Part 2: Oprah, Weight Loss and Thyroid

I blogged the other day about a quote from Oprah, who on January 5, 2009, shared her battle the last year with her weight again.  I watched the show and I read the article in her magazine.  I was moved my some things she shared from her battle, but I also walked away frustrated with some of the other things.

You see, Oprah stated that her weight gain had to do partially with a Thyroid condition she developed (she states other things too – but my focus today is on this).  I was excited to hear that Oprah was going to finally address a topic that is not only close to me (as my mom was diagonsed years ago) but is one of the most undiagnosed diseases among women.  However, I was quickly let down.

She not only only briefly talked about it on her show, but she also BRIEFLY stated she had been “cured”.  What?  That is unheard of from all I have read.  Once you are diagonosed you are on medication for life.  A hard “pill” to swallow when you are otherwise healthy person.

Oprah never explained what type of Thyroid Disease she had, what meds she took, or how she was cured.  I have searched the internet and found nothing more.  That to me is frustrating and spreading much mis-information about a topic that effects so many women.  How many women are scratching their heads wondering if they could get cured from this daily medication and the battle with weight, among other things, they suffer?

So I think that I will list all the facts I know about Thyroid Disease here.  Maybe I can help another woman with it.  Share the information with your friends.  And read a great book entitled “The Thyroid Diet” by Mary Shomon.  Most of the following information is from her book or website articles.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (An underactive thyroid)

fatigue, exhaustion
feeling run down and sluggish
depression
difficulty concentrating, brain fog
unexplained or excessive weight gain
dry, coarse and/or itchy skin
dry, coarse and/or thinning hair
feeling cold, especially in the extremities
constipation
muscle cramps
increased menstrual flow
more frequent periods
infertility/miscarriage

Symptoms of Hyperthryodisim (An overactive thyroid)

nervousness
irritability
increased perspiration
thinning of your skin
fine brittle hair
muscular weakness especially involving the upper arms and thighs
shaky hands
panic disorder
insomnia
racing heart
more frequent bowel movements
weight loss despite a good appetite
lighter flow, less frequent menstrual periods

But these symptoms are only the tip of the iceberg.  Here is a great checklist by Ms. Shomon for hypo and hyper that you can print and take to your doctor.  And there is a great article HERE on what the Thyroid is and the details on the disease.

Also note that in 2003 they revamped the values for a normal TSH level. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists stated that that doctors “consider treatment for patients who test outside the boundaries of a narrower margin based on a target TSH level of 0.3 to 3.0.” (Read AACE statement now).  Be sure you know what your TSH level is instead of just hearing you are in normal range.

Finally, be your own advocate.  If you feel this is you, keep going to different doctors till you meet the one that will test you.  An Endocrinologist is a great starting point as they generally have more knowledge in this area.  There is more I could say…. but I think I’ve gone on long enough.  I’ll get off my soapbox now.