Weight gain struggles

[Ling477]

Does anyone have any advice regarding managing their weight? I struggle to lose weight at all, all my tests come back in range they will not test t3 though I follow a very strict diet and have been able to lose weight on SW before but it is not working now my T4 was 19 and TSH 0.1 I am on 200 levothyroxine a day. I supplement with selenium, zinc and vitamin B has anyone else any ideas to kickstart weight loss I already limit carbs and walk 1hr everyday I feel ok but cannot lose any weight thank you

[greygoose]

If your doctor won't test FT3, then you need to do it. You need to have your FT4 and FT3 tested at the same time to see if you're converting. If you're not converting that 200 mcg T4, then your T3 will be low, and your T4 will be high and converting to rT3, and excess rT3 can be a problem.

You will not lose weight with low T3, no matter how much you exercise nor how little you eat - in fact too much exercise and to few calories will make you put more on, because they will lower your T3. Also, if your carbs are too low, that will affect conversion and lower your T3.

The only thing that can 'kick-start' your weight loss, is to optimise your T3.

[Ling477 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you my main issue though is getting hold of T3 I did put a post on asking people to PM their suppliers but no one did I have ordered a T3 test but even if I need it I can't get it

[startagaingirl in reply to Ling477]

Hi - generally people will be reluctant to share sources if they are not sure that it is actually required. You really should have an FT3 test before using t3.

[Ling477]

Hi I have ordered one it should be here next week so will post results

[jacrjacr]

check levels of free t3....if it is low...weight will not budge...

[Ling477 in reply to jacrjacr]

Thank you I have sent for a test am hoping it's here tomorrow if it is that and I start with t3 will I start to lose then?

[shaws Administrator in reply to Ling477]

Weight gain is the commonest question on the forum unfortunately for many of us. All the doctors will say is 'don't eat so much' but they even do not know the reason for unexplained weight gain.

Also the reason can be that the patient is not given an optimum dose: others cannot convert T4 efficiently to T3 and for some of us the FT4 and FT3 are low instead of optimum.

[Ling477 in reply to shaws]

I have just had my T3 result back and whilst in range it is right at the bottom so I'm off to speak to my endicronologist about this

[shaws Administrator in reply to Ling477]

I doubt they are aware that our whole metabolism runs on T3 only, therefore levo (inactive T4)has to be optimum and able to convert to T3 and if yours is low he has to bring both FT3 and FT4 to optimum. I shall give you a link which explains in more detail about why the 'frees' are required (occasionally even).

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

[Ling477 in reply to shaws]

Thank you for this I have never had T3 tested in ten years until I have just had it done privately and was shocked when it is whilst in normal ranges at the very bottom of this range, just ordered T3 waiting for this to arrive to get started I am hopeful to start losing the excess weight and not feel tired

[shaws Administrator in reply to Ling477]

I posted this link earlier and you will be amazed I think:-

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

[Ling477 in reply to shaws]

This really gives me hope I have put on two stone despite diet and excersize even though I am on thyroxine, have been ok previously but can't get it off can't wait to get started I know I need to build up the dose slowly though as having to do this myself after having bloods done privately

[Ling477 in reply to shaws]

I have gone from 11.7 to 14.3 my T4 level is 19 (14-22) but my t3 is 3.3 (3.1-6.8) they will not prescribe T3 so am going to self medicate with T3 am so tired as well dropping to sleep at half past 3 in afternoon I have been on 200mg levothyroxine for 10 years and up to last year been ok but then started gaining weight really tired despite excersize and a good diet also having lots of ankle swelling and water gain too I can't wait to see if I am better once added T3

[Hidden in reply to Ling477]

Hi! Just been reading your post. I too have same issues and on the low end of T3 range. If you know of a reasonably priced T3 supplier then I'd be grateful if you could let me know either by reply or PM.