptons i started having was increased heart rate, insomnia, mood swings, etc. Finally after sometime i was on a decent dosage.

However from time to time due to me gaining excess weight or loosing alot of weight in a small period of time, my dosage ends up flucuating to the point where i experience the symptoms of excessive synthroid or to little.

Sorry for rambling but to answer your question, yes you should be prepared for a few months to feel certain effects until you gain find that right balance of medication for your thyroid. After that you can continue your life as you normally do now.

- Dave

 

[cloudnut220]

a good friend was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism last fall. She first knew something was really wrong during a 5k last summer. she ran competitively in both HS and college, and once she had that first episode, she just didn't feel right running for a long time. I ran with her this past saturday, and she said she's finally starting to feel normal again while running, although her pace is a lot slower than it was before. she started meds right before thanksgiving, and she runs with a heart rate monitor to make sure her HR stays below a certain level. She is not going the irradiation route, is just doing the drugs for now. I hope this helps!

 

[cewait]

Can't offer more than the above. Good luck and I hope that you get meds titrated quickly and effectively.

 

[Ash&Wes07]

thank you, everyone. It looks like I'm just going to have to be patient and wait it out. Not one of my strong points, for sure.

In the meantime, I'll get back into yoga and walking so I'm at least doing something.

I probably shouldn't pay and register for the wine and dine half yet, though.

 

[cloudnut220]

sadly, probably not. my friend says it takes everyone time to figure out what med dosing is right for them.

 

[eva]

I will offer you some hope. I have the same problem. I was diagnosed 6 years ago. Within 3 months of being diagnosed I felt a lot better. By 6 months I was back to "normal". (If you want to call it that.) I may have lucked out. My endo is great! He is excellent at looking at a person's symptoms, their TSH levels, and getting a quick biopsy on any nodules before prescribing Synthroid. But once he did that, he had the dosage exactly right. After about 60 days I felt amazingly better. I still have some problems with weight loss. He said that is to be expected. But that I should not use that as an excuse. As long as I take my medication religiously (NOTE: Be sure to take Synthroid first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. And nothing but clear liquids for about 30 minutes after.) I should be able to lose weight and excercise pretty much like anyone else. I am running just fine!

 

[liznboys]

Eva, do you have hypothyroidism, not hyper, hence needing synthroid?

OP, I've had hyper for years but thankfully I haven't needed to take meds, yet. I have nodules that have been biopsied multiple times.

 

[eva]

Eva, do you have hypothyroidism, not hyper, hence needing synthroid?

OP, I've had hyper for years but thankfully I haven't needed to take meds, yet. I have nodules that have been biopsied multiple times.

I have hypo. Believe me, you know! One is a ticket for weight gain, the other you tend to lose weight. Here is from drug.com for the uses of Synthroid:

Synthroid is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Synthroid is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.

Synthroid treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Synthroid is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer. It should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.

Here's a link in case you want to check it out: PDR Health.com

I am on daily Synthroid with hypothyroidism and nodules. I also have needle biopsies every couple of years on the nodules. NOT FUN! But my endo is great and I resumed normal activity within 3 months.

 

[sccrldy22]

I was Hypo with Hashimoto's for the longest time and then diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. I know it's not the same as your issue, but for me, literally 2-3 months after my surgery and treatment, I found running to be very helpful in maintaining mood and energy. Medication can only take you so far, the rest is up to you. It's a learning curve, you'll find your niche and what works for you. Don't get discouraged and don't be afraid to ask questions!