Since I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (yes, I know this is all I talk about anymore, but right now it is a huge part of my life) I have been reading a lot about it. I found a book that I just started reading today (got is from the library and now just bought it off of eBay because it is very insightful) and it has already started to shift my mood to the happy side!!! The book is called The Thyroid Solution by Ridha Arem, M.D.

It explains everything! I know having hypothyroidism is not a good thing, but understanding it is. I now know why I am sometimes irritable, tired, sad and well just plain unhappy. It all makes since. I think I can even pin point when it all started. And the best part about understanding it and being happy is that happiness actually helps control your thyroid! I am even going to see if my sister wants to read it so she can better understand what I am going through (sometimes she is not as supportive as I need her to be).

Just thought I would share a good find!

Does this book at all talk but children with hypothyroidism?* I have a five year old son with it and he was diagnosed at 18 months.* The reason we found out is because he was having growth problems.* He doesn't have the typical problems that children who are born with it have - no developmental delays at all.* BUT!!* I was reading your post and I do notice if I forget to give him his medication he is VERY naughty, crabby, whinny, tired!!!!* I thought that his only symptom for this was growth delays (he's very short)* but now I'm thinking he really does feel crappy without his pill!!!*

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****jbmama****

I do not see anything realted to kids in the book, but I think what I have read so far (only 50 out of 300 and something pages) can be related to everybody.

I'm glad you are enjoying the book. I recommended this book to another member here on Mommysavers in a different thread once already. It is a great book! I'm also hypothyroid.

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"Go on, get outside, get the stink blown off ya!!"

I also have hypothyroidism. I was dx in 1995. I was dx with depression in 1991. I started taking meds for depression in 1991. I had it years before I agreed to go on meds. Sometimes depression come from an underactive thyroid. In my case, the depression came first. The fatigue and constipation from hypo were terrible. I cannot tell that the synthroid does anything for my mood. I have Major Depressive Disorder and dysthymia.
Basically, I have mild to severe depression all the time. I wish I could tell some difference in my moods with my throid medicine. The doctor started me on 50 mcg. I now take 112mcg daily. I have a Mom and 4 sisters with hypothyrodism. It must run in my family.

I feel bad for those of you you have thyroid issues but I am happy to be able to talk to others that understand. I tried to talk to my mom and sister yesterday but my mom already thinks she knows everything and says she understands but actions speak louder than words. And my sister, well she did not have the time to listen because she was too busy watching her tv shows. I wish they would just make a little time for me. They just don't understand and I am sick of hearing how I might need to be put back on the "happy pills" again or them avoiding me because I might blow up on them.

If they would just take the time to understand hypothyroidism and what goes along with it, they might be able to better understand me. Wishful thinking on my part....

I am very interested in reading this because my mom has either hypo or hyper, not sure which, I'll have to ask her. And she keeps telling me to get my thyroid checked.

I was just wondering, though, if you do have this, do you have to be on medication?? Or are there things such as diet and exercise that you can do to alleviate the symptoms??

I will get a copy at the library and read into it, since I have so many questions. Thank you for posting this.

From what I am reading, medication is needed but I am sure there are natural ways out there too. I can tell you that I exercise 6 days a week for at least an hour and a half and follow a strict diet and have gained 40 pounds since February of 2007. There has never been a time that I haven't exercised; it has been part of my daily routine for over 3 years now. I wish that I would have caught this sooner because now I am struggling to take off those pounds. Not to mention the emotinal side effects.

I must add, good for you to want to help out your mom!

glad to see this post on thyroids.....hubby has problems with his and he considered to have a obestity problem. he's on meds. could anyone here give me an idea on how he could lose the weight? we have just started weight watchers.

fantasylight

The book I read talks a lot about diet and exercise. When it comes to the diet portion it talks about making sure you do not drop the number of calories you take in too fast. It states that you need to have a healthy balance of protein, complex carbs and fruits and veggies. You need to stay away from simple refined sugars.

As far as exercise goes, it states to start slow. For the first month 15 to 20 minutes of walking/jogging/biking/swimming, etc 3 times a week. For the second month you can work up to 6 days a week for 30-60 minutes. Then for the third month, try adding strength training.

It is truly a great book. My library had it so I got it from there. My guy actually just let me know that he bought the book for himself about 2 weeks ago so he could help me get better! Ironically the book actually talks about that; getting support from your spouse/family. Without their support and understanding the person with the thyroid issue may never get better.