Over weight with Levo or HRT

[Deni1080]

I was diagnosed with under active thyroids in may this year I have had 2 blood tests since may and taken 150mg of levothyroxine which I take at 7am every day before food I also take HRT which I started at the same time but take separately at 9am , since being diagnosed I have put on two and half stone in weight and in spite of dieting and healthy eating I am unable to loose weight , my joints ach I'm constantly tired and have brain fog every day my doctor tells me I'm on the right dose of levothyroxine so I'm wondering if I should come of HRT to see if this is the problem.

I would be grateful for any advice

Thank you

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Deni1080 What are you thyroid test results? Can you please post them, with reference ranges, and members can advise regarding whether you are on the right dose. If you don't have the results, ask your surgery for a print out, you are legally entitled under the Data Protection Act 1998 for your results so they can't refuse but may make a small charge for printing.

When I read your post I did wonder if it was the HRT, but first things first, get those results for members to comment.

[Deni1080 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for your advice I will call my surgery in the morning and post them as soon as I have them.

[greygoose]

It would be easier for us to tell what's going on, if you post your latest lab results - with the ranges. Could be you aren't on the right dose, no matter what your doctor says. Or, maybe you aren't converting T4 to T3 very well.

If you haven't got your results, ask the receptionist at the surgery for a print-out. It is your legal right to have a copy under the 1998 Data Protection Act, so they can't refuse. But, she might say she has to ask the doctor's permission.

[Deni1080 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for your advice I will call my surgery in the morning and post them as soon as I have them.

Reply

[greygoose in reply to Deni1080]

[Hidden]

I have gained 9lbs since being on levo 14 weeks ago. I am gutted. I eat healthy and lose nothing. I wasn't gaining any weight prior to taking levo either.

[Deni1080 in reply to Hidden]

I gave up smoking and gained 7lb in the year before I was diagnosed, but that was all as I was watching my weight, I can't believe the amount of weight I have gained sInce may.

Thank you for your response

[SlowDragon Administrator]

When you ring Doc's for blood tests, check if you have had recent tests for Vitamin D, B12, folate and ferritin. Make sure you get the ranges too (figures in brackets after each result)

These all need to at good (not just average) levels for thyroid hormones (our own or replacement ones) to work in our cells.

Also have you had thyroid antibodies checked? There are two sorts TPO Ab and TG Ab. (Thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin) Both need checking, if either, or both are high this means autoimmune thyroid - called Hashimoto's, the most common cause of being hypo. NHS rarely checks TPO and almost never checks TG. NHS believes it is impossible to have negative TPO and raised TG. It's rare, but not impossible, there are a few members on here that have this.

Vitamin and minerals levels are very important, but standard NHS thinking, doesn't at the moment seem to recognise this. You will see, time and time again on here lots of information and advice about importance of good levels of B12, folate, ferritin and vitamin D, leaky gut and gluten connection to autoimmune Hashimoto's too.

[Deni1080 in reply to SlowDragon]

My autoimunne test result was normal my vitamin D level was low so I take a supplement each day along with a multi vitamin tablet , I think it's worth asking for another autoimmune blood test though as I don't feel any better than when I was diagnosed.

[radd]

Deni,

I have Hashi, medicate NDT and started HRT seven months ago. I initially put on weight and my waist thickened, but now all hormones have balanced, I have resumed my usual weight & body shape.

Low thyroid hormones (caused by insufficient meds) can cause weight gain, brain fog & aching joints. Also stopping HRT when needed could cause further problems.

Post any results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment.

[Deni1080 in reply to radd]

Thank you radd this is encouraging information , how long did it take for your hormones to balance and for you to loss weight?.

[radd in reply to Deni1080]

Deni,

I have been medicating thyroid hormone replacement for six years & eventually lost any gained weight only when thyroid hormones became optimal in june 2015.

I started HRT feb 2016 and put weight back on my hips & boobs. This has now been lost as missing hormones balanced. All hormones work together and replacing missing sex hormones has (indirectly) helped thyroid meds to work better.

Because you are brain fogged and are constantly tired, I would say it is more likely you are under medicated in thyroid hormone. If you post recent thyroid hormone test results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) members will comment.

Low thyroid hormone will slow the metabolism giving fatigue and impairing your ability to burn calories. Dieting will not help and may even hinder your efforts to lose weight because your body will hang onto fat in an effort to retain more energy. Eating three meals with protein, fats & low GI carbs will be more beneficial and help your (presumably) struggling adrenals glands to cope. Lots of hormones are made in the adrenals and it is important not to further stress them when we are ill.

For some, thyroid hormone will only work well with optimal iron, and nutrients. Ask your GP to test Vit B12, folate, ferritin, Vit D and again post results for members to comment.