hi everyone!
hashimoto’s thyroiditus was diagnosed privately in August 2022 and now nhs is treating me with 75mg levothyroxine (teva brand) and things are improving. Goitre reducing and t3,t4,TSH all in normal range now. On b12 supplement for deficiency, was tested for all major vitamins, coeliac, and lots of other tests for ongoing constipation, bloating and some other symptoms like hot flushes, but all normal. I cannot lose weight at all. Anyone have any advice or experience that relates?
Welcome to the forum 08ambo1
So we can offer better advice, can you tell us blood test results (with ranges in brackets) for:
TSH
FT3
FT4
Plus any antibody and key vitamin tests (ferritin, folate, vitamins D and B12)
If your GP is unable to complete all the above (eg if TSH is within range, some surgeries may not be able to access FT4 and FT3 tests), you could look to do this privately, as many forum members do, for a better picture of your thyroid health:
thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...
Please remember that when medics say results are ‘within range’ or ‘normal’ this may not be optimal for you.
Do ask for a print out of all blood tests and share with us (remember to add ranges in brackets as these can vary between laboratories)
Have you ever tried a gluten free diet? Many with Hashimotos benefit from eliminating gluten. I also tested negative coeliac but am definitely gluten intolerant. All my stomach issues resolved when I followed forum advice to trial GF for a couple of months.
Latest bloods from March:
TSH 1.65 (0.35 - 5.5)
T4 20.2 (10.5 - 21)
T3 5.6 (3.5 - 5.6)
FBC:
Total white blood count 5.9 (3.9 - 10.2)
Red blood cell count 4.55 (3.9 - 5.2)
Haemoglobin 136 (120-156)
Haematocrit 0.415 (0.355 - 0.455)
Mean cell volume 91.2 (80 - 99)
Mean cell haemoglobin 30 (27 - 33.5)
Red blood cell distribution width 13.3 (11 - 16)
Platelet count 316 (150 - 370)
Mean platelet volume 9.4
Neutrophil 3.12 (1.5 - 7.7)
Lymphocyte 2.12 (1.1 - 4.5)
Monocyte 0.42 (0.1 - 0.9)
Esinophil 0.05 (0 - 0.5)
Basophil 0.04 (0 - 0.2)
B12 191 (211 - 911)
Bone Profile:
Albumin 43 (35-50)
Serum Calcium 2.27 (2.08 - 2.65)
Serum adjusted calcium 2.29 (2.2 - 2.6)
Inorganic phosphate 0.92 (0.8 - 1.5)
Alkaline phosphatase 55 (30 - 130)
Folate 15.93 (4.12 -)
Oestradiol 196
LH 2.9
FSH 2.3
CA125 12 ( 0 - 34)
HBA1c:
Tissue transglutaminase 0.2 (0 - 6.9)
Haemoglobin A1c 30
As SlowDragon has suggested, I would look to test ferritin and vitamin D levels and also try eliminating gluten for a couple of months to see if this helps you. Being totally GF has massively alleviated all stomach issues I previously had, reduced my thyroid antibody levels (although they are still over range!) & given me increased energy. I’m so glad I followed forum advice to try this.
Your FT3 and FT4 will no doubt be high because you took your Levo dose before the blood draw. Personally, I take the earliest blood draw available & take Levo afterwards. Try to have all thyroid blood tests at the same time, for a better comparison of results doing forward.
ALWAYS test early morning, ideally just before 9am, and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
75mcg is only one step up from starter dose. You may be ready for next increase in levothyroxine
Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking
With Hashimoto’s it’s frequently necessary to be strictly gluten free and/or dairy free
Start with cutting gluten
Never tried blood testing like this, but next one is booked at 8:20am and will not take levothyroxine that morning. My brand is Teva, and has been consistent for about 6 months. I never tried cutting gluten out either
What are your vitamin D and ferritin results
Are you on B12 injections or daily B12 supplement
Are you also taking a daily vitamin B complex?
Vit D and Ferritin was not tested at all.
Currently on B12 supplements daily, but nothing more.
List of private testing options and money off codes
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins
medichecks.com/products/adv...
Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins
bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...
NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £31 via
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.
Similar here really re not losing weight,am also on 75 mg (for years /Teva). I am 10 st 2 pounds & have been for years,inspite of daily walking & going to a gym- I used to be 8 1/2 then 9st 12 which felt happy with,but the fat just doesnt shift!!Meanwhile,would you believe my own GP said to me "you can't have a goitre with an underactive thyroid" this when i said I suspected I might have one...I just looked at her in disbelief?!!! I try never to book an appointment with her ever since (she also misdiagnosed a lesion saying it was nothing but i knew it wasnt right & went private was skin cancer! not at all competent. )
Gosh, that is frightening. For a doctor to not recognise skin cancer or even refer you if she was unsure. How do these people get qualified! Glad the cancer was caught.
Thank you! Only by paying privately...thank goodness I had some savings!!
Me2U
10st 2lbs = 64.4 kilo
Guidelines on dose levothyroxine by weight at 1.6mcg per kilo of your weight per day
Suggests you’re perhaps under medicated
64.4kilo x 1.6mcg = 103mcg per day
What are your most recent thyroid and vitamin results
ALWAYS test early morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once a year
I really hope you complained. I don’t expect doctors to know everything but should be made aware of mistakes. I we say nothing , nothing improves.!!
I have had the same problem. Was piling on weight and last year in the run up to my wedding I went on quite an extreme fasting routine, one meal a day (OMAD) diet which involves consuming no calories for periods of between 22-24 hours at a time. I just ate at lunch. I lost weight and kind of got used to it. I was more relaxed at weekends and would eat 2 meals a day. This showed how undermedicated I was that this was the only way to lose weight. Since introducing T3 I’ve been able to go back to the eating 2 meals a day- I skip breakfast which was normal for me before thyroid issues anyway
Last year both my husband and I did the fasting thing by only eating between certain hours, we both lost about a stone over around 3 months. However we also cut out all bread and a lot of other carbs. Since then it has slowly gone back on with my husband putting on half a stone and me the whole dam lot!!!
I was just reading what SlowDragon said about dose by weight. How can you work that out if you are taking both T3 and T4?
You can’t use guidelines if on T3 as well
Essential to test Ft4 and Ft3 and maintain optimal vitamin levels
it’s so hard to lose weight when you’re hypothyroid and nigh on impossible if you are under dosed. When your T3 is in the lower range you literally might as well not try. If I diet hard under the wrong conditions (incorrect dose) I will actually gain weight. I think a level of acceptance about your situation is important until you are at the sweet spot and then you have a fighting chance. Funny old thing weight control.
Go on a low fodmap diet. Cut out all gluten, sugar and dairy. If that doesn't work, use the same diet and start fasting for 12-18 hours a day. Be sure your vitamins and minerals are good.
as others have said 75mcg is probably not your optimum dose even if results are within range.. This disease takes patience and a doctor who understands their own limitations!! I found sourdough bread stopped my bloating and stay off processed foods, (including white flour and sugar) ready meals etc. Constipation often accompanies Underactivity and undertreatment. Mind you I still have dried prunes and figs to ensure healthy bowels! Good luck!
I have found chia seeds help with constipation. I soak about a dessert spoon full overnight in natural yogurt and stir into my granola.
I think as said by several people above (who are much more knowledgeable than me) you ought to post the detail of your test results with ranges etc. There's a difference between levels being 'normal' and 'optimal'. When I was on levothyroxine I struggled with low energy and after posting results on here it was pointed out that my T3 levels were low (although classified as normal) compared to my T4. To cut a long story short I switched from Levothyroxine to NDT and my energy is much better. I have also lost the weight that I couldn't shift when on Levo, it wasn't my reason for switching but it feels good to be back to my normal weight. I'm not saying switching to NDT would be the solution for you but there are very knowledgeable people on here who can help if they have all the information.
I hope you can find a solution, I know it's very dispiriting when whatever you do the weight just sits there.
08ambo1,
Welcome to our forum,
When thyroid hormones are optimised and working effectively then weight loss should happen if all other conditions are right.
Unfortunately because of the changes inadequate thyroid hormones levels can make to our body such as unknown insulin issues and/or high levels of cortisol levels, etc, it can take a while for these things to reverse to a place where conditions are right for weight loss.
Great advice from Buddy195 regarding best chance for getting your meds working best.
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