![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by NikkiT2 on January 21, 2002, at 14:00:53
I've been told that I have a very slow metabalism.. I have low thyroid (on lowest "acceptable" point though so its currently untreated), low blood pressure (90/70 - and thats when I'm stressed from waiting at docs!) and a low body temperature - though I over heat and sweat VERY profusely at the drop of a hat.
I'm too embarrased to got to gym at the moment, and walk about a mile a day (no more as the sweating becomes too embarrasing).. HELP..
(Oh, and I'm 300mg effexor xr and 5mg Zyprexa)
Nikki
Posted by TSA West on January 21, 2002, at 15:05:45
In reply to Can you increase your metabalism?, posted by NikkiT2 on January 21, 2002, at 14:00:53
Profuse sweating responds to low doses of tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline (Pamelor,Aventyl) {http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Sweating-from-antidepressa.html}.
There is evidence that hypermetabolic doses of thyroid hormone T3 treats depression effectively in women, regardless of their hypothyroid status: (http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Thyroid-augmentation-of-an.html). This would speed up your metabolism modestly.
When you do get to the gym, be motivated by the fact that exercise itself has a beneficial effect on depression: {American Psychosomatic Society
September/October 2000. "Exercise Treatment for Major Depression: Maintenance of Therapeutic Benefit at 10 Months"}
Posted by IsoM on January 21, 2002, at 15:06:03
In reply to Can you increase your metabalism?, posted by NikkiT2 on January 21, 2002, at 14:00:53
Nikki, can't you find a doctor willing to add even a little thyroxine (Synthroid) - maybe like 25-50 mcg? The normal range for TSH can be between 1 - 5.5, & for those whose normal range would normally be closer to 1 would feel very sluggish if it changed towards 5 or 6. Mnay doctors are willing to also augment ADs with a little thyroxine to boost its effects. I'd really suggest finding another doctor's opinion.
I'm not sure about the cold feeling & then profuse sweating but with me & the only other person I know personally who's treated for hyporthyroidism too, we react the same way. I normally stay quite active but in the evening when I slow down & want to watch TV or read, I'll get cold. Otherwise at work or working at home, I'm always sweating & warm. Same with the other person I know. Treated or untreated, I react the same to temperatures & activity. Maybe it's something to do with hypothyroidism itself.
>
>
> I've been told that I have a very slow metabalism.. I have low thyroid (on lowest "acceptable" point though so its currently untreated), low blood pressure (90/70 - and thats when I'm stressed from waiting at docs!) and a low body temperature - though I over heat and sweat VERY profusely at the drop of a hat.
>
> I'm too embarrased to got to gym at the moment, and walk about a mile a day (no more as the sweating becomes too embarrasing).. HELP..
>
> (Oh, and I'm 300mg effexor xr and 5mg Zyprexa)
>
> Nikki
Posted by Gracie2 on January 21, 2002, at 22:29:07
In reply to Re: Can you increase your metabalism? » NikkiT2, posted by IsoM on January 21, 2002, at 15:06:03
Nikki-
Yes, you can increase your metabolism. The best and most effective way to do so is with regular excersize. If you suspect a slow thyroid, try B-vitamins and iodine supplements - sea salt.
There are supplements on the market which purport to be thermogenic and "fire up" your metabolism.
They contain ephedrine, often labeled under different names such as Ma Huang. Never take these products if you suffer from hypertension, as you are risking stroke or anuerysm. If you are healthy and decide to use them, start by taking less than the directed dosage until you know how your body reacts. You may experience jitters or trouble sleeping.
Preventative measures include avoiding starvation diets. Your body will lower your metabolism as a defense mechanism, in case you really are about to starve. Eat small meals and healthy snacks throughout the day to keep your metabolism at a slow, constant burn. This forces your system to feed off the fat in your stomach instead of the muscle in your body.Try not to eat or drink caloric beverages for several hours before bedtime, as your body is not able to correctly metabolize food while you sleep.
I guess that's enough.
Gracie
Posted by noa on January 22, 2002, at 17:19:23
In reply to Re: Can you increase your metabalism?, posted by Gracie2 on January 21, 2002, at 22:29:07
> Nikki-
In the thyroid and depression folder at PB tips, you will find some sources about treatment of "Subclinical" hypothyroid--that it helps with depression. Other sources there claim that the subub clinical is actually a sign of developing clinical hypothyroidism and should be treated. My endo diagnosed me as hypothyroid even though my numbers were on the borderline. Other docs probably would not have. Find yourself a good endo who's up to date on things. Good luck.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.