Weight

[Ruby300]

GM Everyone, this is just a question I am 68 I know what you going to say it’s to be expected at my age. I just started the gym I walk 6/7 miles a day my diet is good I have under active Thyroid for many years my GP has a blood test done every six months everything is good. Last March I had a massive heart attack so I am on different tablets. I have been trying to lose weight I just have it round my belly 🙄 before I had my HA I was slowing losing the weight but now it seems I just can’t shift it I was told by a professional when you have the under active thyroid it is harder. I be very grateful for your views 😊

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Hi Ruby300;

Be assured, everyone regardless of age can make steps improve their health and wellbeing. We are a friendly & supportive group & are here to help & advise.

So members can better advise, do you have copies of your thyroid blood tests to share with us:

TSH

FT4

FT3

(With ranges in brackets as laboratories can vary)

If you don’t have them, do ask your GP for a printed copy (which you are legally entitled to). Often GPS say that results are fine because they are within range, but many of us need ‘optimal’ results (which may be higher in the range) to feel well.

What thyroid medication/ dosage are you taking?

Have you ever had antibodies tested to confirm that your thyroid condition is auto immune condition (eg Hashimotos)?

Have you ever tested key vitamins (ferritin, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin D)? These are essential for thyroid health, but please don’t supplement before checking your levels first. Ask your GP to test them, or look to do so privately, as many members here do.

It is likely that your weight issues will not improve until your thyroid and key vitamin levels are optimal. Obviously try to eat as healthily as possible, but don’t overdo it exercise wise. Improving your levels should massively help.

[Ruby300 in reply to Buddy195]

Hi Buddy195 Thank you for your message I know about the site I join last year for both thyroid and Heart. My B12 is ok I have to take vitamin D my diet is very healthy and exercise is good. I will ask about the levels etc my dosage are good I take 75 Levothyroxine. But I will ask the GP about the other things you mentioned thank you very much for your help. Have a nice day.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Ruby300]

The aim, when hypothyroid, is to be prescribed sufficient replacement hormones to bring TSH down to around 1 with Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper part of the ranges.

[Brightness14]

The only time I put on weight was after my thyroid was removed and I was put onto Levo.I gained 10 lbs in just a few weeks. I have been on NDT for over seven years now and only ever go up and down 2 lbs or so. Exercise doesn't help to lose weight it might help your BP and heart but not weight. It's something else I think.

[Ruby300 in reply to Brightness14]

Sorry have to disagree about the exercise it does help I have always been at a steady weight and I have always exercise and walked I noticed since I had my HA last year that I put on the weight I was told it could be all the pills I am on which I never took any pills before. So just will have a chat with my GP I think go from there. 😊

[shaws Administrator in reply to Brightness14]

I believe you too, that levo caused weight gain. It is due to not having sufficient replacements that enables our body to increase weight. I think that a T4/T3 combination would be better as NDT is no longer being prescribed in UK, I believe.

OriginalText:-

I am not medically qualified but had to diagnose myself with Hypothyroidism after GP phoned to tell me that my blood tests were fine and I had no problems. He did not understand how to diagnose someone whose TSH was 100 and felt very unwell.

[Brightness14 in reply to shaws]

Probably it would be better a combination of the two. I don't live in the UK but in France. I am prescribed T4/T3 but I don't take it as I feel well on NDT. I don't like many GP's I have had two good ones but not recently.