Why does Levothyroxine cause weight gain if it treats hypothyroidism, weight gain being a hypo symptom?

Shouldn't it help rectify hypo symptoms not make them worse? This baffles me!

I wish I could revert back to Levothyroxine and use it together with T3 as NDT is extortionately priced, and not working brilliantly for me anymore, however, weight gain is my biggest fear, and I read so much about this on here and elsewhere. When I was on it (Levo monotherapy) during my pregnancy with twins, I had to take 275mg of it and I blew up to a size 20. I only lost weight when I started taking Thyroid S. Unfortunately, after the reformulation, it isn't as effective for me, as with Erfa and the Compounded. Trial with Armour is out the question due to costs.

[Vicki60]

hi I am wanting to know the same so I’m following you to see the

Replies

Thank you

[arTistapple]

I would advise you to start a new post with your latest blood test results. Sub optimal treatment will contribute to weight gain and blood tests will help admin ‘see’ what might be contributing. Don’t assume your results are ‘fine’.

[Hidden in reply to arTistapple]

Thanks. I haven't had a blood test for a while. I am waiting on my GP to give me a permission to go ahead with one. I don't use the private self testing services.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

If you've never done a private blood test you probably have no clue as to how your body responded to T4 and it sounds like you weren't converting it hence the weight gain and the fact that NDT works better for you... well worth getting a full thyroid panel done

Edit, just read your issue with private testing, perhaps if you bought the MMH which is around £30 and ask the nurse to fill it next time you have a draw?

[pennyannie]

Hello MindfulMoments :

I too take Thyroid S and yes there have been some issues since reformulation.

I would think the weight issue would resolve irrespective of which thyroid hormone replacement treatment you use - once your thyroid hormones are at optimal levels for you - as we all have our unique set point - within the T3 range - where this starts to happen.

No thyroid hormone replacement works well until the core strength vitamins and minerals - those of ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D are up and maintained at optimal levels.

T4 - Levothyroxine is a pro-hormone and needs to be converted in the liver into T3 the active hormone that runs the body, and there are several reasons why your natural ability to convert T4 to T3 has been down regulated -

for some it's genetic and for many of us it can be non optimal vitamins and minerals, inflammation, antibodies, and any physiological stress ( emotional or physical ) dieting, depression and ageing.

[Hidden in reply to pennyannie]

Thanks. I really need a thyroid and vitamin blood test to see where I'm at. Waiting for GP permission as I am only supposed to have one, once yearly. I do not do the private self testing bloods due to cost, and I can never draw the optimum amount of blood needed. Thyroid S concerns me due to the lack of ingredient information, levels of aluminum in it, plus the fillers. I have increasing gastric issues, probably because of all the unnecessary nasties in it. I am gluten and soya free. I am also in the menopause. In regards to Levothyroxine, I previously took it as monotherapy. I've also tried T3 monotherapy which didn't work because I couldn't tolerate the T3 in quantities more that 10 -15mg.

[pennyannie in reply to Hidden]

Having been refused a TSh + Free T3 + Free T4 and vitamins and minerals on the NHS - I have been forced into private blood tests and sourcing my own medication.

Do you know the reason for your hypothyroidism - if Auto Immune stomach and gut issues are common and need to be sorted before any thyroid hormone replacement will work well for you.

[Hidden in reply to pennyannie]

Hi. My GP allows me to have the T4, T3 and TSH tested as I am taking T3 in the form of NDT. He is good like that, pity the others in the surgery aren't the same. He just says that I can't ask for the T3 to be tested too regularly as the NHS labs will have issue with it. My hypo is hereditary as my mum has it and I think her father may have had it, but not sure about that. I went dairy free years ago and consumed lots of soya milk, which was the worst thing I could have done, as I was diagnosed after that, and was told by an excellent U.S doctor when I was living there that could have been the trigger point to setting things of thyroid wise. Going dairy free made no difference anyway. I probably have Hashi's as my antibodies were high years ago when on Levo alone. I started NDT due to that, and my ranges have generally been ok with my T4 mid normal range, T3 high normal range and TSH suppressed because of the T3. My gut issues are more recent. I started going gluten free years ago when I thought I may have Hashi's and that has helped. I've been tested for dairy and that's fine. I also went dairy free as said before and tried it again later but that makes no difference. I am also glad about that as I have menopausal early onset osteoporosis, so I want as much nutrients from dairy as possible rather than relying on supplements and artificial milk alternatives. I would have the private tests done if a phlebotomist could do it for me, but it's extortionate where I live doing it privately, through Blue Horizon and Medichecks. I wouldn’t know how to sort the gut issues out. It doesn't matter what I eat, bloating and painful wind cramps often occur. Vitamin supplements seem to also aggravate my system. Cellulose in the vtiamins may be an issue. My relief is drinking near boiling water and use a hot water bottle when it's more painful. I find I belch and have flatulence an awful lot more than I ever used to. I never had gut issues before even on NDT. Doctors just give me Omeprazole which interacts with thyroid medication and it does nothing anyway, so I don't take it. I used to be able to eat all kinds of cuisine, now even lettuce can set me off. Fatigue is also an issue, which fluctuates but doesn't totally go away. I even get that when my blood levels are as they should be. I am going to try and get my B12 and iron checked with my thyroid bloods when I can to see how they are. My vit D was tested before my osteoporosis treatment recently and I was told that was fine. I have started to take Lactoferrin which is supposed to help with gut issues but that's in a Cellulose capsule. I did split the capsule, but it was revolting 😄. Apparently, apple cider vinegar is supposed to help too, which surprises me as I thought it would irritate the gut being acidic 🤔

[pennyannie in reply to Hidden]

When hypothyroid all body systems tend to slow down - one of which is digestion and absorption of food and movement of food through the stomach, gut and bowel.

This starts off with the body producing stomach acid - which generally reminds ' healthy people ' that their stomach is grumbling, that they are hungry and need to eat something -

but when hypo - stomach acid can be low and then the body struggles to extract key nutrients through food - no matter how well and clean one eats -

Taking a teaspoon of ACV with ' mother ' in a glass of water prior to eating the main meal of the day containing the most protein - is a suggestion that aids digestion for some forum members including myself.

The gut needs to be acidic - and this is something you may need to increase with either ACV or digestive enzymes.

[Hidden in reply to pennyannie]

Thank you that's really helpful. I will buy some ACV s d give it a go, thanks!

[pennyannie in reply to Hidden]

Suggest you first do the burp test - low stomach acid test -

there are several YouTube posts on what you need to do and what this tells you -

and if you have some bicarb of soda / baking powder in the store cupboard you can do this today and know if low stomach acid is a problem for you.