Is it common that weight loss fluctuates over the years? I was overweight when I was diagnosed and when I started medication (levothyroxine) I lost all excess weight which was great and I was able to do lots of sport.
I then stabilized with medication and my weight started to increase again.
I am actively trying to lose weight but just wondered if I am likely to fluctuate weight in months and years to come. I wondered if I would dip into hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism or was the weight loss initially a one-off with my body getting used to the medication?
Would love to lose the weight again.
Written by
rma64
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Your weight could be affected by wether you are replaced to the right level or not.
With Hashimoto’s levels can fluctuate, but this tends to be early on.
The immune system attacks which your thyroid and as the thyroid cells are destroyed the release any ready made hormone - but gradually as more of the thyroid is destroyed the ability to function reduces.
When replacement is started it initially tops up thyroid levels but over time the out put of thyroid reduces & usually people end up on a full replacement dose.
What were your recent results? For full results you need TSH, FT4 & FT3. Important to test folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamin D. If nutrients are not optimal levo wont won’t well.
Presumably you have had antibodies tested as you know you have Hashimoto’s. TPO & TG antibodies are often tested to confirm this at diagnosis.
Recommend on this forum that thyroid test are book for early morning, fast overnight (lots of water) - leave off any supplements containing biotin for 3 days prior. (Biotin interfere with testing process). Delay replacement dose until after draw. This gives consistent testing.
important to test vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin at least once a year
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
When were vitamin levels last tested
As you have Hashimoto’s your GP should have tested for coeliac disease, ….have they?
Poor gut function with Hashimoto’s can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances.
Most common by far is gluten.
Dairy is second most common.
A trial of strictly gluten free diet is always worth doing
Only 5% of Hashimoto’s patients test positive for coeliac but a further 81% of Hashimoto’s patients who try gluten free diet find noticeable or significant improvement or find it’s essential
A strictly gluten free diet helps or is essential due to gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)
Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and may slowly lower TPO antibodies
While still eating high gluten diet ask GP for coeliac blood test first or buy test online for under £20, just to rule it out first
Assuming test is negative you can immediately go on strictly gluten free diet
(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially)
Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse
The predominance of Hashimoto thyroiditis represents an interesting finding, since it has been indirectly confirmed by an Italian study, showing that autoimmune thyroid disease is a risk factor for the evolution towards NCGS in a group of patients with minimal duodenal inflammation. On these bases, an autoimmune stigma in NCGS is strongly supported
In summary, whereas it is not yet clear whether a gluten free diet can prevent autoimmune diseases, it is worth mentioning that HT patients with or without CD benefit from a diet low in gluten as far as the progression and the potential disease complications are concerned
Despite the fact that 5-10% of patients have Celiac disease, in my experience and in the experience of many other physicians, at least 80% + of patients with Hashimoto's who go gluten-free notice a reduction in their symptoms almost immediately.
Similarly few months later consider trying dairy free too. Approx 50-60% Hashimoto’s patients find dairy free beneficial
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Hashimotos? 
Hashimotos 
Hashimotos!!
Hashimoto's
