Hi there...popping in to conversations this evening. I'm hypo, but my issue is different. TSH tells your body to make T4 T4 converts to T3 and Reverse T3 T3 is works at the molecular level in your body. In the US, most doctors will tell you that Reverse T3 has no impact. Others will tell you that R T3 will impart your body's ability to absorb and use T3. So back to me....I don't convert T4 to T3 well. When I Finally found someone who would treat me, my RT3 was through the roof and my T3 was really low. My TSH and T4 were borderline. I was exhausted and had gained a lot of weight - including a 20lb weight gain over less than three months. I actually went to an endocrinologist who told me he could see something was wrong, but couldn't treat me because my TSH and T4 were both borderline normal. It took 10 years to find someone who would look beyond the standard tests and help me. I am on a compounded T3 only. T3 has a short uptake, so many doctors who prescribe it will have you get a compounded sustained release formula. I've tried Armour and supplementing with T4 with no benefits. It is also not uncommon for hypo patients to also be low D and B. Here are some resources that helped me finally understand the condition. Mary Shomon is a thyroid advocate and has written many books on the subject. Google her for a link to her website. Her site lead me to Holtorf Medical Group in Torrance, CA. Their website is Holtorfmed.com. This is where I first started getting treated. My only caution is that while they were more aggressive with testing and research, he seems to be pushing for the money and I was less impressed with the other doctors in the practice. That being said, the website has very valuable information.

I'm not so sure about the fruit juices recommendation in a previous posting. They contain a lot of sugar. Better to eat fruit, becuae it takes longer to ingest and contains fiber and fills you up more. A few other recommendations: -Get used to whole grains -- bread, pasta and rice. They have improved them so they are easy to prepare and are very tasty. They are more filling and satisfying that refined products. - If you eat a lot of processed food, start reading the labels. If there are more than 4 or 5 ingredients, don't eat it. - Try ot avoid or cut down on sugar. Get a cheap paperback that lists the sugar content in all foods. You'll be surprised. Sugar is all over the place. - Stay away from butter and whole milk products. Use skim milk, or low fat milk. If you like cheese, eat it in moderation, and try to select hard cheese, because harder ones have less fat. Try to use only fats that are liquid at room temperature, like olive oil, canola oil, corn oil. Your heart and arteries will thank you. - Eat white meat of chicken, and avoid the skin, which is nearly all fat. Lean cuts of beef and pork are okay, as well as nearly all fish. - Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you have good, healthful eating habits, and you exercise regularly, the weight will take care of itself.

Weight gain during menopause is one of womens greatest fears. Women fear menopause makes it harder for them to keep weight off. The fact is, it's hard to tell exactly what the cause is for the weight gain. Women need fewer calories because generally, women become less active as they get older. But be careful when you cut back calories because you can actually slow your metabolic rate, which means you burn less fat and actually sabotage your weight-loss efforts. You'll also notice you store the extra weight in different areas. Hips, lower abs, and bottom store more due to gravity. Do you attribute weight gain to water retention? If it's fluid retention, you will probably notice that your ankles are swollen and your hands are puffy. It can also be related to excessive salt intake or a heart, kidney, or liver condition. If you have heat or cold sensitivity, suffer chronic fatigue, or experience difficulty concentrating, these are symptoms your thyroid could be out of balance. You can also work to control your blood sugar which will help you control your weight gain. In weight loss and weight control, your first goal should be to keep insulin levels from getting too high since insulin clearly promotes fat storage. hope this helps, Bob Here is a link that might be useful: menopause weight gain

I will be having a full (everything goes) hysterectomy soon. I've been told horror stories about gaining lots of weight (~25 pounds in the first year) and not being able to take it off. I've also heard a little (very little) from some women who actually lost weight in the year post-hyst. I am 120 pounds and 5'2". I REALLY can't imagine gaining that much weight - and am very concerned about it. Of course, I know that I need the operation, but am interested in your experiences. Oh - I'm about 10 years post-menopause. Did you gain? How much? Were you able to take it off? Any tips? Thanks!