Is there much evidence to suggest that people with hypothyroidism have a more difficult time making strength and muscle gains compared to those who don’t have hypothyroidism? I was recently diagnosed with underactive thyroid (TSH levels were 5.29 according to bloodwork from a week or two ago) and I have been taking levothyroxine since. Is it possible that strength and muscle gains might come along a little easier as TSH levels normalize? This is more of a curiosity question than anything; at the end of the day, I don’t suppose it changes the training approach much either way. Just wondered if there might be any sort of relationship there.
What symptoms were you experiencing that led to the TSH being checked?
A TSH of 5.2 is not particularly elevated, so it’s hard to say how significant that was in your context; however, for people with significant clinical hypothyroidism, adequate thyroid hormone replacement restores essentially normal physiology.
For the past couple of years, I’d been experiencing pretty significant fatigue. Not debilitating to the point that I couldn’t engage in physical activity, but definitely spent the larger part of every day feeling mentally exhausted. Couldn’t sit down to read in the middle of the day without wanting to fall asleep, and often needed a midday nap to get through the day without feeling totally depleted. The medication definitely seems to be helping with energy levels so far. Still some fatigue, but it seems to be starting to kick in.
Forgot to mention before, I’m a 29-year-old male. Not sure if that’s helpful information in this case.
I see. Could be related to your thyroid, but I’d continue working with your physician on this, and I wouldn’t have any concerns about your training response with adequate treatment.
Excellent. Will do. Thank you, sir!