Wednesday, March 18
One of the most frustrating things I’ve experienced after losing my thyroid isn’t just energy…
"It’s weight."
Because if you’ve ever lived without a thyroid, you’ve probably had this thought:
“I’m doing everything right… so why isn’t my body responding?”
When I had my thyroid was removed, I expected some changes.
But I didn’t fully understand how much my metabolism — and my relationship with weight — would feel different.
Why Weight Feels Different Without a Thyroid
The thyroid plays a major role in regulating metabolism — how your body uses energy and burns calories.
When the thyroid is removed, your body relies on medication like T3 and T4 to replace those hormones.
And while those medications are essential, they don’t always perfectly replicate the body’s natural rhythm.
That can affect:
• How your body burns calories
• How your body stores energy
• How quickly your metabolism responds
And for many people, that shows up in one place:
The scale.
The Frustration No One Talks About
You hear people talk about weight loss all the time.
“Just go low carb.” "Just eat a high protein diet." "Go into a calorie deficit."
“Cut sugar.” “Do this diet.” YADA. YADA, YADA.....
And for some people, those approaches work.
But for me — and for many people without a thyroid — it hasn’t always worked that way.
There have been times when I’ve eaten cleaner, trained harder, and still felt like my body held onto weight.
And honestly… that can be frustrating.
Because it makes you question everything you’re doing.
What Research Says About Weight and Thyroid Function
Research has consistently shown that thyroid hormones play a significant role in regulating metabolism, energy balance, and body weight.
Studies published in journals such as The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and Thyroid have found that even small changes in thyroid hormone levels can influence how the body burns calories and stores energy.
When thyroid hormone levels are lower, the body’s metabolic rate can slow down. This means the body may burn fewer calories at rest, which can make weight loss more difficult and, in some cases, lead to weight gain.
However, the relationship between thyroid hormones and weight is not always straightforward.
Research also shows that weight changes are influenced by multiple factors, including:
• Hormone levels (T3, T4, and TSH)
• Lean body mass
• Activity level
• Nutrition
• Sleep and stress
For individuals without a thyroid, hormone replacement therapy helps restore these levels, but it may not perfectly replicate the body’s natural regulation.
Some studies suggest that even when blood work appears “normal,” individuals may still experience symptoms such as fatigue or difficulty with weight management.
Learning What My Body Needs
Over time, I’ve learned something important:
My body doesn’t operate exactly like everyone else’s.
And instead of fighting that, I had to learn to understand it.
For me, that means:
• Fueling my workouts — not under-eating
• Prioritizing protein and balanced nutrition
• Paying attention to energy levels, not just calories
• Staying consistent with movement
I’ve also learned that going extremely low-carb doesn’t work well for me. In fact, at times, it’s had the opposite effect.
That was a hard lesson.
But it taught me to stop chasing trends and start paying attention to my own body.
The Role of Medical Support
Another important piece of the puzzle is working with an endocrinologist.
Thyroid hormone levels matter.
Blood work matters.
And when something feels off, it’s important to look deeper instead of assuming you’re doing something wrong.
I’m incredibly grateful to have a doctor who helps guide that process.
Because this isn’t guesswork — it’s something that requires attention and care.
What Endurance Training Has Taught Me
Endurance sports have changed how I look at weight.
It’s no longer just about a number on the scale.
It’s about:
How I feel. How I perform. How I recover
There are days when my body doesn’t respond the way I expect.
But that doesn’t mean I stop.
It means I keep showing up.
The Truth About Progress
If you’re living without a thyroid and struggling with weight, I want you to hear this:
You’re not broken.
Your body is different.
And different doesn’t mean you can’t make progress.
It just means your path might look different than someone else’s.
And that’s okay.
Because progress isn’t always fast.
But it is always possible.
And remember:
A small step still takes you forward.
— Danniela
IronSunshine ☀️
#NoThyroidAthlete
#IronSunshine
#EnduranceAthlete
#ThyroidWarrior
#StrongOver50
