There are treatments available to manage it. The most important step is to see your doctor and get your thyroid hormone levels checked to make sure they are within the normal range. Once that has been determined, it is important to make lifestyle changes to help manage the fatigue associated with hypothyroidism.
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains and protein, exercising regularly, getting plenty of rest, and managing stress levels all are important measures to take to help with fatigue caused by hypothyroidism.
Additionally, supplementing with Vitamin B, Vitamin D, and Magnesium helps provide more energy. If these lifestyle changes and supplementing do not work to alleviate symptoms, a doctor may prescribe medications such as Levothyroxine to help regulate thyroxin levels in the body.
A doctor should be consulted before beginning any type of new treatment, as there can be potential side effects.
Table of Contents
How do I stop being tired with hypothyroidism?
Managing fatigue is an important part of living with hypothyroidism. To help prevent tiredness and fatigue, it’s important to first understand the cause of your fatigue as this can help determine the best treatment for your individual needs.
With hypothyroidism, fatigue is generally caused by a combination of two things: low energy production, due to the lack of hormones produced by the thyroid and poor sleep quality, due to the additional energy it takes to cope with the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
In order to reduce tiredness, start by taking thyroxine (T4) hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to restore your hormone levels. It is also essential to make adjustments to your diet and lifestyle such as reducing the consumption of caffeine and artificial sugars, increasing the consumption of iron-rich foods, and engaging in regular physical activity.
There are a variety of things you can do to improve your quality of sleep such as cutting down on late night work, avoiding caffeine in the late afternoon and evening, avoiding bright lights at night, and working toward a regular sleep schedule.
Additionally, relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can help to reduce stress and tension in the body and promote a better night’s sleep.
Finally, it can be helpful to talk to your doctor to discuss additional treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy or lifestyle modifications, that may be beneficial in managing your fatigue. By making these necessary lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage your hypothyroidism and reduce fatigue and tiredness.
What does thyroid tiredness feel like?
Thyroid tiredness, or “hypothyroid fatigue”, is a common symptom of hypothyroidism—a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. Thyroid fatigue can result in a range of physical and mental symptoms, typically affecting the entire body.
Generally speaking, people affected by thyroid fatigue feel an extreme and persistent feeling of exhaustion and lack of energy, despite having had an adequate amount of sleep. People with this condition may also feel drained, sluggish, and even depressed.
They may wake up feeling more tired than when they went to sleep. Additionally, they may experience difficulty concentrating, cognitive dysfunction, poor memory, and a decreased ability to accomplish daily tasks.
In some cases, anxiety and irritability may accompany thyroid fatigue. Depending on the severity of each individual’s condition, some of these symptoms may be more or less pronounced. Treatment of hypothyroidism often leads to significant improvement in symptoms associated with thyroid fatigue.
Why am I extremely tired on levothyroxine?
It is not uncommon to feel extremely tired when taking Levothyroxine, however it is important to understand why this could be happening. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the hormone thyroxine, which is involved in many of our bodily functions including how energy is used in the body.
When taking Levothyroxine, the body is able to replace the thyroxine that is naturally produced. This can cause the body to become more sensitive to the medication, resulting in a range of side effects such as extreme fatigue.
In addition, if someone is taking too high of a dose of Levothyroxine, they may experience anxiety and insomnia, which can also contribute to extreme fatigue. It may take time to determine the correct dosage.
Other factors that can contribute to feeling exhausted while taking Levothyroxine is an underlying condition such as anemia or hypothyroidism. It is important to talk to a doctor to determine the cause and if any other medical issues may be present.
Lastly, it may be necessary to adjust lifestyle habits to feel more rested while on Levothyroxine. This may include prioritizing good quality rest, incorporating regular exercise, or eating nutritious meals.
Working with a doctor to create an individualized plan can be beneficial in managing fatigue.
Is hypothyroidism considered a disability?
Yes, hypothyroidism can be considered a disability. The American Disability Act (ADA) defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
According to the ADA, having hypothyroidism is considered a disability if it limits a person’s ability to work, concentrate, interact socially, or care for themselves.
Hypothyroidism is considered a disability for many reasons. Individuals with hypothyroidism may experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, depression, and other physical and mental health issues.
These symptoms can significantly limit a person’s ability to function in everyday life.
If you have hypothyroidism, it’s important to know that you may be able to qualify for certain benefits. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may qualify for benefits like short-term or long-term disability, health insurance, or government assistance.
To see if you’re eligible, contact your physician, disability lawyer, or disability rights organization.
Does exercise make hypothyroidism worse?
No, exercise does not make hypothyroidism worse. In fact, regular exercise can help to ease some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and provide many overall health benefits. Some people experience fatigue as a symptom of hypothyroidism, and exercise can help to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Exercise can also help to improve sleep quality and concentration. It can also help to reduce stress, which can in turn improve the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Additionally, exercising can help to maintain and improve physical strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health.
However, it is important that people with hypothyroidism take caution when starting a new exercise routine and make sure to check with a healthcare professional before making any changes.
Does levothyroxine give you energy?
Levothyroxine is a type of thyroid hormone taken to supplement the hormones produced by the body’s thyroid gland. It can be used to treat conditions caused by an underactive thyroid, such as hypothyroidism and goiter.
While it does not directly give people energy, it does improve energy levels by restoring the body’s hormones to a healthy balance. In addition, since levothyroxine helps alleviate the physical and mental symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, it can have an indirect effect on energy levels.
For example, when hypothyroidism is treated by taking levothyroxine, many people have less difficulty with activities that require physical or mental effort and have more energy overall. Additionally, the medication can help reduce fatigue and improve the ability to focus due to its effects on the hormones.
Why is my thyroid medication making me so tired?
It is possible that your thyroid medication is making you so tired. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland can affect energy levels, and when medications are used to replace or supplement the hormones, it can cause fatigue.
When taking thyroid medication, it is important to make sure that the dosage is correct. A dose that is too high can cause increased fatigue and other symptoms. On the other hand, taking too little of the medication can cause a decrease in energy levels as well.
It is also important to monitor how the medication is affecting your energy levels over time. If you have been feeling more tired over an extended period, you should speak to your doctor about adjusting the dose or choosing a different medication.
Additionally, if your thyroid levels are still not normal after being on the medication, it could be an indication that the underlying cause of the fatigue is not being addressed and adjusting the medication might not be enough to improve your energy levels.
Other medical problems, such as anemia or adrenal fatigue, can also be causing fatigue, so it is important to rule out any other potential causes.
What to do if you take thyroid medication but still tired?
If you are taking thyroid medication but still feeling tired, it is important to discuss this with your doctor or healthcare provider. Depending on your particular situation, there could be several explanations for why you are still feeling tired.
Some of these explanations might include an incorrect dosage of medication, an incorrect type of medication, underlying infections or illnesses, food allergies or sensitivities, or another lifestyle factor.
Your doctor may recommend certain tests such as a blood test or a thyroid scan to check for thyroid hormone levels or any abnormalities. Depending on the test results and a thorough physical assessment, your doctor may recommend changes to your medication, a change in diet or lifestyle habits, or may refer you to other specialists for further assessment.
In some cases, lifestyle modifications such as increased exercise, good nutrition, improved sleep habits, stress reduction, or adding specific supplements may help alleviate some of the fatigue. A good nutrition plan should include getting enough protein and B vitamins and limiting refined carbohydrates to help balance your blood sugar levels, improve metabolism, and give you more consistent energy.
Finally, it is important to remember that it may take several weeks and possibly months to regulate your thyroid hormone levels and to start feeling energized and less tired. Keeping track of your energy levels and any other symptoms in a journal may help your doctor narrow down the cause and find the most effective treatment.
What are the signs and symptoms of too much levothyroxine?
The signs and symptoms of too much levothyroxine, also known as hyperthyroidism, can vary depending on the individual and the amount of medication they have taken. Generally speaking, they may include: feeling irritable and nervous, difficulty sleeping, feeling warm, increased sweating, weight loss, tremors, increased heart rate, muscle weakness, diarrhea, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Additionally, if too much levothyroxine is taken, it can lead to osteopenia (bone loss), heart palpitations, hair loss, goiters, fatigue, and psychological disturbances. As with any medication, it is important to always follow the prescribing doctor’s instructions carefully and to contact them with any questions or concerns.
What is the downside to taking levothyroxine?
Levothyroxine, a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, is used to treat hypothyroidism due to its ability to replace the missing or insufficient hormone needed to effectively regulate metabolism, growth and development.
While it is traditionally a safe and effective treatment, there are several potential downsides to taking levothyroxine.
Common adverse side effects include hair loss, headache, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting. Less common, serious side effects include chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. A sudden increase in dosage or an improper balance of the hormones in your body can cause a reaction known as thyrotoxicosis, which can lead to symptoms of anxiety, increased sweating, increased appetite, tremors, difficulty sleeping and palpitations.
Additionally, some medications and certain foods such as soy, dietary fiber, and certain nuts can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine if taken at the same time, leading to decreased effectiveness and an inadequate dose.
This can cause a return of the hypothyroidism symptoms, or even new ones. It is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine appropriate timing and dosing of levothyroxine, and to be aware of any potential drug or food interactions and adjust your regimen accordingly.
Finally, while levothyroxine is thought to be safe in pregnancy, it is not recommended to be taken during this sensitive time of development. Speak to your doctor to evaluate the benefits and risks of taking levothyroxine to determine if it is right for you.
How do you know if your thyroid medication needs adjusting?
If you are currently taking thyroid medication, it is important to monitor your symptoms and keep in close contact with your healthcare provider to ensure that your medication is working properly and to address any potential issues.
Signs that your thyroid medication might need adjusting could include ongoing fatigue and general sluggishness, despite taking the medication, difficulty losing weight, recurrence of hair loss, changes in mood, continuing hoarseness, a rapid or uneven heart rate, sensitivity to cold, and/or an increase or decrease in appetite.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or other abnormalities in your body, it is important to contact your healthcare professional and bring them up at any regularly scheduled appointments. They may recommend adjusting your dosage or, in more severe cases, switching medications altogether.
It is important to remember that each person is different and will respond in unique ways to medications, so keeping in regular contact with your healthcare provider is the best course of action to ensure the best outcomes.
How long does it take to adjust to thyroid medication?
Adjusting to thyroid medication can take a few weeks or even months for some people. It is important to work with your doctor and have regular follow-up appointments in order to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and find the right dosage.
Since everyone is different and responds differently to the medication, the amount of time it can take to adjust can vary based on individual factors. When first starting the medication it is important to be aware that side effects may be present, such as increased perspiration, sleeplessness, or flu-like symptoms which should subside shortly after taking the medication.
It can take up to several weeks to reach the optimal dosage and make any necessary adjustments, so it is important to be patient during this time. After make the necessary adjustments, many people are able to experience better thyroid function and improved quality of life.
Can Synthroid cause extreme fatigue?
Yes, extreme fatigue can be a side effect of taking Synthroid. Synthroid (Levothyroxine) is a hormone replacement drug used to treat hypothyroidism and is commonly prescribed to individuals who have an underactive thyroid.
It works by supplying the thyroid hormone vital to proper metabolism and energy production. Unfortunately, extreme fatigue is among the possible side effects associated with taking Synthroid. In general, the risks and benefits of Synthroid should be discussed and weighed with a doctor, as extreme fatigue as a side effect for Synthroid, as other factors may be at play.
Some of these potential factors include an inadequate dose, drug interactions, unexpected thyroid levels, and other conditions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that some of these side effects may requires a period of adjustment and lifestyle changes, as individuals attempt to establish a normal balance for their body.
For those experiencing fatigue whilst taking Synthroid, it is important to speak with a doctor and evaluate any potential factors that could be contributing to the fatigue.
What are the symptoms of too little thyroid medication?
If a person is taking too little thyroid medication, they may experience a range of symptoms, including: feeling tired and lethargic, having difficulty concentrating, feeling cold all the time, gaining weight, having dry skin, thinning hair, or constipation.
Additional physical symptoms may include feeling weak, depressed, having heavy or irregular periods in women, high cholesterol, muscle cramps or joint pain, and an irregular or slowing heart rate. Mentally, an individual may feel a constant need to nap or become easily irritable and anxious.
In some cases, people with a thyroid deficiency may even experience an enlarged thyroid, hoarse voice, or protruding eyes. If a person has any of the above signs, it is important to get a full physical and request a lab test for thyroid levels to determine whether the thyroid medication is too low or inadequate.
Additionally, it is important to speak with one’s health care provider to ensure proper dosage is taken.
