Losing too much weight!

[Ladysmith53]

I know this is unusual, and I have always been slight, but after being diagnosed with Hashimoto's in june 2020 (and going gluten/dairy free 10 months ago) I seem to be losing too much weight. I thought I would come to a point where the weight would maintain but it isnt. Does anyone know if there is any recommended protein powder I could take that wouldn't interfere with the levothyroxine?

[Hennerton]

This may sound odd but did you by any chance have the Astra Zeneca vaccine? I did: twice and have lost weight dramatically since having it, to the point of seeing my GP about it but with no conclusion either way. I have been stable but thin in an acceptable way for years but now I am much too thin and whatever I eat makes no difference.

[Ladysmith53 in reply to Hennerton]

Hi Hennerton, yes I had the AstraZeneca vaccine, it never crossed my mind it could have an effect like that. I just presumed it was with cutting dairy/gluten and also my appetite is not what it was. That's interesting, thank you for your reply.

[radd]

Ladysmith53,

I use pea protein, not for weight gain but just for it protein health giving properties but agree it can be fattening.

You can use any protein powder although whey is discouraged if you have Hashi. Just ensure to treat it as a food source and take away from thyroid meds.

[Ladysmith53 in reply to radd]

Oh thank you radd, I will look into it, just something to help me along the way.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Ladysmith53]

Hi

There is also hemp powder and rice powder available. I'm a strict vegetarian so getting enough good quality protein can be an issue but there are some good vegan/ lactose free protein powders out there. I think its best to avoid soy though as I think I've read it can interfere with Levo absorption.

[Ladysmith53 in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Thanks for that sparklingsunshine I will research into it 😊

[Capri2020]

I've also lost weight and I'm actually worried about it. Yep, had the Astra Z vaccine, i haven't felt right since in fact my body seems to be breaking down at a faster rate. I'm having pins and needles with burning sensation in hands and feet, painful too. I stopped Levo as found it unbearable.

[Ladysmith53 in reply to Capri2020]

Oh dear Capri I'm sorry to hear that! I only had pins and needles when I was under medicated, I suppose it might be the case if you have had to stop the levo. Are you taking anything else instead of?

[Capri2020]

I stopped everything apart from supplements. I'm so very disheartened with it all but that hasn't stopped me booking a consultation with a private Endo that was listed on the Thyroid Trust UK. I feel if I don't get some proper directions the NHS with their lack of 'duty of care' will eventually bury me.

[Ladysmith53 in reply to Capri2020]

I really feel for you, its dreadful so many people arent getting the help needed to live a relatively normal existence, I hope you get some guidance and good advice from the endo!

[Capri2020 in reply to Ladysmith53]

I will certainly post an update and thank you for your comments 🌸

[Bearo]

I too have lost weight - at least 8lbs, maybe more, and thought maybe the increase in Levo from 75 to 100mcg was the cause. But maybe it was the AstraZeneca after all.

[Ladysmith53 in reply to Bearo]

Hmmm I'm very curious now as to whether it could be the vaccine.

[Hennerton in reply to Ladysmith53]

Well, my comment certainly has others wondering and I should like to get some input from a doctor but I don’t think any will think it interesting or worrying. Most people are actively trying to lose weight and have no idea how worrying it is to see no weight gain every day, when I am trying so hard to gain some.

[Ladysmith53 in reply to Hennerton]

Yes I agree, when you are slim already it is very worrying. But like you say, the gp's arent interested in anything thyroid related so I doubt any further investigation will take place! Let's see if anyone else comes forward with the same problem.

[Bearo]

I might make a new post to see if any more members have been affected.

[Hennerton in reply to Bearo]

Please do. It would definitely be interesting to watch replies.

[serenfach]

I had the AZ vaccine and second dose in June. Since then I have lost over a stone and am now down to 10st. I am 5ft 8 tall so still in proportion, but it has been worrying me. You know what I thought...

The vaccine also gave me sticky blood and high blood pressure, something I have never had in the 70 years I have been on this planet. I have burst two blood vessels too, not doing anything strenuous. The GP did not seem worried.

I had never linked the weight loss with the vaccine so would be interested if this is a recognised side effect.

[Hennerton in reply to serenfach]

I found a website of reported side effects of Astra Zeneca and there was a considerable number for loss of weight but not a number big enough to concern anyone looking at the figures and in view of the fact that a large proportion of the population is nearer to being obese, they probably figured it was a welcome side effect and congratulated themselves.

[Ladysmith53 in reply to Hennerton]

Oh right! It looks like it is a big possibility it is one of the causes then. It's a little concerning when there is the booster vaccine to come yet!I'm surprised they havnt investigated more as to why/how its causing weight loss in certain individuals.

Thank you so much for taking the time to look into it 😊

[Hennerton in reply to Ladysmith53]

I have already been offered the booster and have refused. Weight loss is not the only odd side effect I have had. I am not risking any more.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Hennerton]

Hi as far as I aware the AZ isn't being used for boosters in the UK, its either Pfizer or Moderna. You could always check to make sure.

[Hennerton in reply to Ladysmith53]

If you look up “case series drug analysis print” for Astra Zeneca you will find scrolls and scrolls of reported effects. “Weight decreased” is page 62 and there are 223 cases reported. How significant this is I do not know but obviously something odd is happening to us, however insignificant it seems.

[serenfach]

I would be very grateful if you could bung the site over to me, or put it on here, so we could have a read and decide on our own risk factors. I was strongly in favour of the vaccine, and was grateful to get it. I have not yet been offered the booster, but on balance, will probably turn it down.

[Hennerton in reply to serenfach]

I posted late last night and it is on this site now if you check previous posts

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to serenfach]

Hi AZ isn't being used for boosters this autumn. It's either a Pfizer or Moderna shot and they arent the same type of vaccine as AZ.

[Hennerton in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Thanks, I will check with my practice.

[Batty1]

Maybe the Astra Zeneca vaccine is causing you to have episode of hyperthyroidism and maybe should get a thyroid test done.

[Ladysmith53 in reply to Batty1]

I dont think that is the case with me batty1 as my t3 is scraping the bottom of the range. Due to have bloods done again next week.

[Hennerton in reply to Batty1]

No chance of that, as I have had a thyroidectomy and rely purely on the same daily medication.

[serenfach]

My blood results for the thyroid were pretty well spot on for me. It was the platelets and the clotting factor that were way off. I now have an appointment with a hematologist on Monday - over the phone.... sigh!