I've got many questions (see paragraph at the end) and I am getting very frustrated!

A few years ago, even though I have exercised for years (still do) and tend to eat low calorie healthy foods, I started to put on weight for what seemed like no reason at all. My doc dx'd me w/ a subclinical thyroid problem. I recall that my test results were somewhat normal, but my T3 was a little abnormal...I believe low.

My doc put me on Thyrolar. I got excellent results. I continued eating well and lost about 1.5 to 2 pounds consistently each week and then evened out at my normal weight. I was very happy.

About 1.5-2 years ago, I started gaining weight again and at some point to make matters worse, they stopped making Thyrolar. My doc tried putting me on Cytomel and Synthroid and this helped a tad, but not really. I still gained, but maybe slightly slower. For some unkown reason (never got to the bottom of it) the doctor took me off of all thyroid medication for a while. Since this time, the weight gained has speeded up a little.

Over the last year, I have gained 30 pounds. I have tried a variety of different programs...but always tend to eat low to moderate calories, healthy, low sugar/carbs and avoid things like sugar, fatty foods and salt. My overall diet and exercise program tends to be very good and consistent. Again, right now I'm not on any thyroid medication.

Recently, I have tried eating every two hours...some veggies and a low fat protein...this did not help.

I usually drink plenty of water (not as consistent as I should be), but even when I am consistent, this does not help.

I spoke w/ my doc who re-took the tests and I have not picked them up yet (will tomorrow) and quickly over the phone he indicated that my T4 was fine, but my T3 was again sluggish. He is hesitatant to give me any medication.

I have noticed that sometimes (not consistent) I blow up (swell) when I eat sugar or bread ...although I do not eat bread or sugar a lot and this is not consistent.

Doc is now saying that he thinks I have adrenal insufficiency.

One more thing (sorry so long and complicated). Many years ago, on an MRI I was shown to have a tiny pituitary tumor. This test was repeated 1 year later and the tiny tumor was gone. Thoughts?

Other than weight gain, a little eyelid drooping, slight fatigue, morning insomnia (waking up early lately), dry hair, some difficulties w/ body temp regulation...I'm not seeing any obvious symptoms. The weight gain is the main thing...even with low calorie, low carb, healthy foods + exercise. HELP...please see questions below...

QUESTIONS: Any clues? How do I proceed? Does this sound like subclinical hypo-thyroid? Do they still make Cytomel? Can a person take this alone? HELP! Thank you.

Hi. I just looked up Cytomel. There's info all over the internet. I found out that bodybuilders use this for their weight loss programs.

I never knew this.

Just google it and you'll see what comes up.

Melody

Thank you.
I was VERY very fortunate yesterday/today. I made an apt. w/ a woman who is an anti-aging specialist (MD) said to know a lot about hormones (basically her speciality). I was not able to get in until late summer. She had a cancellation this morning and I got in.
She is concerned about several areas for me...a possible multi level problem. No wonder weight gain has been soooo ridiculously easy for me, even with herculean efforts on my part.
One thing she mentioned was something called reverse T3...something that has been mentioned to me by a Dr. before.
The difference between her and other docs, is that she knows what to do about these things, is willing to do it and has the time to do it.
So, I am getting blood work for her and the saliva testing and hope to have answers very soon. I am sooo relieved!

I am SO happy that you were able to get in to see the doc today! Let us know what your test results reveal, k?

Thank you so much. I am floating on air tonight.
I thought in my heart there were a few things going on. She is very concerned about my thyroid AND insulin resistence. She's also looking at other things. But those two things really stand out in her mind. (MINE TOO!). I am exhausted from trying so hard and getting no where. I am more optimistic now.

BTW, a friend of mine w/ dx'd insulin resistence (and over 40 years of age) has lost 50+ pounds by doing the following and I am incorporating many of her ideas:

1. Eat nothing w/ more than 8 grams of sugar in it
2. Eat 3x a day, plus two snacks a day (Snacks approx. at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
3. Eat nothing past 7 p.m.
4. Drink 8 glasses of water a day
5. Limit coffee and don't drink alcohol
6. Don't eat obvious sweets (see number one); try to avoid them altogether
7. Eat small portions (use small plates)
8. If possible, exercise several times a week, approximately 30 minutes each time


She does 1-7 religiously and has never faltered on these. She doesn't exercise regularly...but has been told that if she did, she could lose weight faster. She does take Meformin.

I've already been doing most of these. I am now VIGILENT about the sweets. Not just cutting back, but watching the grams.

Insulin resistance occurs in just about everyone over 40.

You can have a fasting INSULIN test to show if yours is elevated.

Getting rid of sugar is a biggie.

You can search these forums for "reverse T3" and find posts.

To learn about sugar watch this video:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread116672.html

If you don't visit these forums often or regularly, you are missing alot of information.

That video was great!

Had trouble finding info. here on Reverse T3.

I watched my sugar intake very carefully this week and ate every 2-3 hours and for the first time in a very long time, lost weight this week!

Haven't been here regularly because my life has been crazy hectic for a variety of reasons. I miss coming here. I do check on the supplement/vitamin thread fairly regularly. I still take many of these.

BTW, I KNOW these forums are great. Your posts are particularly awesome! Thank you soooo much for sharing your wisdom. Will try to come by more often.