The higher your levothyroxine more you lose wei... - Thyroid UK

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The higher your levothyroxine more you lose weight?

bridgetfig profile image
5 Replies

Hi I am on 125 mg feel constantly tired slightly depressed and ache. I am gaining weight slowly feel constantly hungry.

I know of a couple of ladies who are on 175 mg and are so thin! Eat lots ..loads of energy ...makes me sick!

I go to doctors my levels are slightly higher than like but let me keep 125 mg as I am tired!

Anyone got any ideas what's right?

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bridgetfig profile image
bridgetfig
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5 Replies
Newday64 profile image
Newday64

Hello bridgetfig, I think the main issue for you is feeling well rather than losing weight. When you get the right medication & the correct dose, you will have more energy, become more active & begin to lose weight. Post your blood test results on here & some very clever people will give you good advice.

I never felt well on Levo - no energy, no appetite, palpitations, anxiety etc. Now on t3 only & feel much more like my old self. Find what works for you & hopefully you will feel better soon x

bridgetfig profile image
bridgetfig in reply toNewday64

How do I get my blood results tests ?

My doctor just says it's slightly higher but as I say I am tired we will stick to 125mg?

Can I ask her for my blood results?

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply tobridgetfig

Bridgetfig, ask your GP receptionist or practice manager for a printout of your recent results with the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results).

High dose Levothyroxine isn't a guaranteed weight loss aid, it can cause weight gain in some people. Being optimally dosed should enable you to resume the activity levels you had prior to becoming hypothyroid and exercise to lose gained weight.

I'm hypothyroid after thyroidectomy so didn't have weight gain but Levothyroxine has caused me significant unwelcome weight loss so that I'm very underweight and struggle to maintain weight.

greygoose profile image
greygoose

T4 has to be converted into T3.

And it's optimal T3 that helps you lose weight. If you can't convert correctly, your T3 will be low and you'll put on wieght, rather than lose it.

And the only way you can know if you're converting is to have your FT4 and FT3 tested.

Your doctor probably hasn't tested your FT3.

But it is your legal right to have a copy of your results. Just ask for it. She might argue - you Don't need them/you won't understand them, etc - but it is your legal right, so insist on it.

It is essential to keep copies of all your blood tests so that you can take control of your own health.

bridgetfig profile image
bridgetfig

Thank you for your replies.

I will ask for my results and ask about T3 while I am there.

How often do you get blood tests I get left two years or more , it's me that asks?

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