T3. Weight loss stopped

[Alex99]

Hi. Still feeling much better on t3 .. 75. And I take 100mcg thyroxine too. However after the first two weeks there has been no weight loss st all. I'm disappointed as I'm eating healthily Any ideas ? Thank you x

[SmallBlueThing]

Reduction in oedema (swelling) accounted for your initial loss?

[Alex99 in reply to SmallBlueThing]

That could be correct. Taking t 3 off my own back. Not sure what to do next

[drll]

Not sure what the 75 refers to in your post, but be aware that 1 mcg of T3= 4 mcg of T4 so if the 75 refers to the amount of T3 you are taking, you need to multiply that by 4...seems a lot.

[Alex99 in reply to drll]

So what should I do ?

[radd]

Alex,

Although a little more complicated, it is true that T3 basically stimulates our cells to burn fuel (with oxygen) to release energy and produce heat, increasing metabolism.

However, high T3 levels (as indicated in your previous post) can block thyroid receptors so the thyroid hormone becomes unusable. Also cortisol issues may in encourage weight gain around the middle.

Cortisol mobilises glucose, amino acids and fat to prevent the blood sugar from going too low (or high), keeping the body and brain fuelled with the energy, by maintaining stable levels in the blood, while insulin encourages glucose into the cells.

Long term ill manage hypothyroidism can result in blood sugar issues and elevated blood sugar levels and insulin gets stored as fat in mostly middle abdomen and thighs. (There are studies showing that fat cells in the abdominal areas have more cortisol hormone receptors).

[Olsbird in reply to radd]

Interesting..... so when you get the meds right does the insulin and glucose issues sort out also ,?

[radd in reply to Olsbird]

Olsbird,

Unfortunately all this has many knock effects as all hormones depend on each other.

Therefore, getting thyroid meds right is the start, and will encourage other hormone imbalances to correct, eventually hopefully bringing wellbeing and a progressive weight loss to a more natural weight.

Eating regular meals, each containing protein (even breakfast) helps to keep us feeling full for longer and balance blood sugar issues. Never allowing ourselves to become really hungry will prevent unnecessary stress to our poor over worked adrenal glands.

[Olsbird in reply to radd]

Thx.

[Clutter]

Alex99,

You were over medicated on 50mcg T3 with FT3 >16. Over medication can cause weight gain.

thyroid.about.com/library/a...

[Alex99 in reply to Clutter]

Any ideas what I should do ?

[Clutter in reply to Alex99]

Alex99,

Reduce T3 dose until FT3 is within range. T3 isn't a weight loss aid. Hyperthyroid patients with high levels of T4 and T3 gain unwanted weight although the stereotype is that they lose weight.

[heathermr]

Sorry but the only true way to loose weight is to move more and eat less. Once you are settled on a level of medication then is the time to start some gentle exercise like walking gradually increasing distance and speed when you can. Not only will you get fitter but it will help your metabolic rate rise. Have patience, it takes time but it will be worth it as your body will cope better with your medication. I was massively overweight with myxoedema and could only walk a couple of paces. With the help of these good folks on here I got my medication sorted eventually and got my self going. I can now walk 6 miles a day easily, play tennis very vigorously 3 times a week and I've now lost almost 4 stone. As a result I'm fitter and leaner and have been able to reduce my medication(just t3) down a notch or two.

Good luck.

Heather

[Alex99 in reply to heathermr]

I do walk three miles a day to work. I swim three times a week and eat the same as my children. Not. Oh portions. Healthy food. No one in my family is overweight. This is how I know that my medication is incorrect. I just don't know what to take for the best. Advised t3 which has made me feel better but no weight loss at all. My endocrinologist suggested maybe I was a secret eater for goodness sake. If that was the case I would stop and loose weight ! What medication worked fir you ? X

[Alex99 in reply to Alex99]

Sorry I see that you are just on t3

[Alex99 in reply to Alex99]

But the medication has to be right first of course. That's where I'm struggling. I've always been fit and healthy

[Alex99]

I was a bit surprised at that post yes x

[Alex99]

All too common sadly. My friend s go suggested a gastric band ! She barely eats two meals a day

[Jouleskeys]

Quit all wheat and gluten products which also helps stabilise autoimmune issues and weight. I am one to know first hand

[Alex99 in reply to Jouleskeys]

Thank you I am just on my second day of doing this. Not easy !

[Jouleskeys]

Hey Alex,

It seems like a bit of a mind field indeed, though I reckon it's reversible with the right cutting out of certain foods and eating the necessary ones for a while.

[Alex99 in reply to Jouleskeys]

Yes. Thank you for your reply. Have cut out gluten and some other carbs. That's working for me as lost s stone in two months but it's trial and error Didn't lose any one eeek and realised I was eating too much fruit therefore too much sugar. Do switched to snacks like carrot and cucumber how are you doing ?

[Jouleskeys in reply to Alex99]

Well, was 82kilos, now 75! My main foods are salad + white meat. Breakfast is usually gluten free bead, pasta, apples, bananas, kiwis. Tonight is steak night which is a rarity, though feel I need it to add a bit of colour to my cheeks zz... it makes a nice difference from time to time.. oh and i have a glass of red in hand atm - am unsure if drinking a couple of glasses is a bad thing - not beer!?

Got down from 50 of Levothyroxine to 25 as I was having terribly vivid nightmare dreams, which have since stopped on reduction. I refuse to go back up to 50mg. i need to see how my TSH is going now having hopped onto L-Glutamine. 2 months ago my TSH was 11 <0-3> and T3 was 11.2 <9-23>.

Just wondering where the name Hashimoto comes from as I am about to marry a Chinese lady, lol!

[Alex99 in reply to Jouleskeys]

Sounds like yiu are doing well. I've lost about a stone. Two more to go. Ha about hashimotis ! And congrats on getting married ....

you inspired me to try gluten free bread. Quite nice ... same as yiu I'm white meat salad mostly. And chilli or bigness with courgette or sweet potato. I find lunched really hard. End up with some slices of cheese and a carrot ! Only on 25 t3 now and 50 thyroxine Still get tired but not so bad x