Hi Everyone,

I've been here on 3fc for quite some time and had lost 60+ lbs in 2007. I kept if off pretty well until we moved last year and I gained approx 10 lbs back. It's been a constant struggle to get back down since then and now I've gained another 10lbs (in a very short period of time.)

A few things are going on. I was recently put on thyroid medication (the generic form of synthroid.) My numbers are "normal" by lab standards, but hypothyroid according to the AACE (American Assoc. of Clinical Endocrinologists.) The doctor that caught it is actually a fertility specialist and for fertility reasons they like it lower then other doctors. I can't say that I'm too surprised, since autoimmune diseases run in the family and I have had symptoms for years. The thing is that I didn't realize that my symptoms were symptoms. I just thought my low energy was just me. I thought my heavy periods were passed down from my Mom. I thought I could blame my mood swings on my nature as a Cancer (yes, ha ha ha!)

On top of that, DH and I have been trying for 2 years to have a baby. It's been stressful, to say the least. We've both got slight issues that we are working on fixing, but it's not getting easier yet.

Add in a stressful job and the holidays... Now I have 20lbs to lose. It's gotten me down a little, but I know I can do this! I'm just not sure where to start.

I guess I just needed to vent. I'm so frustrated. None of my clothes fit well and I don't feel very pretty these days (DH assures me I am though--I do have a good hubby.)

I know I need to start eating cleaner, counting calories, and exercising. It's hard though. The stress and, I'm assuming, my other problems have made me so tired lately. Some days it's all I can do to get through work, don't even mention making dinner.

I'm hoping the medication helps. I've made an appointment to see my general doctor too. She is an herbalist as well and may have suggestions on other things I can take herb/vitamin wise to help along with the thyroid meds.

NOTE: The thread should be titled "Frustration doesn't begin to decribe..." My brain isn't functioning too well today, I guess.

You must know that you are welcome here at any time. Lean on us. We're happy to support you in any way.

Zenor, it's wonderful to see you again. Welcome back!

It can take many weeks for your thyroid to be regulated once you've started medication, so try not to be frustrated if your symptoms drag on for a while longer. For some of us, it takes a bit of tweaking and adjusting to get the dose right, but hang on! Once your TSH is where your doctor wants it to be, you should be feeling so much better.

Good job on catching the weight gain before it got out of hand! You can deal with those twenty pounds -- you're a pro! And as your energy comes back, it will be easier and easier to be motivated to exercise. Which, in turn, will increase your energy.

I'm sorry you've joined the Hypothyroid Club but am glad that you found out and are being treated for it. It really is going to get better.

PS - I fixed your thread title.

Thanks Meg and SusanB!