Reducing T4 and increase in belly fat

[Citta]

For the past few months now I’ve been reducing my Levo T4 from 100 mcgs to 75 while introducing T3 20mcgs as a split dose. I feel alright but I’ve noticed a significant gain in belly fat. I’m less active in the winter but my eating hasn’t increased and I eat very healthy foods. Anyone else notice this when they reduced their T4? I haven’t checked blood results yet but plan to do so at the end of this month. On the plus side, I have more energy, less anxiety and sleep better on this new regime.

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

hi,

Have you tested your FT4 and FT3? Could be you need a slight adjustment in T4 v T3 .

I definitely gain some timber when I’m hypo, mine is often mucin swelling (hard and tender) rather than fat which is squishable.

Any other symptoms? Taking anything else? HRT?

[Citta in reply to Regenallotment]

I think I'm a bit stiffer in my joints but as it's winter, it could be that. No HRT. I'm going to test next week as that will give me a better idea of what ig going on. Thanks.

[SlowDragon Ambassador]

obviously test Ft4 and Ft3

early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

T3 ….day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day, with last 5mcg dose approximately 8-12 hours before test

You may need to tweak dose

Do you always get same brand Levo

Same brand T3

How are you splitting your 20mcg T3

You may find it better as 3 or 4 doses spread across the day ….or as single dose

Everyone is different. It can take a lot of experimenting to find best option

what vitamin supplements are you taking

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

With Hashimoto’s are you on gluten free/dairy free diet

[Citta in reply to SlowDragon]

I am now gluten free but still working on going dairy free. My D3 is normal but could be better. Ferritin and B12 all good. I'm taking D3, Omega and magnesium supplements. I always have the same brand of thyroid meds but I will try and work with tweaking the doses as you suggest. Thank.

[elaar]

I dropped 25mcgs slowly whilst adding T3 also. Same thing happened to me, more fat around the belly. I'm not overweight, but fat liked to congregate there. I learnt an important lesson (for me anyway), which is not to drop T4 until after adding T3, and waiting for the results of the next round of blood tests.

[Citta in reply to elaar]

That's good advice. Thanks

[Humphre in reply to elaar]

Interesting as I'm about to start on T3 busy trying to workout a regime Endo wants me to drop to 50mcg T4 for 3-4 days prior to starting T3 10mcg x 2 but I've had advice from on here & trying to read Paul Robinsons book🤦 I'm normally on 125mcg did think dropping to 100mcg & add T3 at 2.5mcg x 2 see how I go..... I know everyone's different just need guidelines 🤔

[Citta in reply to Humphre]

I’ve always found this group very helpful. The Endo can help guide you with the blood results but only you know how you feel. It’s a fine balancing act.

[Humphre in reply to Citta]

This I gather, yes very helpful on here👍

[serenfach]

As I understand it, estrogen determines where fat is stored in a female, so an increase in belly fat may mean you should check your estrogen levels.

I used to have a T shirt with "I am a martyr to my hormones!" on it, but I wore it out...

[carer999]

My GP reduced my levothyroine 11 months ago. I am under going currently investigations as I have been losing weight without dieting.

I've lost 11 lbs and 2 inches from my waist but nothing from my belly. I had been told I needed to loose weight as my belly measurement is 3 inches was over what was regarded as good by cardiac rehab nurses.

I wasn't aware of the impact of lowering levothyroxine on belly. I hate to think how much I need to loose to get the belly measurement down as I'm not over weight and have a healthy BMI of 20.3.

[Citta in reply to carer999]

As far as I know, belly fat is the most dangerous for hearts

[carer999 in reply to Citta]

Presumably that is why they wanted it reduced. I've already lost 10% of my body weight and none from belly unfortunately.

[Citta in reply to carer999]

It’s very hard to shift belly fat.