It can but it doesn't necessarily happen.

I thought I might need a higher dose after starting P90X back in 2011 but my levels actually increased.

When I started P90X3 back in March of this year, my FT4 decreased and my FT3 increased a bit.....yet I developed some slight afternoon fatigue.

My doctor agreed to increase my T4 dose by 12.5mcg/week and my FT4 actually went too high for me - go figure.

Overall, exercise is known to help conversion so, I'm thinking that the decrease in my FT4/increase in FT3 was a temporary response to my change in activity level and then everything would have evened out if I didn't get the dose adjustment.

I'm back to the doses I was taking before starting P90X3 (and I'm still doing the program).

Is anything happening in your situation that prompted you to ask this question?

(how are *you* doing with P90X3? :)

I feel like I still can't take the deepest breath when working out. When I'm on my bike and working hard, I feel soooo out of shape. I don't know if it's because I haven't been able to push myself for the past 2 years or what. I'm having blood drawn tomorrow and I'll post my results.

I stopped P90x3 an went back to my Jillian Michaels DVDs and I'm training for a really long bike ride (212 miles in one day!). I haven't lost 1 single pound and I don't know what else I could possibly do or if I need more meds.

Gee, sorry to hear about your issues!

While I can't remember your most recent labs, I suspect they weren't optimal for you.

Just because people achieve the "most commonly comfortable" levels doesn't necessarily mean they are perfect for the individual.

I need my FT4 level higher than most if I want to feel really good. I do know our muscles need adequate FT4 levels so maybe yours needs to be a little higher.

Weight loss is tricky with thyroid disease. I've found that being stable at my optimal levels is what made it easiest for me to lose weight. and without a doubt, makes it easy to maintain my weight.

Another thing to consider is whether or not your calorie intake is appropriate. We should never consume a smaller number of calories than what is needed to maintain our ideal weight.

Since I'm fairly active, my caloric needs are higher. I'm 5' 3" and, for me to maintain 135 lbs. (which is perfect for me - size 6), I need to consume 2000 calories/day.

I gained 35 lbs. due to improperly treated hypothyroidism. By resuming my usual level of exercise and keeping my caloric intake at 2000 calories/day, the weight slowly came off over the course of 2 years.

If my levels go a bit low for me, I can gain 5 lbs. in 3 days just from water retention. The weight gain disappears within a week of me starting a higher dose.

I can also have weight issues if my levels go a bit too high for me....I'm guessing it's because my body senses that my metabolism has sped up a bit and it holds onto water weight.

The weight again comes off once I start the appropriate dose.

I think you've done very well with your treatment overall and I'm confident everything will fall into place for you.

Kudos to you for the long bike ride! I'm envious :)

I'm curious to see what my labs say. When I added Levothyroxine to the Armour I was already taking, I felt better after each increase. I may have to add more Levo and take away some Armour. I'm on 50mcg Levo and 105mg Armour. My doc is pretty good about letting me "try" a dose so we'll see.

Have you been tested for asthma?

22lynn,

No, I haven't been tested for asthma. My doctor listened to my lungs w/a stethoscope and he said they sounded good.

me again :)

I might have asked you this before but, did you measure yourself before starting P90X3 and then afterwards?

I'm on week 10 right now so haven't done any new measurements. My core is definitely much tighter and I'm seeing more muscle definition overall.

However, when I did P90X, I didn't lose a single pound. But, I *did* lose 6 inches.

Remember - muscle is denser than fat so it's entirely possible that you've replaced fat with muscle. You could weigh the same but actually be smaller.

After I finished P90X, I switched to running 3 miles/day. That's when I lost weight.

The extensive cycling you're doing could very well be putting on muscle and again, disguise weight loss.

Also, I'm sure you know that when the body senses an increased demand, it will at first conserve energy - this means it will hold onto weight.

Yes, it's possible you need a dose adjustment - especially since you're reporting certain breathing issues when exercising.

No matter what, best of luck to you!

Everything is tight! My thighs are sucking on my pants. It's disgusting. I feel "puffy" if you know what I mean.

Yikes! Sorry to hear this!

It does sound like you might need a dose adjustment....

And, yeah, I know feeling "puffy" all too well.... :(