Levothyroxine petrified of weight gain, and my fears were correct.

[Peanut31]

I’ve been started on Levothyroxine by my GP after having a TSH of 12.2.

My Endocrinologist diagnosed me with Hashimoto’s after 18 months of hell and not knowing what it was.

Cut a very long story short said nothing would help (medication).

It wasn’t until recently I got really poorly and went to see my allocated GP (never managed to see him before)

Bloods were ordered and as a result all thyroid results out of range. I was started on Levothyroxine 50mcg for 4 weeks then had a blood test:

TSH 4.1 (0.27-4.5)

Free T4 14.2 (11.0-23.0)

Free T3 4.51 (3.1-6.8)

It was then increased to a 75mcg for a further 6 weeks and I’m due to have another blood test soon.

However, my weight prior to being on Levothyroxine was always unstable and I was bullied at school for being overweight, I lost over two and a half stone.

I managed to keep this off until I have a child and piled it back on, but with hard work and determination I lost it again.

I’ve noticed that a few pounds are creeping back on and my normal routine isn’t working, cutting back the carbohydrates, gym.

I’m gluten and dairy free as I’ve shown an intolerance to them.

I’m not over weight but, don’t want to start gaining.

I’ve read many post about weight gain on Levothyroxine, is it I’m not on the correct dosage hence the weight gain?

I have to say I’m feeling so much better, but not 100%.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common. So it's good you have gone gluten and dairy free

Dose of Levothyroxine should be increased in 25mcg steps until TSH is around one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range

You are likely to need further increase in dose

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)

[Peanut31 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon

Vitamin levels all ok, that’s the only thing the useless Endocrinologist concentrated on and I’m keeping on top of those.

As per your previous advice given to me, I always book blood tests at 8-8.30am and stop Levothyroxine.

Once I have my new results I’ve post including ranges.

Best Wishes

Peanut31