Hypothyroid weight gain, tummy only

[Maddyisla]

Had hemithyroidectomy, now hypothyroid, put on 10lbs but all around tummy, is this normal, I usually put on weight all over, not specific areas, finding it almost impossible to lose weight.

Any advice would be marvellous x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

So are you currently taking any levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

Poor gut function when hypothyroid can lead to bloating and gut issues

[Maddyisla in reply to SlowDragon]

Gosh thanks for such a quick reply, I started off on 50 of levothyroxine, was put up to 75 about 2 weeks ago, which I take first thing in the morning. TSH down to 2.05 from 7(hadn’t taken morning pill), symptoms have improved, bloods being retested in months time x I have no info re vitamins/other things you mentioned I’ll have to get those done privately x

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Maddyisla]

Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking

Ask GP to test thyroid antibodies and vitamins at next blood test

[Maddyisla in reply to SlowDragon]

I have ordered a test from Blue Horizon vitamins and T3/T4 etc, my Levo is North Star, Teva - shouldn’t you have clocked off, seems a long day for you x

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Maddyisla]

Northstar 50mcg and 100mcg are Accord

25mcg Northstar is Teva

Teva brand upsets many people

[radd]

Maddyisla,

Welcome to our forum.

Fat around the middle occurs with excess cortisol and adrenaline which are converted to energy in the form of fat & glucose for a fight or flight response that isn't always used up in todays living.

These hormones can remain elevated when propping up compromised thyroid hormones, with excess redepositing as fat around the belly area close to the liver, where it can be easily converted back into energy if needed (for that fight or flight response.).

High cortisol also unbalances sugar levels causing peaks & troughs that make us reach for chocolate or heavy carb foods that are not only calorific but cause further peaks & troughs. Also, oestrogen affects how our bodies distribute our fat and declining levels contribute fat to the belly area.

Abdominal fat is known as visceral fat and been linked to increased risks of heart disease, high BP, insulin resistance, etc. A heavy restriction of calories will further stress the body, raising stress hormones further, but optimising thyroid hormones, balancing adrenal hormones, together with good life style and a healthy diet will help shift fat from around the middle.

A good read is Marilyn Glenvilles book called ‘Fat Around The Middle.’

[Maddyisla in reply to radd]

Thank you so much for that, I have just ordered the book. I’m new to all this, never posted on a public forum, the info one is given away from this forum is basically zilch, and yet it drastically affects your life!

[Legoparis in reply to Maddyisla]

The same thing happened to me and I felt as though I was pregnant -never had a big tummy before it was very stressful After advice on forum and eventually getting my vitamins and thyroid readings at reasonable level I then consulted a Functional doctor who put me on an elimination diet leaving out gluten and many other grains,dairy, alcohol coffee tea also no snacking and weekly 18hour overnight fasting.

In addition I was encouraged to prioritise my happiness self care and walk for 30mins in morning and practice breathing and meditation to bring down frustration and worry levels

To my surprise I stuck with it and lost about 10 pounds ( 3 months) and have flat stomach now

I was avoiding fruit before or eating it between meals which she said is not good

Now I eat lots together with lots of vegetables organic chicken lamb and fish

no beef or seafood

Good luck as feeling out of control of our bodies is very stressful in itself

[Maddyisla in reply to Legoparis]

You’re so right, it’s almost frightening when your body feels out of control, and that’s exactly what has happened to me, no clothes fit and I’m blowed if I’ll buy anymore. Have ordered the book recommended and I know a very good nutritionist so I’m going to speak with her and also get the vitamin/ T levels etc tested privately. Am feeling happier just having had all the advice from people who know what I’m going through.Keep safe and as well as possible x

[Ellie-Louise in reply to radd]

I have just done a search for the book because I’m having the same problem lately. I decided to do a search because it is a used book on both Amazon and eBay and I would have preferred new.

On the writers website the book is a free e-book in pdf. form. It is 46 pages long.

marilynglenville.com/wp-con...

[radd in reply to Ellie-Louise]

👍