Hypothyroidism and Cycling

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gtrman423
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Hypothyroidism and Cycling

Post by gtrman423 »

I am a 65 year old male. Not overweight. I have been an avid cyclist for a long time....a few years ago I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. I had been taking Levothyroxine and not feeling my oats. I switched to Armour and noticed a bit of pep. I am now back up to 100 miles a week and a 4 mile heartbreaker hill. My question to all of you ....Lately I have been having trouble sleeping, and I have had some heart palpitations. It is as if I am on speed....I have been experiencing more moodiness as well. I feel great, better than I have in a long time. Although I had gained about 15 lbs, I am losing it. I am wondering if I am expending my medication more rapidly now that I am exercising heavily. I did a 50 miler the other day at 14 mph average .....and just could not get to sleep, was moody as if I was menopausal.....no offence ladies......I realize that thyroid medication as a big half life but I am not sure if it can be depleated by exercise. Any and all responses are welcome....I am a newcomer to your forum.
Vorpal
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Re: Hypothyroidism and Cycling

Post by Vorpal »

Exercise tends to increase your metabolism, which means that your body can process things more quickly, so while your medicine isn't 'depleted' by exercise, it's possible that an increase in prescription is needed. I recommend discussing it with your medical specialist.
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jacksonz
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Re: Hypothyroidism and Cycling

Post by jacksonz »

Those symptoms suggest hyperthyroidism. Better get your levels checked..... Maybe your taking too much. Changing medication brands can cause problems.
eileithyia
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Re: Hypothyroidism and Cycling

Post by eileithyia »

Agree it is suggestive of hyperthyroidism, get it checked, get levels checked and discuss with your team who look after you.... not Dr. Google.
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Mick F
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Re: Hypothyroidism and Cycling

Post by Mick F »

Yes, I agree that you ned your thyroid levels checking and it sounds like you're on too high a dose.

Mrs Mick F was diagnosed Hypo back in 1980 aged 24, and since been on Thyroxine of various makes, but her dose has been steadily decreasing over the years, to less than half what it was. She's checked regularly down at the health centre.

Actually, Mrs Mick F had palpitations fairly regularly some years ago and went for chat with the doctor. It turns out that she's badly affected by caffein now, so drinks de-caff and all is well.

Are you a coffee drinker??
Mick F. Cornwall
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531colin
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Re: Hypothyroidism and Cycling

Post by 531colin »

Vorpal wrote:Exercise tends to increase your metabolism,..............

Exercise increases your body's energy requirement, so energy metabolism is increased (breakdown of carbohydrate/fats to provide metabolic energy)
Hormones (and all sorts of other things) are broken down in the liver. In the normal course of events, the rate of breakdown is constant, and the blood level of Thyroid hormone is controlled by the pituitary gland's production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). There are, however, confounding factors; administration of barbiturates may induce the liver enzymes, leading to increased breakdown and low blood levels, whereas administration of valproate may inhibit the liver enzymes, giving less breakdown and higher blood levels of hormone.

(Notes.....Insulin-dependent diabetics may find they need to reduce their insulin dose on the day following exercise, as well as on the day of exercise, because increased energy metabolism may carry over to the next day.....Thyroid hormone level is probably monitored by the hypothalamus.)
reohn2
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Re: Hypothyroidism and Cycling

Post by reohn2 »

eileithyia wrote:Agree it is suggestive of hyperthyroidism, get it checked, get levels checked and discuss with your team who look after you.... not Dr. Google.

Spot on,
bloods will give your Endocrinologist the numbers s/he needs to tell you if you're hyper,particularly free T3 and T4 as well as your TSH levels.
Also ask to have you vitamin levels checked particularly D and B complex,and iron levels.
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