Weight gain

[Frogsden3]

Hello!

I am so pleased to have found this forum so here goes.

I follow a 1600 calorie intake and excess three times a week in a gym. However, my weight has increased rapidly and am really tired. I work 11 hour days so I suppose I keep thinking that is why I am so tired.

I take 75g of Levothyroxine a day & I am just about to go back for a blood test to see if I am on the correct dose.

I am 53 and weigh 14st 6. This is what depresses me the most. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I really am so frustrated!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Get copies of recent tests results for TSH, FT4 and FT3 (often not tested)

Also test results for B12, folate, vitamin D & ferritin (including ranges) if you have them.

Plus have you had thyroid antibodies tested?

If you have all these already post them here, if you need to get them, start a new post when ready

[Frogsden3 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you. Do I need to specify that I want all these tested at the time of booking appointment or are most of them tested at the time.

I have never seen any results.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Frogsden3]

Ring and ask GP receptionist politely for copies of recent blood tests. Allow 2-3 days before going to pick them up.

Or if you have on-line access to your medical records, some practices have blood test results available on there.

When was last Thyroid blood tests? If due another soon ask for vitamin tests at same time

Alternatively very many of us get private tests done as labs often refuse even GP request to check FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

All thyroid blood tests should be done as early as possible in the morning and fasting. Don't take Levo in 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after.

Assume you know that Levo should be taken on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after.

[Frogsden3 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you so much for your help

[Frogsden3 in reply to SlowDragon]

I have just found a blood test result in my online patient records for TSH and it says 7.16 mu/L

Means absolutely nothing to me but, any opinion appreciated.

Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Frogsden3]

You need to know the range, each lab varies. But typically it's 0.5 - 4 approx

If that's the range & the most recent test you are significantly under medicated.

Levothyroxine dose should be at a level that brings the TSH down to the lower part of the range - normally we need it below 2 to feel well.

Suggest you ask GP for vitamin D, folate, B12 & ferritin and a retest of thyroid including FT3, FT4 and antibodies

You need to know if you have high antibodies- Hashimoto's. If you do then looking at food intolerances, usually gluten may help.

Or if GP unhelpful, like many of us you can get private tests

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Most popular/best option is Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven. Same tests, just different companies, both cost £99, DIY finger prick test, or option to pay extra for blood draw. Often have £ off offers

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Don't take Levo in 24 hours before test, delay and take immediately after.

Assume you know that Levo should be taken on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after. Many take on waking, but quite a few find taking at bedtime very convenient and recent research suggests it may be more effective. Must be nothing apart from water 2 hours previously.

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

[foreversummer in reply to Frogsden3]

What was the date of this test and how much levo were you on at the time?

[Frogsden3 in reply to foreversummer]

April and I was on 75mg

[Katepots]

Insist your thyroid antibodies are checked along with comprehensive thyroid, Vit D, Folate, Ferritin and B12

If the Dr won't play ball there's private testing at Bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk

Thyroid plus 11,12&15 are all good comprehensive tests.

Not cheap but may be worth it to get all the results and a much clearer picture of what you need to do.

[dazzle]

Hi. I follow a 1600 calorie diet. I do avoid carbs. I haven't consumed any bread or potatoes for the last ten days.

I am 5ft 9 inches tall and yes a female.

I do two/three spin classes a week, cardio & weights once a week & one swim

[Frogsden3]

Hi. thank you. I understand how I have been maintaining and not losing.

I am interested in the fasting. How many times a week

do you do this