Weight gain on T3

[Manasi31]

I have been taking T3 for almost a year. As I increase my dosage I keep putting on more weight. I am on bioidentical compounded T3 (50) and synthetic T4. I have hashimato and my antibodies are high.

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum and am sorry you have hypothyroidism.

You say you are taking a compounded hormone replacement T3/T4 of 50. Is the combined dose 50mcg daily?

Weight gain is a clinical symptom of being hypothyroid and can also be due to being on too low a dose of hormones.

I'd suggest that you get a brand new blood test - the earliest and fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between your dose of T3/T4 and take it afterwards.

You need to get a TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies tested. If you cannot afford all, TSH and FT4 and FT3 and antibodies if you haven't had antibodies tested previously.

Get a print-out of your results with the ranges and post on a new question.

You should also get the following tested as deficiencies can also cause unpleasant symptoms.

Vit B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. Also post results with the ranges.

[Manasi31 in reply to shaws]

I take 50 T3 and 50 T4

[shaws Administrator in reply to Manasi31]

I have read that 25mcg T3 is equal to around 100mcg of levothyroxine, so if you are taking 50mcg that's around 200mcg plus 50mcg T4.

In order for members to help, you need a new blood test as suggested above. The earliest possible etc and put them on a new post. I also note you have hashimoto's due to the antibodies. To try to prevent the antibodies attacking your gland, going gluten-free can help reduce these antibodies which attack your gland until you are hypothyroid. You have hashimoto's at present.

Is it the weight gain that causes most problems for you (it does for many on the forum) - do you feel well otherwise?

Both FT4 and FT3 have to be near top of range and I'll give you a link which will explain why we need tests for FT3/FT4.

[Manasi31 in reply to shaws]

Yes the weight gain causes most problems for me otherwise I feel ok because of the medicine. The symptoms are still there a little. But I am worried about my weight gain.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Manasi31]

If you are able to get the tests recommended above then post on a new question for comments. Especially FT4 and FT3. All at the very earliest, fasting and a 24 hour gap between dose and test.

[Manasi31 in reply to shaws]

Blood Report : Free T3 : 313 ( range : 230- 420 )

Free T4 : 1.0 ( range : 0.8- 1.8 )

TSH : 0.54 ( range : 0.40 - 5.50 )

Thyroglobulin antibodies : < 20.0 ( range : <20)

Anti thyroid peroxidase : 546 H ( range : < 35) ( out of range )

[shaws Administrator in reply to Manasi31]

They seem fine so I'd be apt to check the vitamins/minerals that SlowDragon suggests. Your Anti thyroid peroxidase are high and can be reduced.

[greygoose in reply to Manasi31]

Well, you look to be under-medicated, your FT3 isn't even mid-range. How do you take your hormone?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What about vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 these are often low with Hashimoto's

What supplements do you take

Are you on strictly gluten free diet, considered dairy or nightshades as possible food intolerances

Do you have any gut symptoms

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, lower TPO antibodies and help gut heal

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

Low stomach acid can be an issue

Lots of posts on here about how to improve with Apple cider vinegar or Betaine HCL

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/hypochl...

scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/3-...

Other things to help heal gut lining

Bone broth

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

Probiotics

carolinasthyroidinstitute.c...

[Manasi31 in reply to SlowDragon]

I have tried being gluten free and dairy free but it hasn't helped me. Now at present I take D3 , B12 , iron supplements , omega 3 , Ashwaghanda and curcumin.

[Josiesmum]

It could be low cortisol. If you have blood test, get it done at 9am as NHS reference range is based on this value. Alternatively some people get saliva testing privately, though these aren't always accepted by NHS.