What Do We Know About Oprah Winfrey's Thyroid Problem?
Last week, daytime diva Oprah Winfrey told ABC Good Morning America host Robin Roberts that she "blew out her thyroid" at the end of last season, due to stress. Now, the October 2007 issue of O: The Oprah Magazine, features more specifics on Oprah's recent thyroid problems, in her own words. In her "What I Know for Sure" column (page 380 in the magazine, or read it online), Oprah writes about why she needed to give herself a break this past summer. She explains:
"My body was turning on me. First hyperthyroidism, which sped up my metabolism and left me unable to sleep for days. (Most people lose weight. I didn't.) Then hypothyroidism, which slowed down my metabolism and made me want to sleep all the time. (Most people gain weight. I did! Twenty pounds!)"Oprah describes being exhausted and numb by the end of her show's season in May, but she needed to spend the month of June in South Africa with the students at the school she founded. She then cleared her schedule and spent the month of July in Hawaii, where, as she puts it, she "actively worked at doing nothing."
She describes her health regimen during that time. "I took vitamins. Drank soy milk. Munched on golden flaxseed. I ate only fresh foods..." According to Oprah, after 14 days, she started to feel her "self" returning, and by the end of the month, she was feeling better, and says her "physical health improved..."
What sort of thyroid problem does Oprah have? Is she getting the best possible treatment? What's next for Oprah? Find out my thoughts on Oprah's thyroid condition.
My Thoughts on Oprah's Thyroid Condition
While Oprah has not released information on her current thyroid diagnosis or treatment approach, what Oprah describes sounds very much like a classic flare-up of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease, and the most common cause of an underactive thyroid. In Hashimoto's, antibodies slowly destroy the thyroid gland's ability to produce thyroid hormone, which is essential to metabolism and energy. With Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it's not uncommon for someone to go through a brief period of hyperthyroidism -- a "last gasp" of the thyroid, so to speak, as it is failing -- before the thyroid slows down for good and becomes chronically underactive (hypothyroid).
The onset of autoimmune thyroid problems and hypothyroidism is especially common in women who are, like 53-year old Oprah, in perimenopause or menopause. Unfortunately, many women in this age group are told that complaints such as fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss are symptoms of depression or menopause, instead of a thyroid condition.
I'm not confident, however, that Oprah is receiving the best possible advice for her health. First, I have to wonder how long Oprah may have had an undiagnosed thyroid condition. It's possible that her thyroid problems may go farther back than just this summer, given some of the health challenges she has shared, including her very public battle to control her weight. Difficulty losing weight is a well-known symptom of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, even in the early stages before it develops into full-blown hypothyroidism.
Also, Oprah describes in the magazine article that part of her health regimen is to drink soy milk. Actually, for someone suffering from autoimmune thyroid disease, many experts would caution against soy due to soy's potential for negative effects on thyroid health. Soy in concentrated forms can actually act as an antithyroid agent, slowing down the thyroid. U.S. Food and Drug Administratino (FDA) soy experts Drs. Daniel Doerge and Daniel Sheehan, protested the FDA's own health claims for soy, stating: "There is abundant evidence that some of the isoflavones found in soy, including genistein and equol, a metabolize of daidzen, demonstrate toxicity in estrogen sensitive tissues and in the thyroid...Additionally, isoflavones are inhibitors of the thyroid peroxidase which makes T3 and T4. Inhibition can be expected to generate thyroid abnormalities, including goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis." Many physicians would recommend that Oprah avoid soy given her thyroid condition, and if she wants to eat soy products, to use only fermented soy products like tempeh and miso. According to Michael Barbee, author of Politically Incorrect Nutrition, "the fermentation process alters soy in such a way that the natural toxins, antinutrients, and goitrogens are neutralized, and the isoflavones are made beneficial--or at least, less harmful."
What's Next?
More than four years ago, I urged thyroid patients around the nation to contact Oprah's producers and encourage them to put together a show on the epidemic of overlooked, misdiagnosed hypothyroidism in America's women. While thousands of letters and emails were sent, that show on thyroid disease never materialized. Meanwhile, Oprah has continued to cover topics such as fatigue, perimenopause, menopause, depression, low sex drive, infertility, fibromyalgia, anxiety, panic disorder, and weight gain at great length, without any mention of the major role a thyroid problem can play in each and every one of these health challenges that women commonly face.
Now more than ever, I urge Oprah to consider covering a topic that has become a very personal one for her -- hypothyroidism. It's no surprise to my readers that I frequently bemoan the lack of media attention for thyroid disease. And strangely, even though the woman referred to as "the most influential woman in the world" has now gone public with her own hypothyroidism, we STILL have an inexplicable lack of media interest in her announcement, as noted by Bob Condor in the Seattle Post Intelligencer today.
Meanwhile, millions of woman across America, and millions more around the world, struggle with exhaustion, depression, weight gain, low sex drive, PMS, high cholesterol, difficult menopause, body aches/pains, hair loss, infertility, and other life-sapping symptoms, without getting the proper diagnosis and treatment they deserve.
Oprah's own health situation presents her with an unprecedented, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. By dedicating even one episode of her powerhouse show to the problem of undiagnosed, undertreated or improperly treated hypothyroidism -- and hopefully, covering it in a realistic way, and not the breezy "easy to diagnose, easy to treat" mythology promoted by some doctors -- Oprah has it in her power to dramatically improve the health of millions of women worldwide -- and even save lives that will otherwise be lost to this condition and its debilitating side effects.
We have raised up our voices, pleading with doctors, experts, the media, and even Oprah herself, to give more attention to the plight of people with hypothyroidism. Oprah has received our letters and emails -- thousands of them. And she now knows first-hand the personal struggle involved in having a thyroid condition.
Let us hope that she will turn her struggle into an even more positive opportunity to increase awareness, and transform the health of millions. As for me, I am confident that Oprah will do the right thing.
Read all of Mary Shomon's About.com Thyroid site coverage of Oprah Winfrey's thyroid condition here.
Photo of Oprah Winfrey, June 2007: Peter Kramer / Getty Images
Comments
I have a thyroid problem for years as well, but it is getting better and better through a special type of yoga. Pranayam yoga from Swami Ramdev. His Yoga is practised now in India via tv and worldwid .It cures more than 140 illnesses. Thyroid is one of it. Swami Sri Ramdew had been in the states for several times. His yoga however is free . If you go on this website you will find free yoga training and more information http://www.pypt.org/index.html This is the UK link for his site . Thank you for reading..
I swear I am being slowly killed. My doctor continues to lower my thyroid replacement medication based on lab testing alone. I have NO gland since it was removed nearly 20 years ago. Any ideas on where I can turn? I need a physician who will listen to me!! I am really scared of what this new dosage of levothryoxine (.88mcg) is going to do to me. That dosage is less than someone with an entire gland or partial gland would be given. I live in Seattle and like my doctor otherwise but need someone who can think outside the box. I see myself looking like a overgorged slug before Halloween is here.
Interesting that Oprah’s symptoms cleared up somewhat when she was in Hawaii where no fluoride is added to the drinking water supplies. Fluoride is known to disrupt thyroid function, according to the first published review of fluoride/thyroid studies presented in the March 2006 National Research Council’s fluoride report (chapter
Chicago, Illinois, where Oprah lives and works is fluoridated. Even if she doesn’t drink the tap water, she inhales and absorbs fluoride via showers and baths.
Let’s help us all by getting fluoridation stopped:
Take Action to End Fluoridation
Online Petition to End Fluoridation and call for a Congressional Hearing
http://www.actionstudio.org/public/page_view_all.cfm?option=begin&pageid=8276
Sponsored by the Fluoride Action Network http://FluorideAction.Net
I have been suffering with Hypothyroidism that I know of for the last 2 to 3 years and I feel hopeless. I workout and watch what I eat and I still can’t lose weight. I am in the Navy and if I can’t get help, I will probably be discharged. People always say just back away from the table, but that is so far away from the truth. I’m always tired. And they act as if I sit around and eat junk food all day.
I too have suffered from hyperthyroidism with secondary weight gain. I too after much research on and offline that this is a topic that is monumental and affects alot of people who are not even aware they have a thyroid condition. Doctors should routinely check thyroid levels (T3, T4, TSH) as they do CBC’s and Blood Chemistry levels. I bet alot of other conditions that get diagnosed such as depression, menopause etc are brought on by high or low thyroxin levels. Come on Oprah…..this is a MUST DISCUSSION; I wrote to you on your website a few years ago about this topic and never heard anything back. It’s time to come out of the closet on this most importantly topic.
Thyroid sucks! I wish every doctor would take a long look at it and re-study what they are missing! Pay attention, traditional doctors;;;;;;;
I too suffer from very low throid problems. Matters of fact when the dr i was going to at the time found it, he said i should have been dead. He showed it to a co-working dr. They both said they had never saw anyone with as low a count as mine. It was 3?? some low. Later because of it, i liked to have died. I spent a month in Bapt. Hospital in NC where they started me on 300 milligrams of throid medicine in a liquid. I was in a coma for a week. They told my family if i lived that first night i might make it. Well i did, thank God. But i can’t loose any weight. They now have me down to 150 milligrams hoping it would give me energy since i was somewhat straightened out but it is hard. I was talking out of my head. I was talking in my sleep of which i never had. I could just sit down and go right to sleep. I know how bad it was now but at the time i didn’t. The first dr. that found it started me off on just 50 milligrams because he said too much could cause your heart to maybe have a heart attack because it was to speed up my body. I had got to the point i said i was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I said i wasn’t even worth buying a bullit and shooting. He told me a throid problem can kill you. That it has a lot to do with other body functions. My kidneys shut down. I was in bad shape. Im better but im not well.
I have hypothyroidism. My husband realized this from my symptoms and found an excellent dr. for bio identical hormoines. Basically the two of them saved my life because I was having really serious symptoms. It messed up my lipids, blood pressure, energy, all the metabolisms, weight, heart rate, body temperature and I think eventually I would have died, but some dr. would have siad I had a heart attack. If your body temnperature is not above 98.2, the various metabolisms are not working properly and it’;s down hil form ther. The best test is the thyroid challenge test. You get injected with thyroid release hormone which tells the pituitary to tell the thyroid to release thyroid hormone. If the thyroid is released right away in amole amounts, the thyroiud stimulating hormone that the pituitary sends to the thyroid gland should be about 10—mine was 32— I stqrted on T4 and T3 bio identical-next test Iwas 29 -raised the hormones-then 27–then 22 now 18– we are aiming for at least 11. My husband took the same test because he had toruble keeping wight on and his was 11–so he just has very efficient metaqbolism and since he does alot of hard gym workouts needs a lot of calories. But the establishment is very archaic about thyrouid treatment., Also synthetic thyroid is reaqlly bad news.
As I read your comments, I see myself as I was over a year and a half ago. Fatigue, ballooning weigh (over 265 lbs) and all the rest. Having a good doctor who LISTENS is a must. Teresa, you were really on the verge of death. 300 + tsh? I was only 123. Here is I recommend for you all. As age creeps upon us, health is one of the biggest issues we have to face. I started to take vitamins, complexes, and plus on the side vitamin A, B, E, omega-3 and such. But what really boosted me was CO Q 10. This enzyme that helps the body to turn food into energy. It has to be built up in you first. But then you feel like never will tire out. I’m full of energy and life once again. And my mind works better too. (well some disagree with this. Haha)
About the eating right part.
Your body craves certain things without you realizing it why.
Before my treatment started I had visions of salty purple onions dancing in front of my eyes. Later found out onion has Thyroid boosting qualities. How many of you have the urge to go to a farm and try to get freshly milked cow milk? I had. My vitamin D and Calcium was low. Let your body guide you. You might not know why you suddenly want something so badly your mouth waters up just thinking about it.
Best for you all.
As I read your comments, I see myself as I was over a year and a half ago. Fatigue, ballooning weigh (over 265 lbs) and all the rest. Having a good doctor who LISTENS is a must. Teresa, you were really on the verge of death. 300 + tsh? I was only 123. Here is I recommend for you all. As age creeps upon us, health is one of the biggest issues we have to face. I started to take vitamins, complexes, and plus on the side such as vitamin A; E; omega-3 and such. But what really boosted me was CO Q 10. This enzyme that helps the body to turn food into energy. It has to be built up in you first. But then you feel like never will tire out. I’m full of energy and life once again. And my mind works better too. (well some disagree with this. Haha)
About the eating right part.
Your body craves certain things without you realizing it.
Before my treatment started I had visions of salty purple onions dancing in front of my eyes. Later found out Onion has Thyroid boosting qualities. How many of you have the urge to go to a farm and try to get freshly milked cow milk? I had. My vitamin D and Calcium was low. Let your body guide you. You might not know why you suddenly want something so badly your mouth waters up just thinking about it.
Best for you all.
I suffered with hypothyroid for 4 years–saw 3 endos who said it was “my age” because I was 50 and my tests were low normal (very low normal). Bloated and depressed, I sought the help of a naturopath and in 4 months I am symptom free, lost the weight (10 pounds) and my thyroid lab tests are normal (not that they matter). Alternative medicine worked for me. I feel alive again.
I am a UK sufferer and have been for the last 7+ years. Had tests for intolerance of thyroxine, but they are still trying to get me to increase dose. Cannot cope with side effects of drug, so would be realy interested in the comment by Valerie September 21, 2007 @ 6.16am on what ‘naturopath’ she went on. Jo
Make sure your doctors are using the newest TSH range as many doctors and laboratories fight doing so.
I’M A THYROID SUCCESS STORY!
(sounds like an oxymoron,I know)
I was diagnosed in 2000 and the diagnosis changed my world!! I lost 55 lbs., my brain fog vanished, my crisp vision returned, my beautiful blonde hair got fuller, I have so much energy! I’m back!!!!
It was almost overnight after finding the right doctor. Ladies my advice is simple, be proactive and if your intuition tells you you’re not up to par yet, put your “RUBBY SLIPPERS” on, and get to the next doctor that perhaps is better versed in thyroid disease!
Then know your number…Being “in range” is not good enough! Some doctors are satified to see your TSH in range but perhaps your optimum TSH (while still in range of course) needs to be higher or lower. As for me I know my TSH needs to be just under 1 to feel like a million bucks! I can now immediately reconize when my numbers are not where they need to be for me! Be in tune with your body.
Do not give up!
You are right that thyroid conditions are ignored. I work with medical records in a disability program and decisionmakers rarely consider thyroid issues to have any effect on functioning. Because I am hypothyroid, I understand the lab results much better than most of the people I work with. I think most people, including reporters, don’t cover this because they don’t understand the wide-ranging effects the thyroid has. If you mention heart or brain or kidney or liver, they get it because the function is a bit more straightforward. But, let’s face it, there are a lot of MD “experts” who don’t really get it either and that may be even more of a problem.
I think referring Oprah to some good doctors would be a big step in getting her to do a show on the topic. If she is properly treated and can feel better and lose weight in spite of a stressful schedule, she will consider the dr responsible for her treatment a “guru” and make it a topic for a show.
How about also mentioning how dental amalgam (mercury “silver” fillings) play a huge role in autoimmune diseases, Hashimotos included.None of these diseases (MS,Lupus,Hashimotos,Alzheimersand the list goes on) were around until the start of using amalgam All of the symptoms of thyroid disorders are also the same symptoms as mecury poisoning. I just had all of my mercury fillings replaced, a nickel based crown replaced and a root canal extracted. The day my last amalgams were removed my hot flashes stopped. My body temperature returned to NORMAL. I have reduced my thyroid meds. My period that I lacked for only 1 in a year (I was tested and I was NOT menopausal) returned in 3 weeks. I can now sleep peacefully. I do not get up 3 to 4 times to go to the bathroom if I drink after 6 pm. I am currently chelating and will do so for a long time but the way I feel is absolutely amazing. Some may think I am a crackpot but what I say is true. There is an excellent movie preview on www.rooted.tv called quecksilber (mercury amalgam) and and another preview on the dangers of root canals.
I think it is so funny that Oprah says she was feeling more like herself after one month. I have been on this hellish journey of trying to feel like myself again for a year now, and I haven’t achieved it yet. I don’t think she is being completely honest with us, if she is, I want to know exactly what she did to feel better so I can try it!
I was diagnosed 8 years ago and found much comfort and wisdon at Mary’s web sites and books. I use to be a big “Oprah” fan and was proud of her ability to educated others with her show. One day, shortly after I was diagnosed, I was watching Oprah and she was talking about Taking Control of your Weight… I don’t remember the situation exactly, but a lady from the audiance said something about Thyroid disease, and the problem she has will loosing weight and Oprah replied, “That’s nothing that a pill can’t cure”. I was shock and so disappointed that I haven’t watched or supported her since. Maybe she will take the time now to become educated about the lovely effects Thyroid disease has on a persons over-all health.
I have hypothyroidism and have always read that one cannot really attribute more than a 5 pound weight gain to having a slow thyroid, which is why I question Oprah saying that she attributes her 20 pound weight gain to the disease. I am only going by what I have been told by my doctor and what I have read. My mother and I both have hypothroidism and neither of us have had the kind of weight gain that Oprah claims. Actually I thought her friend Gayle said that Oprah gained all of that weight in Africa because she ate bread and potatoes. Does anyone know if hypothyroid can really cause THAT much of a weight gain???
I have been trying for the past several months to adjust to several brands of synthetic thyroid medication without much success.
I cannot tolerate even the smallest dosage (12.5 mcg)every four days of the medication. I experience severe stomach distress and develop all the symptoms of a hyperthyroid condition. The Dr. started me on 50mcg of synthroid and I ended up in the ER with chest pains and other medical concern.
I am desperate to find an alternative means to treat the disease. The disease has caused my lipid levels and blood pressure to escalate. I am depressed because of the situation with the medication and as my Dr. puts it, “no one has problems taking synthroid and other synthetic related thyroid drugs.”
Please contact me if you know of any other alternative ways to treat the disease. Thanks.
Sally
Good analysis of Opera.
She is surrounded by her trusted advisors. They influence her to look in specific directions and see their favorite helpers.
After the first inital finding then the true search for help may begain. There is so much informmation out there.
We all have to search out help and it takes time even for Opera to sort throught all the advice and try things out one at a time to see what happens.
We are our own reseach subjects.
I hope someone she trusts gives her Mary’s book or she find it herself.
I am grateful for the help I have gotten from Mary and her site.
Search on…
Andrea
I too have thyroid problems and have
gained weight. With Hypo, you are so
tired that you don’t feel like doing
alot of physical exercise. I take 75 mcg of Synthroid and diagnosed with Hasimoto’s. Good luck Opra!
I have been doing lots of research since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism 10 years ago. I have not been a well person since my diagnosis, even after colosal weight gain, being medicated with synthroid, various antidepressants, high cholesteral medication, etc. I have gone off all presecription drugs over the last 9 months. I have also learned that cortisol plays a huge role in thyroid function. A person really should take a cortisol spit test before being put on any thyroid medication to see what condition her adrenal glands are in relation to the stress in her life. Adrenal failure is a very real medical condition that accounts for a lot of the same symptoms as hypothyroidism. DHEA levels are also very important.
Before considering going on any thyroid medication, ask your doctor for a cortisol spit test to check for adrenal fatigue/failure. You may be surprised at what you find.
I can see how Oprah would feel better after 1 month. When I first started levothryroxine, I was extremely tired and I started to feel much better. And each time I had to get my dosage changed, it felt great. But I never felt as good as I did before I was hypothyroid until I found a doctor that would add Cytomel.
I have Graves and had my thyroid removed 2 1/2 years ago. 3 Endo’s later I am still educating my current Doc.
It is very frustrating telling my story
to a Doc who just looks at me like
oh well, Currently taking Synthroid
(Not the generic and getting by.)
I have found natural alternatives to be a great help and have found them myself after lots of research.
My experience has been to take a few days to recup after a busy schedule.
I doubt if Oprah is really Hypo with
autoimmune aspects her new found energy is going to stay with her. It is a daily challenge to stay in balance.
I really hope that Oprah, who can dedicate a whole show to the “Are you wearing the wrong bra?”, can find it within herself to do a show on thyroid disease. The benefit to the millions that suffer with thyroid disease would be extraordinary!
Thank you Mary and all of you for this site!!! it has been my only incourgment.I am on my 7th + year with Hashimotos and im 44 years old now.I have had Far to many years of doctors and my husband telling me its all in you head get over it.it hurts when I tell the people you trust most that I dont want to feel like this but I cant help it.I vaguly remember what it was like to REALLY feel well.I Need to stay strong.
I have Graves, lots of trouble; Armour thyroid is my best helper. Synthorid has a preserative in it that I am allergic to, same as in cheap red wine, pickles and slim jim type snacks. I had to change my doctor to find out about Armor, it was easy to change even in my complicated health care plan. Don’t put up with an under educated doctor.
Bottom line;
Thyroid dysfunction is different in every body, ‘one size fits all’ approach does not work. Everyone wants to be helpful and offer up what works/worked for them, but it doesn’t happen that way. As far as Oprah is concerned; she is a strong-willed and strong opinioned person. If she is convinced that her view of thyroid issues is correct (as in, it was a minor inconvenience, nothing that a month long vacation on my private estate in Hawaii can’t fix) then not one or one hundred thousand voices are going to change her mind. Think about it. Her approach to success and life has been to ‘will it to happen’ and so far, for her, it has. So I’m sure from her point of view, anyone else with thyroid issues is just a weak-minded mamby pampy who needs to suck it up.
For once, Miss O is wrong. (Gasp!)
I for one am a bit over the idea that everything Oprah says or touches must be venerated. She’s just a human like the rest of us.
I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease and i am 21 years old, does anyone know what type of diet i should be on or any foods I should stay away from? Also is there anyone that has been diagnosed with thyroid disease and still was able to have children?
Come on Ophra u are the person now to get the message out there for the thyroid as i have suffered for 12 yrs i respect u and look up to u so come on tell the world and the drs and there has to be more research on this and different ways to combat this crippling disease.
Australia
I was (finally)diagnosed with Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency in 1992, at age 44, and put on Hydrocortisone (the most natural form of cortisol replacement). In 1989 I had asked previous Endo to check my thyroid, and he said I was ‘low normal’. Had major ups and downs thruout the years, finally going into complete brain fog and fibromyalgia pain syndrome before being diagnosed hypothyroid in 2001. Within a week of going on natural Armour Thyroid (don’t let pharmacy do a substitution!) most all of my body pain disappeared. I am VERY upset about the fact that if I had been properly diagnosed with low thyroid in 1989 I might never have had to go on cortisone steroids for my adrenals! Have had massive weight gain thru the years, due to the meds. Like everyone else says, I was so tired that I couldn’t exercise or do anything else (except eat!). However, in 1998 I started to work out with a trainer at my husband’s insistence. I STILL don’t enjoy it, but I stand straighter and have better muscle tone and good bone density. I continue to work out twice a week. The BEST thing I have done for myself has been to realize that I can NOT be a workaholic any longer. When I am tired I need to stop and rest–not tell myself that I will ‘catch up’ later. You must learn to say “no” to your husband, kids, friends, etc. If YOU don’t take care of yourself, no one else will–as they are all too busy with their own challenges! I will be 60 in January, and just keep trying to do my best. In July I went on the Medifast diet program and lost 17 pounds in 6 weeks, without getting a headache or being hungry–a first for me!!! This quick weight loss (with no bad side effects) has FINALLY given me the incentive to keep with it. I don’t even WANT to cheat on the diet.
***MY FINAL CHALLENGE: to find the bio-identical thyroid meds that I have heard people talk about.***CAN ANYONE HELP ME WITH THIS??? I know about bio-identical hormone replacement, but not for thyroid and adrenals! HELP!!!!
Marilyn….you wrote above about the “thyroid challenge test”. I am totally unfamiliar with it, and though you give a very good descriptions, is there a website, or, someplace we can go for more information on it? Also, I wonder how a person can find info on doctors who are familiar with it?
Thanks so much for this enlightening message.
Amee-I have had Hashimotos disease, since 2002, and am on Cytomel & Levathyroxine every day, as far as prescriptions. I have been told not to have anything with SOY, because it makes the thyroid even worse. I also stayway from anything “white”, white bread, sugar,potatoes,pasta,ect. Eat lots of veggies, fruit, and I like berries! (strawberries,raspberries,blackberries, blueberries). I make smoothies with vanilla slimfast powder & rice milk (instead of cows milk). You can get almond milk or rice milk in the natural foods dept. Neither of these need to be refridgerated, and come in a carton box, that I do keep in the fridge, so it is cold like milk. It really tastes good too! Eat lots of chicken,turkey,& fish. You’ll feel much better & sleep better. The minute I start eating unhealthy, I start to feel tired, but don’t sleep at night, I have no ambition during the day. I also take a vitamin everyday, and as far as the hair loss!!! I am a Salon owner, which gave me the stress, that gave me the Thyroid problem in the first place, and I still have lots of hair loss! I think the product “Nioxin”, is the only thing that helps. Most salon should have herd of Nioxin Products, or can order it for you! Good luck & please try to find these milks at your grocery store.
So pleased to know I am not on my own at taking 12.5mcg every third day, as Sally D’Marco, comment 20 September 21, 2007@9.28am, is also having same problem with synthetic medication and taking 12.5mcg every fourth day. In the last 7+ years I have had all tests going, tried all synthetic brands of medications and have found one which I find I can tollerate a small amount. Unfortunately this comes only in 50mcg, so I have to cut it into four. I have also tried lactose free and armour, but have more of a severe reaction to both of these. It effects my sinuses and the middle of my face goes numb. I was told by the Doctor this could be dangerous. I get the same reaction with synthectic meds if I take too much. Would like to try a homopathic treatment, but as I am retired and now 63 money is the issue.
Jo
FYI, not only does Oprah have a thyroid problem, but her best friend Gayle has one too. She said this on her XM radio show a couple of days ago.
Hi Jo,
i am interested in communicating with you about the thyroid medication intolerance.
Please contact me at sdimarco@bccc.edu.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Sally
I have had hypothyroidism for about 6 years. Before I was diagnosed I like everyone else knew that I was going downhill. I had never gained weight without eating, all of a sudden I put on 8 lbs. and I went to 3 endos who all said “oh your TSH is fine, around 3.5″. I was 43 at that time. PS. about 8 months after the weight gain started my TSH went to 25 and I crashed. I also had and still have weakness in my legs that can not be diagnosed which I take ultram every day for. I went on the Wilson’s syndrome plan for 5 weeks this summer and boy did that knock me out. Do not go on this plan unless you are told of the negatives which I read his book 2 times and my doctor advised me it was safe. Well, the time released cytomel does NOT work well. Please if you are reading this stay away from Wilsons. It may work for a mere 20 percent of the people that go on it but it put me in a big decline. My body could not assimilate the time release cytomel that they put you on and I put on another 8 lbs eating about 800 calories a day. My cortisol level has been checked and I am producing 8 times the normal level. I am going to a Dr. Lee at Columbia hospital in NYC soon and he is a thyroid/adrenal specialist so I am praying he will help me. After I gained the 8 lbs. from my body producing the stress hormone cortisol I went off the Wilsons diet fast. I am back on my old meds armour thyroid and regular cytomel. I do believe Oprah could also have an adrenal problem. It seems the more stress you are under the more weight albiet water weight you gain. I think Oprah needs to lighten her work load before it begins to kill her. I hope any of my info might be of help to any other hypo’s = please do not go on that Wilsons program without knowing it can backfire and make you a lot worse than when you started. Goodluck and you can email me to talk at doxy3m@aol.com
Dorie
I started to have the fatigue, body pain, no sleep, sudden weight gain etc., about 7 years ago. I was “within range, but the bottom of range”. So Dr. did nothing. Went to see endo. and I have a goiter. Started on levoxyl 50 mcg. and got terrible heart palpatations and chest pain. Thought I was having a heart attack. The hypothyroid raised my LDL so much I did have a complete blockage in my heart. I am down to 25 mcg. levoxyl and this still does not do the whole trick. I don’t know what else to do.
I too nearly died from hyperthyroidism. In 2003, I suffered for nearly 11 months with varying “symptoms” of menopause to include the night AND day sweats as well as what was initially diagnosed as early stage rheumatoid arthritics. I literally lived in my doctor’s office and had every test imaginable, without any diagnosis. Every day was a major struggle, walking and breathing became increasingly difficult. Prior to the onset of my hyperthyroidism, I was a moderate walker;putting in 2 or more miles at least 4 times a day. I got to the point where I could not walk at all. My joints ached and I literally could not breathe and I would sweat profusely. My chest hurt and my heart rate elevated and accelerated to the point that my chest could be visibly observed moving up and down with each heartbeat, I was extremely nauseous and I walked like an old person of 80 or 90 years of age. When I sat, I needed assistance in getting up. I sweated profusely ALL the time. Finally, in November, I checked myself into the hospital.When I arrived there, my blood pressure was 210/180 and my heart rate was all but off the chart. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days; again getting tested and “treated” for phantom heart disease, stomach ailment and hypertension. When I was released, I went home with 2 medications for heart problems, one for hypertension and one for my nausea. This all took place the week of Thanksgiving. On the Monday following Thanksgiving, I went to a former doctor who diagnosed me with a potential case of hyperthyroidism. I was bed-ridden until the 2nd week of December as I underwent first the test and then the treatment for hyperthyroidism. I have no functioning thyroid gland.
I tell my story whenever I can to impress upon people the seriousness of not being properly diagnosed for either hyper- or hypo- thyroidism. I received the radiactive treatment the first week of December anad was able to get out of my house for the first time on Christmas Day. After the treatment, my body functions began to return to normal; but in late January, I went into hyprthyroidism and began thyroid replacement treatment with Synthyroid.
Yes, the inability to lose weight is a terrible burden that I struggle with daily. But, with the help of my nutritionist, I’ve managed to lose about forty pounds.
National attention has to brought to bear on this deadly medical problem.
I’m sorry to hear of Oprah’s latest round of health problems. She badly needs to read the book “The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America’s Favorite Health Food” by Dr. Kaayla Daniel. More than 70 years of studies link soy to thyroid disorders, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Oprah is jeopardizing her health with those soymilk and blueberry shakes. Worse, she may be drinking Revival shakes as recommended by Dr. Christiane Northrup. They contain high levels of isoflavones , which damage the thyroid.
This is the best roundtable discussion on thyroid problems that I am aware of.
I am 63 years old. I was diagnosed with a low thyoid problem around my menapausal years. I thought all the hot flashes, sleep problems and fuzzy thinking were from menapause. When I first started on synthroid my legs would just give out on me. Then I started to have a balance problem and sometimes walk like a duck. I have had three MRI’s with no results or answers to my balance problems which get worse every year. I also have a sinus problem and a fullness feeling in my face. My temp. is usually around 97. I was recently put on a higher dose of synthroid and for four months or more now all my joints ache especially my fingers and knees. I have had a cortizone shot in my knee because of the pain and now it is getting stiff. I am loosing my med. insurance soon. This balance problem keeps me from being able to work. It is making me old. My mind feels young~body not doing so well. Why is it that so many thyroid patients need to diagnose themselves?? All the doctors want to do is take a TSH test, give you a pill and say “Now you will be fine”. I have been to many doctors in different clinics and hospitals with no help. I am not Fine and I don’t like it! From this discussion, I have a feeling that many of my problems are thyroid related. Does anyone else have balance problems? Maybe the yoga will help. I was on the “pill” for many years and then on HRT during menopause. (for the sweating, foggy thinking and sleep problems). I wonder if any research has been done on this in regards to thyroid problems. Thanks for all the discussion and comments!
Hi Jo-Ann, this is Dorie writing, my post is the 4th one above yours. I have extreamly weak legs around my calf muscles. Bi-lateral. It has made me almost house bound. I am barely 50 and am desperate to find answers. I’ve been to at least 20 different doctors, endo’s, orthopedists, rhumatalogists, nuerologists, osteopaths etc. They really can’t give me a clear cut answer. I also have the bad sinus headaches but I have read that hypo’s have a lot of problems with their sinuses. Many many mysteries. I hope in my life time I can get some real help. I see a dr. soon at a center for thyroid/adrenal conditions = I am praying he can help answer some of my questions. Pls feel free to write to me at doxy3m@aol.com. Good luck, Dorie
Hello,
Several of the posts mention bio identical hormones for treating thyroid conditions. Can someone explain to me what bio identical hormones are and how are they used in treating thyroid conditions? What type of Dr. deals with this type of medication. As I stated in a previous post, I am allergic to thyrosine (T4) synthetic products. Perhaps bio identical hormones would be worth investigating. I can be reached at sdimarco@bccc.edu. Thanks.
Sally
Jo-Ann Clark,
If you read this, have your doctor do blood tests for pernicious anemia. The first noticeable symptom (after fatigue) is usually a problem with the legs (weakness, pain, imbalance).
I have both Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and pernicious anemia, though the pernicious anemia went 12 or 13 years undiagnosed, and I now have permanent painful nerve damage in my lower legs.
Pernicious anemia is another autoimmune disease which you can read about online. In a nutshell, the body develops antibodies to intrinsic factor, a protein secreted in the
stomach, which binds with vitamin B12 to make it absorbable by the body. B12 is the only vitamin which cannot be absorbed ALONE by the body. B12 is vital to nerve function and red blood cell production. Treatment is simply injecting liquid B12 yourself into the
buttocks monthly. One or two percent of people age 60+ have it, but it can strike in your 20s. Risk factors are Scandinavian or Northern European descent, long-term use of anti-inflammatories, fair skin, and type A blood. It often goes hand-in-hand with
Hashimoto’s.
It may not be the cause of your leg weakness, but it’s EASILY diagnosed and treated, and doctors always think of it LAST.
Carla
I’m not sure why the only comments are allowed after the Oprah article, because I wanted to comment after the article on frustration. One of my problems, along with weight gain, was brain fog. My mind had gotten slower and slower and this started around 52, when severe stress knocked me from borderline into full hypothyroidism. I’m on medication but still experienced the brain fog and, as a lawyer, this was career threatening. I looked into an Ayurvedic herb called Rhodiola Rosea. After reading a book on the subject written by a physician named Brown, I was ready to try it. Honestly, within a week, my mind began rapidly moving back to normal functioning, where it is today. I would highly recommend that anyone with slowed brain function due to hypothyroidism look into this herb, which was tested extensively in Russia and other countries like Sweden for about 50 years so it is quite safe.
I mentioned the HUGE connection between amalgam and thyroid disease. No one who has posted has even commented on this. I am surprised that this is being overlooked. The cause for your problems has to found, you can discuss how to treat it and what will make you feel better but the real question is why do you have a thyroid disease. As one poster already said she never felt as good as she did before she had thyroid disease. You will never feel 100% as long as you have the 3rd most toxic substance known to man in your mouth. Look at the closeness between your thyroid and your mouth. Look at where your teeth are and where your sinuses are. Look at where your teeth are and your pitituary is.I am a living breathing walking talking testimony of feeling a huge improvement in my health by getting rid of my mercury fillings. Mercury settles into organ in your body and it accumulates it is a slow poisoning. When the body can not tolerate it anymore you then start to have disease sent in. My body temperature turned NORMAL after the last of my fillings were taken out, My BRAIN FOG is decreasing rapidly, my HOT FLASHES ceased I sleep well at night I have ENERGY now. I am begging you to listen and to consider what I am saying. I wish that someone had told me about this years ago before I started to feel so miserable.Mercury depletes selenium and glutathione levels in your body. These two substances reduce your risk for cancer and help to rid your body of heavy metals. Mercury causes food allergies (how many here are food allergies?),allergies in general, carpal tunnel,frozen shoulders, diabetes, low blood sugar,tingling in hands and feet, tremors,memory problems,digestive problems the list goes on and on. This is a site that will show you the symnptoms of mercury poisoning see how many you have. www.mercurypoisoned.com/symptoms.html
For those of you that say that they already had them removed the next question is did you chelate the heavy metal out of your bdoy? If not you will still have problems. Those of you that don’t have the metal fillings did your parents have them? The mercury passes throuigh the placenta to the baby. Have you had flu shots or other shots that contained thimerasol (a mercury preservative?)
Please, please, please consider what I am telling you, it will save your health.
Thanks Carla and Dorie ~`
This is a very interesting discussion. I watch Oprah everyday, but haven’t read her magazine, so I didn’t know what was wrong with her, but had told my husband she looked different this year, like she was sick or something. I have hashimotos as do two of my three sisters. I have tried everything, Synthroid does not work for me or one of my sisters. Our TSH just continues to climb. Gerneric T4 will keep my numbers okay, but that’s it. Does not relieve my symptoms. I had to change Dr’s recently, and as usual my TSH was high. I asked him if he would prescribe me a little Cytomel (T3). To my surprise, he did. I was taking 125 mcg T4 and he added 25mcg Cytomel. It hasn’t relieved all my symptoms by any means, but I lost 15 pounds without even trying. That is the first positive thing I have had happened with any med other than T4. Armour made me feel awful, even though I know it’s been a lifesaver for some, we are all very different and I guess my liver doesn’t do a very good job of converting T4 to T3. I’ve been dealing with this for 14 years and am so happy to have something positive with my weight happen. I gained 40lbs in one month before my Dr checked my thyroid, and this was while I was doing a job where I got a lot of exercise and had previously been enough to keep my weight down to a reasonable level. I had given up on trying to loose weight, but now have hope. I guess what I’m trying to say is everybody is different and what works for one person doesn’t work for another, but you have to keep searching and it is hard to get a good Dr. to treat thyroid problems. Most just want to give you Synthroid and then accuse you of not taking your medication when your TSH continues to climb. Good luck to everyone. It is a tough battle.
I can’t believe if Oprah had Hashimotos disease she would not have been diagnosed with it. She must have the best doctors money can buy. I think just as with anyone who has lost a tremendous amount of weight, she has started adding bad habits back in and has gained some weight. That weight is just waiting to come back on. (read “Rethinking Thin” by Gina Kolata) That may be really why she is not doing the show. I have been on synthroid for over 10 years and just recently talked my doctor into Armour Thyroid. I have not seen any change in my weight. If you have hypothyroid and you have lost weight without trying you are a very lucky person. Of course now everybody in Hollywood will have thyroid disease and it will be a big deal, after we have suffered for so long. Maybe they will give us answers. I didn’t know about the soy.
I thought Oprah looked puffier in the face and eyes this year, and I had noticed even last year that her neck looked like it had a bulge in it (possibly a goiter?)
Patty
Really I wish that Oprah would do a Special about the many Thyroid Disorders that actually happen to many of us. I was diagnosed this past summer & even expecting my 3rd child now. Ever since my diagnoses its been a trip doing many blood tests & even now being pregnant I have to go in for a repeat vaginal ultrasound since the age of the baby is still unknown. Since my LMP & the previous ultrasounds don’t seem to be going hand in hand..its still unknown how far along I could be and can’t be given a EDD yet, until the baby is visiable to calculate the age and everything.UGH!
I could be any one of you. Weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, ridges in nails, always cold, on and on. The worst part of all this is dealing with drs. who look at you like you only want it for a quick weight loss. As a result of not being listened to I have had half my thyroid removed. I went to one endo who immediately offered me antidepressants. It doesn’t matter if doc is male or female -they don’t listen or treat the whole person. They refuse to look at the new ranges. My personal opinion is that the medical profession is not getting rich from thyroid problems. I take 100mcg of levoxyl and a 30 day supply costs about $10.00. Nobody is going to get rich from that, however, many of the other problems that could result such a diabetes resulting from being overweight is far more lucrative. I’m sorry for being so jaded, but I had one doctor tell me it was “unethical” for him to give me thyroid medication, another say, you are not “grossly obese”. I have a purple belt in Tae Kwan Do and have not lost one pound. When I bring my membership card to doctor to prove that I am physically active - they don’t even acknowlege the effort. Perhaps too if more men were afflicted with thyroid problems it would be better addressed.
There are aloy of comments on hypo..what about us hypers?? It has ben a rollercoaster for almost 3 years..I refuse to have zapping that American Drs want to do, so I control mine with tapazole..doing pretty good..found out mnay foods affect thyroid.I hope Oprah will do a show on ALL thyroid trouble. Anyone else out there hyper, and taking drugs only?
I was diagnosed as hypothyroid after the birth of my third son,in 1996.I was only 26 yr & the lab tech taking my blood commented on hypothyroidism as being a “old persons disease” and how unusual it was for me to have it
After beginning Synthyroid,I lost over 50 lbs and have kept it off for almost 12 yrs.( and a 4th child)
I wish there was more public attention and better information given to thyroid disorders.
I belive it would get more awarness out there if Orprah would do a segment on thyroid disorders.
As it turns out-I am adopted-my biological father and several members of his family all suffer from thyroid disorders so I am assuming it is a inheritated conditon for me.
Oprah,
And any one who wants to have bettr than excelent care. I had cancerous nodules in my thyroid 14 years ago. I had my thyroid removed. I have been on thyroid meds for 14 years and yes it is very important.
I love my doctor. He is the best in Texas and I bet the best in the USA.
He keeps me on my toes with complete care and takes an interest in my life.
I would recomend him to each and everyone of you because he knows his stuff. He is president of the thyroid society, he has many famous patients and i can’t say enough about him.He is the best. People fly in from all over the world to see him. I have seen them their. I live5 hours away and go to see him twice a year an will not change till one of us dies.
I would love tosee Oprah go to him for a 2nd opinion only because I adore her and want the best for her.
Dr. Sheldon Rubenfeld is his name,
713-795-5750 is his number. Please call and make the trip. Your thyroid is a very important part of your body and you all deserve only the best.
I pray Oprah will call him for a 2nd opinion and may be some one else.
God bless all of you
I wish Oprah would do a show on misdiagnosed chronic Lyme Disease (and coinfections), as well as electromagnetic hypersensitivity, since that’s what she really has, but even Oprah’s doctors are clueless.
Despite having many similar symptoms, plus an obviously enlarged neck, I was told that I was menopausal. It tooks years to finally be diagnosed with a rare and agressive form of thyrid cancer (Hurtle cell), which had just started to metastasize. One doctor told me that an untreated chronic thyroid condition caused the cancer, much like a colon polyp can turn cancerous if left untreated. Although Oprah’s condition will now bring much needed awareness of thyroid diseases, to be “recuperating” for a month in Hawaii is a bit absurd. Two years later, I’m still dealing with the after effects of treatment, and I’m at work every single day fighting my condition!
These comments are truly a blessing. I have suffered from thyroid disease for years… without knowing.. but my doctor said to me once to often, Shannon you must lose weight, i said.. what am i suppose to do.. stop eating.. i dont eat that much, he asked if i had my thyroid checked, i said.. i dont know.. he did.. and called the next day, and put me on med.. that was the best thing that had happened to me.. lost weight, started feeling good.. But then i started to lose weight too much, i ate and ate, and still losing.. people thought i wanted to lose, but i didnt.. I became to skinny, i got tired.. i couldnt think straight.. I didnt know what was going on.. I went to bed.. on friday, and didnt wake up until Mon… MY husband said… call the doc, something is wrong with you… I had no Idea i slept the whole weekend.. I lost those three days.. and still can not remember a thing.. I called and an appt was made.. My husband took me.. and i got there sign in.. sat down, they called me to the desk.. and said my appt was for the next day. i said i am sorry, i will be back tomorrow.. they said.. NO stay, and called me in right away… I got in the room.. and curled up in a ball.. fell asleep.. the doc came in, and the next thing i know.. i am in the hospital… with my daughter sitting across from me.. crying.. i didnt know the day, date year.. who was even President. Nothing.. they thought i had a stroke.. i was in the hospital for 2 weeks..I was in my forties looking like 80… The doctor wouldnt let me go home.. and i cried.. He looked at me.. and said.. Until we find out what is wrong with you.. you will stay.. Do YOU want to die.. because Shannon that is exactly what will happen.. I took alot of test.. and finally they found out what was wrong.. it was my parathyroid… i had a tumor.. I went to the U of M hospital.. had surgery, and now i feel better, still on the med.. but people beware, your thyroid controls your whole being.. its tricky, but deadly.. Do Not let this go unnoticed.. its so important.. if you have signs of anything out of the ordinary, have it checked.. you could be saving your life.. People think you are crazy, when its your thyroid… this is an important topic that needs to be addressed…
Shannon
Sue, I am a hyper too! I was diagnosed back in 1983 after my hyperthyroid sped my heart up so fast that I passed out and stayed out for 3 days. I went through 2 sessions of radiation therapy which finally killed off too much of my thyroid so I have been on levothyroxine now for 24 years. I have gained (and lost) weight but found that exercise did help with weight loss. Right now I have gained weight and am too tired to exercise but the drs tell me that my levels are ok.
I just found out I have an underactive thyroid and have been on medicine for 2 months. I am still very weak, my legs ache and have put on a lot of weight. I am taking 50 MCG of Levothyroxine, but I am still not feeling any better.
These comments are so interesting. I have had hypothyroidism for many years - I don’t have as many problems as some of you have, but (no matter what I do), I always have fatigue, very little energy, and weight and sinus problems. I had never heard that thyroid problems could affect the sinuses - this is great information for me. I have often wondered at the lack of information on thyroid. My big concern is that, now that Oprah is involved, she will dramatize the whole subject (as usual), emphasize the “weight” problem, and everyone a few pounds overweight will want to be on the band wagon. Unfortunately, over the years I have realized that “weight problems” are the only problems people remember about thyroid - their eyes glaze over if you mention the thousand other problems that sufferers go through. We need the medical profession to get serious about this subject. I was so pleased to read all of your comments, and send my very best wishes to you all.
I TOO AM A PATIENT WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM. I HAVE WHAT IS KNOWN AS SHEEHAN’S SYNDROME, I HAD A STROKE ON MY PITUITARY GLAND AT CHILD BIRTH. IT JUST AWFUL NOT FEELING GOOD AT ALL.TAKING PILLS FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IS A DRAG. I WISH SOME ONE COULD HELP WITH ALL THE SYMPTOMS, I TAKE A DIFFERENT PILL FOR EACH AILMENTS
I too have thyroid and graves.and so much more i was 17 yrs old when i had surgery.still in lots of pain ,so sorry all you out there just like me.I never knew thatam 59 and everyday its a drag for me. Sarah Bryan
I had my entire thyroid removed five years ago and while my thyroid levels are good now and stay that way, I take TONS of calcium (6 600 mg. per day) and TONS of potassium (8 per day). I continue to see a endocrinologist twice a year and have lab work done quarterly to check my levels…my calcium levels seem to fluctuate pretty often. Has anyone else had this problem?
Thank you, Mary! Yes, we all tried to ask for Oprah’s help many years ago with discussing this disease as well as the sky-rocketing rate of thyroid cancer (thyca). We reminded her to cover it when she had on celebrities that were known thyca surviors like Rod Stewart and Joe Piscopo (males)and Graves suffers like Gail Devers! So, how could she be so naive? And, how is it someone with access to excellant healh care who has been fighting their waistline forever never got a thyroid panel done before? (Unbelievable, really.) Then Oprah finally gets her thyroid checked. And, she’s suddenly found an “expert” none of us who have been battling this illness for years ever heard of with an opinion so far off base from the scientific evidence that it is outlandish! (Maybe even blasphemy — equating “soul” with thyroid! Would that change the prayer to “God have mercy on my thyroid?” Would you same “that music has “thyroid?” No.
Since both Northrup and Oprah are presumably hypo, we can be charitable and chalk this nonsense up to “brain fog.” Except, it’s a public dis-service when someone with such notarity and fame spreads disinformation about a disease that will kill if it’s not properly treated.
Here’s my solution — money talks. And, there’s a lot of us “thyroid suffers” out here. So we can best send a message to Oprah (and her sponsors) that’s she’s been irresponsible on this matter by BOYCOTTING the show and the products it sponsors for a month. Make it February during the “sweeps” when Nielson is doing the ratings to really illusrate the point. Turn off Oprah to send a message she’ll get — that is, “check the facts, girlfriend, before you go out preaching a false gospel.”
BTW, for real wake up call about how thyroid disease is viewed by the general public, go read the blog on runners world where they all brag they aren’t “fat” even though there on thyroid meds. Of course, they are also running 60 miles a week — a little obsessed?
I have to agree. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis seems most logical for Oprah, although I am not so sure how “cured” she is. I caught a glimpse of a recent episode and noticed how puffed up she looked like she was holding a lot of water.
I would not be surprised if she had a dash of Hashitoxicosis, with a side order of Graves’ Disease as she described the shakiness usually attributed to Graves’ and the ups and downs she describes appears to be more like the battle when one has Graves’ and Hashi’s at the same time than if one had Hashi’s alone.
I see a good dose of RAI for Oprah followed with a national thyroid campaign and a best selling book about thyroid in the near future.
And Oprah, stay away from soy! Thyroids just hate that stuff.
I’ve been fighting Hasimoto hypothyroidism for 10 years now & my neck feeling very tender & throbing. It hasn’t always ached like this before & my thyriod levels are at a 2, so I know they’re okay. Has anyone had pain in their neck because of their thyriod? If so, what do you do about it?