Weight gain after 4 months giving birth, only f... - Thyroid UK

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Weight gain after 4 months giving birth, only found out about under active thyroid, friday

RomyJean profile image
12 Replies

Does it take long to loose weight after starting medication?

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RomyJean
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12 Replies
59Blue profile image
59Blue

In my experience it takes years and effort but helps if medication is optimal.

RomyJean profile image
RomyJean in reply to 59Blue

Appreciate the comment

McPammy profile image
McPammy

You’re medication and thyroid levels need to be optimal to lose weight in my experience. TSH needs to be around 1.00 no higher with optimal T4 and T3 levels. Also having optimal vitamin levels will help. B12. D. Folate and Ferritin. It’s about having enough energy to move well and exercise for this you’ll need good thyroid levels and having a healthy balanced diet.

RomyJean profile image
RomyJean in reply to McPammy

Appreciate your comment. I only found out Friday so very confusing but it’s great to know

I started levothyroxine in October. Started on 50mcg. Now on 100mcg and due bloods in couple weeks to see how things are. Latest private test showed TSH at 1.4. I have results for T3 and T4 but can't remember them off top of my head lol.I gained approx 2.5 stone before diagnosis and I've lost just 2lb lol. I'm gathering it isn't going to be an easy road. Hoping GP will agree to a small increase and see if this helps.

RomyJean profile image
RomyJean in reply to

Great to know.

RomyJean profile image
RomyJean

The comment is very useful and thanks for your time. I had a baby 4 months ago and think it could be something to do with that.

in reply to RomyJean

PS. I think it would be a good idea for you to mention your recent pregnancy in your question, and also specify that you were recently diagnosed, as there is a difference between newly diagnosed people (especially after pregnancy) and people who are still struggling with weight gain after years of "doing everything right". It is easier to know what and if to reply if you know a little about the original poster´s background, diagnosis, symptoms, current treatment etc. Alternatively, you can update your profile to include those details. I removed my previous post as not applicable to you at this time.

Definitely! I hope members who have experienced the same thing will react to your post. Were you diagnosed with hypothyroidism before pregnancy, or have the problems appeared since?

RomyJean profile image
RomyJean

It was just after due to sweats, I’d been trying to loose weight, was just staying the same then had a blood test and came back under active, they are now trying to send me to get another blood test for anti bodies, I didn’t quite understand.

in reply to RomyJean

Well, it´s good that doctors are taking your complaints seriously and don´t just dismiss them as "pregnancy hormones"...

my.clevelandclinic.org/heal...

When you have your lab results back, you can post them here for members to comment.

tattybogle profile image
tattybogle in reply to RomyJean

"they are now trying to send me to get another blood test for anti bodies, I didn’t quite understand."

They are looking for thyroid antibodies~ TPOab (Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies) to see if the cause for your thyroid problem is 'auto-immune' ( your own immune system has been damaging your thyroid by mistake)

Some people have only temporary thyroid imbalance after a pregnancy which might last about a year (Post Partum Thyroiditis).... but for some this goes on to be permanent hypothyroidism. (mine did)

if the TPOab are positive(over range ) this tells them it is most likely to be permanent because 'positive' TPOab show autoimmune thyroid damage has been happening and will continue slowly damaging the thyroid, meaning it is not likely to just get better on it's own.

If they don't find antibodies they may think it's worth trying to see of your thyroid is better after a year.. but don't get your hopes up too much about that .. i think for most people, 'hypothyroidism after a birth' is a going to be 'auto-immune' and permanent and they will need Levo for life.

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