Unintentional weight loss. Could usual dosage of levothyroxine now be too high?

[DoroTTT]

I’m new here. Papillary thyroid cancer successfully treated in 2016 (at age 61) by thyroidectomy and radio active ablation. Have since taken levothyroxine at varying doses (100mg daily for last 2 years ). Normal weight has been pretty constant around 62 kilos (9st 10lbs) but since November last year has dropped to 58.51kg (9st 3lbs). I’m now 77, haven’t changed my diet and feel quite well but am wondering if the dosage of levothyroxine is the cause? Anyone else has this problem please?

[Fruitandnutcase]

It might be worth speaking to your GP about your unintentional weight loss. It could be your levo needs adjusting but I’m sure blood tests would put your mind at rest.

[DoroTTT in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Hi. Thanks - I should have said I’ve had the blood tests and all ok.

[Lalatoot]

Doro I am an odd hypo, one of the few who lose weight when undermedicated. So it could be too much or too little levo. You say you have had bloods tested and they were all ok.

What do you mean by all ok? How do the actual numbers compare with your previous levels?

[DoroTTT in reply to Lalatoot]

Thanks. The last TSH reading from 4 months ago was 1.05 which doc said was ok (down from 1.57 six months earlier). Had another TSH test on Friday but must now wait a few days for result. Had full blood count done 4 weeks and results were all normal

[Lalatoot in reply to DoroTTT]

Doro TSH is unreliable as a guide for dosing . Drs don't fully understand this. The thyroid hormones FT4 and ft3 are more precise guides to what is happening and dosing should be guided by those levels.

[DoroTTT in reply to Lalatoot]

Thanks. That’s interesting. Will ask about this in my thyroid review appointment on 11th August

[jimh111]

You should mention your weight loss to your GP and get them to do a general check up as there can be multiple causes.

[DoroTTT in reply to jimh111]

Thanks, yes have done that. Had various tests but so far all results normal. Full CT scan possible if weight loss continues

[jimh111 in reply to DoroTTT]

That's good news. As well as TSH there are other markers for thyroid levels such as your pulse rate or a tendency to sweat.

[Kowbie in reply to jimh111]

Hello jimh111 can you tell me more please about sweating and what you know about it , thankyou

[jimh111 in reply to Kowbie]

Typical tests for hyperthyroidism are an increased tendency to sweat, a fine hand tremor when you hold your hands out, a quick powerful pulse, increased appetite and weight loss.

[Kowbie in reply to jimh111]

Oh thanks for your response, but I don’t fit into that at all I’m a bit contrary, my tsh last time was 0.7 range .027 -42 T4 15.3. (12-22). T3 4.5 (3.1-6.8 ) I sweat and put on weight , I have another blood test next week so will see what’s happening then , but thanks for your reply,

[Buddy195 Administrator]

As others have said, ask your GP to do additional tests to put your mind at ease. Also ask for print outs of your thyroid blood tests and post results on the forum for further advice. Like Lalatoot I also lose weight when my thyroid medication needs adjusting. Very best wishes to you DoroTT.

[DoroTTT in reply to Buddy195]

Thanks. Will do

[ICE187]

Before I started on Levo, I lost 11.34 kilos within 2 months. Since starting Levo, I lost an additional 4.53 kilos. I have malabsorption issues going on. Have you noticed any issues with foods, stomach/intestinal growling? My weight loss has since stopped.