Weight loss and thyroxine dose

[Staffgirl]

I have recently lost 2 stone in weight (intentionally). Could this affect the dose of thyroxine that I now need? I have developed intermittent symptoms like a racing heart, my blood pressure has gone up significantly, my face radiates heat, insomnia and racing thoughts. Has anyone else experienced this? I will see the doctor and get my bloods checked, but was keen to get the wisdom from this amazing group.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

It could do, or you may have vitamin deficiencies

Get GP to test TSH, FT4, FT3 and vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 too

Do you have Hashimoto's?

Well done on weight loss!!

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

Plus stop any supplements with biotin in 3-5 days prior to any blood tests

[Staffgirl in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes I have Hashimotos. I do take supplements like Vitamin D and a good all round multi-vit too. I will asked GP to do full bloods. Thanks for your reply

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Staffgirl]

With Hashimoto's we need to avoid extra iodine in most multivitamins. Plus they have too little of anything useful

If taking any supplements with biotin in stop these 3-5 days prior to test as biotin can falsely affect test results

drknews.com/iodine-and-hash...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

[Saggyuk]

Hi there, yes agree, vitamin deficiencies should be looked at as many will cause such issues. If you can't get doc to all the tests mentioned (unlikely to get T3), you can pay for your own at a reasonable price.

Also, sustained low calorie diets (if you have been on one) or exercising at a calorie deficit will put stress on the adrenals which raises cortisol and can have the same affect. You can do a saliva cortisol test to see what your cortisol levels are like and if they're high at night.

[Staffgirl in reply to Saggyuk]

Will do. I haven’t done a low calorie diet (have joined Slimming World) and have also cut back on exercise (I used to run but that wrecked me). But I will get my bloods done for sure. thanks for replying