Hashimoto help, feeling defeated and desperate

Posted by fritztraci @fritztraci, Dec 16, 2025

I have been struggling for many years with my weight having extreme fluctuations, but this past year I have experienced a significant weight gain. I’m 5’ and 190 lbs., six months ago I weighed 160. I restrict what I eat to a hard boiled egg and berries every breakfast, lunch is usually some Trader Joe’s frozen meal or a salad with grilled chicken, dinner is the only time I really allow myself to eat a full meal. With that, my GI is out of control. I no longer like to go out to eat because I have diarrhea very soon after I eat anything with horrible cramping. My periods are so heavy and can last months long. I get this very hot flushing of my face and neck without any activity. My skin is ridiculously dry. I had my thyroid tested and ultrasound of thyroid and gallbladder. My doctor determined I have all markers for hashimoto with a goiter thyroid that is irregular texture, no nodules, my thyroid antibodies were at the highest level on the scale, however my t4 and TSH are within normal though at the very low end, and my doctor just wants yearly blood work. I’m so frustrated and exhausted all the time, I feel horrible physically and mentally, which I started therapy for this because I am at the point of being so depressed that I have lost all motivation, cry a lot, and am just uncomfortable going out! I’ve asked if there are supplements or something for weight loss and just keep being told we just need to monitor because there’s nothing you can do for hashimoto. I just want some help and to feel like myself again. I tried researching hashimoto but there is just so much conflicting information on what to do for it.

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Profile picture for Alta Net @altabiznet

@ndough

I also have Hashimoto's - since 2012. Not on hormone replacement yet.

Do you still have high levels of TPO Ab Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody? My TPO is currently at 190 when normal limits are 0-34, which indicates that my body is still attacking my thyroid in autoimmune fashion.

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@altabiznet I was initially up to 756 in 2021. I curently have come down to 133 last lab.
Not sure, BUT I believe...
taking high dose of oral anti-viral med (Valcyclovir 100mg/TID) prescribed by an MD who tested me for viral load (HPV, Epstein Barr, Shingles, Cytomegalovirus ...all related)which he believed reactivated by immune response due to new and current exposure to a virus: Covid. Timeline and history of ailments coincided for me.
Or... I also started Red Light Therapy and PEMF treatments TIW for 1.5-2 hrs.
Or... the combo? Not sure but the downward direction makes me happy I'/m helping my immune system kill the enemy.
Don't give up. Enlist the help of like-minded providers, info sources and God Almighty.

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