Hey all,

I was wondering if anyone has dealt with hypothyroid issues while trying to train/compete (especially at a high level). What sort of symptoms did you experience? Did you have an abnormally low testosterone count at the time of diagnosis? Has medication helped improve the way you feel on/off the bike?

My mothers side of the family has a history of hypothyroid issues and I have been experiencing a number of symptoms that can be related to thyroid issues (very hard weight loss/maintenance even when burning a lot of KJs, cold hands and feet, strange energy levels, etc.).

I have a doctors appointment with a full blood work up scheduled for this coming week, so I will find out for sure then. I just wanted to see what others experiences have been like.

Thanks!

A widely employed blood test measures the amount of thyroid hormone in your system. If it's low drugs like synthroid are available at a reasonable cost to remedy the condition.

It takes a few weeks to take effect and should not affect racing and/or training.

Go see a naturopathic doctor that understands hypothyroid and athletes.
Many MD types dismiss thyroid or under treat it.
Also consider taking armour thyroid (porcine thyroid). Many have better results with this.
Major thing you would notice is being tired all the time, decreased performance and recovery.

Thyroxine (T4) free & direct levels are well understood with upper & lower levels of .82 to 1.77 ng/dL.

If your blood tests out of range your physician will have a guide to the dosage of medication to prescribe. If not then you'll have an insight into the quality of care you're receiving.

Or see someone who can prescribe some flower juice diluted in water, will have the same effect.

The placebo effect is a beautiful thing.

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"Physiology is all just propaganda and lies... all waiting to be disproven by the next study."
"I'm not a real doctor; But I am a real worm; I am an actual worm." - TMBG

low levels of hypothyroidism are common in endurance athletes. I have it and race without problems.

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2 Serotta's, 1 Spectrum, 1 Van Dessel, 1 Parlee & 1 Carl Strong, & 1 Titus.

I had low thyroid count about 4 years ago , gained weight felt tired and drained. I had my blood taken every week for about 3 months. My levels were not to low but enough to affect my well being. I stopped riding outside, just used a indoor bike. It was a virus that was the cause and after 4 months I went back to Normal again. It was horrible and really gets you down.Some Pro riders have suffered with this. It can last up to a year.

I have the opposite - hyperthyroidism - or graves disease. Had to stop all sport activities for about 2 months as I was too weak to do so and got dizzy quickly. Also lost a lot of weight.
Now taking tapazole and got my T3/T4 levels back down to normal and riding again at 95% of where I was at.

Thyroid hormones can affect your mood and physical abilities tremendously; it is essential to find a perfect balance with the drugs.

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My Parlee Z1

Dude

You totally need the blood test

Go and see a real doctor then report back

Good luck

Thanks for the responses, guys. I appreciate it. I had my Doctors appointment this morning with a blood draw and urine test (ruling out diabetes I believe). The doctor said that the symptoms I described make hypothyroidism a likely culprit. I will know for sure in a few days.

My blood tests were showing similar, but have done only one follow-up test that wasn't off the scale. I was feeling especially crappy this winter-spring, but I just kept pushing myself and the past few weeks I have started to feel better again. I also have what they call a masked hypertension and I think that thyroid and blood pressure may be connected. I'm currently looking for a doctor who would be interested in maybe following-up what's going on.

I think holding back unless you feel fairly shitty might actually worsen the situation if riding is your stress outlet.

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http://demarere.blogspot.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Forgot to mention that one of the problems that caused my issues was eating green salad. I liked eating rocket etc etc . I do not eat green salads anymore.

Would love to hear more about your experiences with hypo/hyperthyroidism. Please share how you dealt with it and if you are back to the same riding levels.
Thanks.

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My Parlee Z1