Hypothyroid & Losing Weight

wendykoopa

I went to the doctor and found out that I am hypothyroid. I have been prescribed 50mg of Synthroid and will start it today. Anybody else on a weight loss journey with this disorder and taking this medication that can give me any tips, advice, what to expect etc.? Any details of your journey are appreciated!

RoseTheWarrior

I've been on synthroid for years. My best advice: take it every single day. It will help you have more energy. If you're on synthroid you should have no issues with losing weight. I've lost over 40 lbs since Sept 1. You won't have any side effects other than actually feeling way more energy. Before I was on synthroid, I would fall asleep if I sat down. I don't have that problem anymore

Keith3481

I'm on 88 mcg of synthroid. I've been able to lose 40 lbs this past year by following MFP. Just log accurately and maintain your deficit and you will lose. Take your synthroid as prescribed and keep your doctor's appointments so they can check your blood to make sure your thyroid level is under control.

wendykoopa

RoseTheWarrior wrote: »

I've been on synthroid for years. My best advice: take it every single day. It will help you have more energy. If you're on synthroid you should have no issues with losing weight. I've lost over 40 lbs since Sept 1. You won't have any side effects other than actually feeling way more energy. Before I was on synthroid, I would fall asleep if I sat down. I don't have that problem anymore

Thanks, Rose! I have been overweight my whole life for no culpable reason. I don't over eat. My appetite is less than most people at a normal weight. And I can never remember having energy, even as a child.

I hope this medication will be a major positive life changer for me. I likely could have and should have been diagnosed before, but I *HATE* going to the doctor. For 2016, I made a resolution that I would make my health a priority. And this is the first step!

wendykoopa

Keith3481 wrote: »

I'm on 88 mcg of synthroid. I've been able to lose 40 lbs this past year by following MFP. Just log accurately and maintain your deficit and you will lose. Take your synthroid as prescribed and keep your doctor's appointments so they can check your blood to make sure your thyroid level is under control.

Thanks for the advice, Keith! I'm glad to hear a positive outcome from taking this medication. The doctor started me out on 50mcg and I go back in 2 months to check my levels. Hoping we can get them under control as quickly as possible, because I'm 27 years old and for 27 years I have been living in an energy-less mind fog. I'm over it already!

bellaa_x0

make sure you take your medicine (on its own, not with an other medication you may also take) on an empty stomach and do not eat for at least one hour! also no coffee for at least one hour as caffeine can affect absorption.

ETA: i was only not eating/drinking coffee for 30 minutes until my new endo advised me otherwise!

Pawsforme

I was diagnosed in June and am also on 50 mcg of Levothyroxine.

Per the instructions that came with my medication, I take it 30 to 60 minutes before having my morning coffee or eating anything. Usually it's a lot closer to 30 than 60.

It took about six weeks for it to really kick in. I started feeling quite a bit better after just a couple of weeks (brain fog improved dramatically), but it took six weeks before I started losing weight. Since then I've lost 25 pounds fairly easily, and I can't begin to describe how much better I feel. I'm 53 and honestly feel better than I've ever felt in my life.

AnnPT77

+1 to following the specific directions you're given about taking it, as others have said, usually first thing in the morning *every* day, with 1/2-1 hour before eating as directed. I've been on Synthroid (or generic) for 15 years. It took a little while to get the dose adjusted correctly, but even the initial "too low" dose did help me feel somewhat better. Since getting to that correct dose, I've done the blood test every 6 months, and the dosage has had to be adjusted two (maybe three?) times since. I'm now at 175mcg.

You may find that you lose weight more easily, but you may also find that intentional action is required on that front in order to achieve your goals, vs. just automagically losing.

While under good control of the thyroid levels, I've lost 57 pounds since mid-April 2015 by weighing/logging food & following the standard MFP-recommended process (and I'm 60 y/o).

You may be able to start losing weight while still working on the thyroid level correction, but possibly you'd experience a slower weight loss rate (fewer pounds/week) at any given calorie level, and find that that changed as your thyroid levels improve. But I'd resist any temptation to cut calories to an unsustainable level just to get that loss, if it proves difficult.

If you've been low energy your whole life, it might make more sense to use some new-found energy to get in the habit of moving more, rather than cutting calories to the point where you may lose energy again. Don't be afraid to modestly experiment, with your doctor's approval, on the weight loss front, but do pay close attention to how you feel!

(P.S. to other hypothyroid folks: Yes, I know the issues about levothyroxine generics. Trust me, things are OK.)

wendykoopa

AnnPT77 wrote: »

+1 to following the specific directions you're given about taking it, as others have said, usually first thing in the morning *every* day, with 1/2-1 hour before eating as directed. I've been on Synthroid (or generic) for 15 years. It took a little while to get the dose adjusted correctly, but even the initial "too low" dose did help me feel somewhat better. Since getting to that correct dose, I've done the blood test every 6 months, and the dosage has had to be adjusted two (maybe three?) times since. I'm now at 175mcg.

You may find that you lose weight more easily, but you may also find that intentional action is required on that front in order to achieve your goals, vs. just automagically losing.

While under good control of the thyroid levels, I've lost 57 pounds since mid-April 2015 by weighing/logging food & following the standard MFP-recommended process (and I'm 60 y/o).

You may be able to start losing weight while still working on the thyroid level correction, but possibly you'd experience a slower weight loss rate (fewer pounds/week) at any given calorie level, and find that that changed as your thyroid levels improve. But I'd resist any temptation to cut calories to an unsustainable level just to get that loss, if it proves difficult.

If you've been low energy your whole life, it might make more sense to use some new-found energy to get in the habit of moving more, rather than cutting calories to the point where you may lose energy again. Don't be afraid to modestly experiment, with your doctor's approval, on the weight loss front, but do pay close attention to how you feel!

(P.S. to other hypothyroid folks: Yes, I know the issues about levothyroxine generics. Trust me, things are OK.)

Thanks for all the helpful advice, Ann! I'm hoping that being proactive about keeping up with my calorie intake as well as exercising, and my medication, I will lose some weight. I bought an eliptical/bike duo and have been building up a workout routine. It's hard because I'm out of shape and also have no energy. The sooner this stuff kicks in, the better!

mrtastybutt

I've been on Levothyroxine since the early 90's. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in my 20's. I take 200 mcg. The highest my TSH has ever been is 187.

I know it takes a while to notice the difference but when it does, wow what a difference! I was an outlier in that I always gained weight as I got closer to euthyroid since I was able to move to get something to eat. The more hypo I got the less I weighed since my energy was too low to eat!

I wish you all the best. If you aren't feeling better in a couple of months, I suggest running a full panel to see that you are converting your t4 into t3 properly. In a few people this doesn't happen and they have to take a different hormone replacement but I can't for the life of me recall the name right now.

Terri70

Ok. Thanks for this post. I have a question for y'all. I've been on Levo at 125 mcg for the last 6-7 months and my # looks great. The problem is I'm not seeing any of the good side effects that y'all are saying you get. I'm still VERY sluggish and have been having a problem with losing weight. Could a change in meds make a difference there? and not screw up my good #? I hate feeling like this and am sooooo ready to rid myself of this weight. If it's time for a med change, what do you suggest? Thanks in advance!

bellaa_x0

Terri70 wrote: »

Ok. Thanks for this post. I have a question for y'all. I've been on Levo at 125 mcg for the last 6-7 months and my # looks great. The problem is I'm not seeing any of the good side effects that y'all are saying you get. I'm still VERY sluggish and have been having a problem with losing weight. Could a change in meds make a difference there? and not screw up my good #? I hate feeling like this and am sooooo ready to rid myself of this weight. If it's time for a med change, what do you suggest? Thanks in advance!

maybe ask your doctor about switching from the generic to brand (Synthroid)? it makes a difference for some people i've heard.

AskTracyAnnK28

I've been on 75mcg of generic synthroid for a while and lost 67 pounds using MFP. You shouldn't have any trouble at all as long as you weigh/measure and log your food correctly.

StacyChrz

I have been on Synthroid since I was 8 years old. I am now 40. Up until this week I was taking 250mcg/day. I have been pretty stable the past 5 years but for those with experience, this is a high dose. As of last week I am down 40lbs since March of last year and when I went to my PCP this week he said it was time to LOWER MY DOSE!!!! While just a small change, down to 225mcg, this is a huge victory for me. I'm including a link to a great article that might provide some hope to others:

http://hypothyroidmom.com/weight-loss-and-hypothyroidism-quite-the-odd-couple/

Pawsforme

Do keep in mind that dosing is based on multiple factors -- the first one being the person's body weight. A 200 pound person is going to need more thyroid hormone than a 100 pound person. The second factor is age-in general older people need a smaller dosage than younger people. And the third factor is, of course, how that individual responds to a particular dose. But I don't find that it really does much good comparing dosages w/o taking body weight and age into account. FWIW, most sources list the "average" dose as being 1.7 mcg. per kg. of body weight, or 1 mcg. per kg. of body weight for older people. I'm not sure what constitutes "older."

thisstacyrocks

Terri70 wrote: »

Ok. Thanks for this post. I have a question for y'all. I've been on Levo at 125 mcg for the last 6-7 months and my # looks great. The problem is I'm not seeing any of the good side effects that y'all are saying you get. I'm still VERY sluggish and have been having a problem with losing weight. Could a change in meds make a difference there? and not screw up my good #? I hate feeling like this and am sooooo ready to rid myself of this weight. If it's time for a med change, what do you suggest? Thanks in advance!

You should consider switching to a Rx that has T4 and T3, such as, Armour Thyroid. It has both T4 and T3. For people who still feel sluggish and have the side effects of hypothyroidism while taking a T4 only drugs, such as Synthroid, Levo, etc. see huge improvements on the T4 with T3 combo. I have been on armour for 12 years and it's the only drug that makes me feel more normal. Some doctors do not believe in Armour since it is naturally derived from animal and not really synthetic. So if you must stay on a synthetic version of meds ask for a synthetic t3 drug to pair with it. Once you add t3 you will see a huge improvement.

JoJean12

This is valuable information for me. I have nodule on my thyroid and I fear my thyroid may have to come out in less than a year. I have been worried about gaining weight after its removed and I'm on medication.
The nodule isnt cancerous, my thyroid numbers are normal and Im not experiencing any difficulties with the nodule

StacyChrz

Pawsforme wrote: »

Do keep in mind that dosing is based on multiple factors -- the first one being the person's body weight. A 200 pound person is going to need more thyroid hormone than a 100 pound person. The second factor is age-in general older people need a smaller dosage than younger people. And the third factor is, of course, how that individual responds to a particular dose. But I don't find that it really does much good comparing dosages w/o taking body weight and age into account. FWIW, most sources list the "average" dose as being 1.7 mcg. per kg. of body weight, or 1 mcg. per kg. of body weight for older people. I'm not sure what constitutes "older."

While I agree that a person's weight and age can have be a factor I can say from personal experience that I have weighed less than I do now and have was still on just as high a dose of Synthroid. I think that the big change now is the balance of foods that I am eating along with the exercise.

HummingNutter

I have been on Synthroid for over 35 years, (I'm 46 now).
Sometimes it takes a while to get the correct dose, so give it some time. You will be able to lose weight, just make sure that you are eating high quality calories and eat at a deficit. Also try to get some physical exercise daily, it helps combat the fatigue you get when your thyroid is not working properly.

And always take thyroid replacement on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water, wait at least 30-60 minutes before eating, and at least 3 hours before you take any vitamins, supplement, or calcium containing products.

Some people take their medication at bedtime, but most take in the morning, if you take other medications consult your doctor or pharmacist about whether you can take them at the same time as your thyroid replacement.

ValerieMartini2Olives

Bump. I have had some symptoms for a while and saw an endocrinologist yesterday. He's pretty sure I have Hashimoto's. Had all the blood work done today and have a follow up on Feb. 9th. Hoping to start a medication regime soon. I'd really like my hair to stop falling out and would REALLY like to get some weight off!

cross2bear

i have been on Synthroid for about 26 years with a few ups and downs. Generic thyroid medication (I have been told by my doctor) can have a varied dose of actual medication in it, and so the effect can vary. But studies have shown that Synthroid appears to be very consistent. Some people are more sensitive to these variations than others, so it is important to have your blood work done regularly (as your doctor recommends) to make sure your levels are even. Getting too much or too little can have a dramatic impact on how you feel. For your first prescription, your doctor is really giving you his or her best guess at what will work for you, based on a number of considerations, so do not be surprised if your meds have to be adjusted once or twice.

If you google the effects of hypothyroidism, you can see that how many bodily functions can be affected, and how many symptoms can be manifest to indicate that you have a problem in this area, from itchy dry skin to unconsciousness! It is so important to take your meds properly - follow your doctors (or your pharmacists) directions.

In terms of weight loss, once you are on the right doseage, you should have no difficulties in losing weight - good luck!

tiffkittyw

wendykoopa wrote: »

I went to the doctor and found out that I am hypothyroid. I have been prescribed 50mg of Synthroid and will start it today. Anybody else on a weight loss journey with this disorder and taking this medication that can give me any tips, advice, what to expect etc.? Any details of your journey are appreciated!

I've been on 50 mg of generic Synthyroid (Levothyroxizine) since the end of October. I started at 164 lbs in September and I'm now 134.2 lbs. I've lost weight every week by watching my carbs and sodium the day before weigh in. I basically eat all the things I love modified to be healthier. I use a Fitbit Charge HR to tell me how many calories I'm burning which is anywhere from 1,850 calories for 10,000 steps up to 1,950 calories for 12,000 steps. I pre-log all 7 days with what I plan to eat, check my weekly daily average and as long as it's below 1,400 gross I lose weight. You might be different since my TDEE is based on my age, weight and height. I definitely recommend an activity tracker to give you a TDEE estimate. I eat food from my favorite Mexican restaurant every Saturday washed down with wine or vodka and some peanut m&m's. I've heard that once your thyroid levels are good you will lose weight just like anyone else, but just in case (and because I'm all fat no muscle due to yo yo dieting) I tell Fitbit I'm an inch shorter for more accuracy and so far so good, no plateaus...knock on wood LOL! I think you'll do great as long as you stick with eating less than you burn

CSARdiver

Total thyroidectomy in 2000 and put on ~60lbs largely due to not being aware of what I was eating and stopping exercising after transitioning from the military to a cushy civilian life. Once I found MFP I started logging my intake and activity and lost the extra weight.

You may need to tweak your intake and logging. Note that it is very difficult to estimate caloric intake, so if the weight is not coming off - check and recheck your logs to make sure you are including everything.

Your TSH should be <2.0. If not and you don't feel well work with your endocrinologist to get this managed and get a full thyroid panel as well. Keep copies of your records and share your MFP data with your physician as well. Docs love objective evidence!

Speaking as someone who manufactures pharmaceuticals there is a difference between generic and branded product. Not always, but there is with Synthroid. This is one of the more complex products to manufacture and I don't react as well to generic. You also need to take this on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. I set an alarm for 5am, take the pill, then drink 16oz water about an hour later. Hydration is also key with thyroid disorders, so drink to your thirst.

One last tip - there are tons of people trying to exploit hypothyroidism, so steer clear of any claims of "curing" thyroid disorders.

Psychgrrl

Be patient, it can take time to get the dosage right.

I'd ask your doctor what your TSH was and what range your doctor/insurance/lab is using as the normal range--it varies. Also ask for a Free T3 and T4 test (and where your results are in relation to the normal range). Your body is supposed to convert T4 to T3, but sometimes it does a bad job. I'm on Cytomel, which is a T3 supplement. They act in different ways: synthroid, levoxyl and the like are T4 and take time to build up in the bloodstream--hence the testing every eight weeks. The T3 supplemental goes in and out in 24 hours. Consistency in taking meds and following directions (I take both of mine first thing in the morning and don't eat until a few hours later) are crucial. Calcium can affect absorption. So can antacids.

The old TSH standard used to be above 5.0. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends 3.0 as the high end for TSH. My insurance uses 4.0 as the high value. But there's a normal range for a reason. Just because you're in the normal range, doesn't mean that's where you personally need to be. Maybe you function better at 2.0 or 1.0. If you're still experiencing symptoms 8 weeks after a normal range blood test, tell your doctor. Ask for a referral to an Endo if you're not already seeing one. You need to be your own best advocate.

There are no differences between the medications, but between the name brand of the hundreds of generic versions of synthroid/levoxyl on the market, there are differences with the fillers, binders, colorings and pill coatings. This can affect some people. If you find a generic version that works for you--stick with it. The same pharmacy won't always stock the same generic--you need to be attentive to what you're getting as the pills are always the same color for the same dosage. You can have your doc specifically request a brand of generic. I am fine as long as I'm on the same brand of generic consistently. When I moved here, and got new insurance and new generics, we had to adjust the dosage for both my T4 and T3. My new insurance wouldn't cover the name brands and I couldn't afford to pay out-of-pocket for them. But I have a good doctor who listens to me.

I've lost over 85 pounds and am in better shape than before I was when the disease hit. Just be patient with yourself, get into a calorie deficit and if you can get a fitness tracker to help you with the calories out side, I'd really recommend it. You can do it too!

Doc0862

It will help you and follow your doctors recommended dosage. They will have to test you a few times to get it adjusted correctly and that is slow since it takes a few weeks to get the real accurate reading. Also I would advise you to get a second opinion if you can since doctors vary widely in their test and dosage.
I have graves disease. It is a genetic blood disorder that was triggering my thyroid/metabolism wide open all the time. They did not discover my condition until I was 38 and by then i was shaking uncontrollably and very very weak. (near death) Every muscle in my body was trembling/convulsing including my heart. 3 doctors did not diagnose me correctly because Graves is inherited from family and they didn't test for that. Finally one figured it out and my readings were so high there was no reading. I weighed 125 pounds by then. After they radiated my thyroid twice (killed it with radioactive iodine) I went from Hyper to hypo. I have been on synthroid / levothyroxin ever since then. I prefer the synthroid but the levo is cheaper. Anyway I gained weight slowly but steadily to 268 pounds (now I am learning how to balance my nutrition and calorie intake) I just started Jan 1 but it was not a new years resolution I just feel like a 75 year old and i want to live happy not sickly. I'm only 53 so I decided to learn and change. Here's what I've accomplished and how.
1. I stopped making any excuses and decided that from now on I am 100% in charge of me. (this has been amazingly liberating)
2. I stopped dieting and listening to any advise on the subject. I hear but don't hear if you know what i mean. My father just passed at 93 he was healthy and happy right up until his last month. He was still going dancing at 92 3 nights a week and had girlfriends fighting over him LOL.. He was never heavier that 155 pounds his entire life. He was concerned for my weight gain so he told me this: Never eat more than a handful of any one thing. After breakfast eat very small meals all day every hour or two if possible. He also said I should keep moving no matter what I'm doing just keep moving. Of course back then i didn't do what he said but I am now.
3. I do the math and am learning the numbers for all the foods that I enjoy. I can eat anything as long as it adds up. I have found many of the things i used to eat were simply not worth it. I am shooting for near balance.
4. Since Jan 1,2016 I have already lost 28 pounds starting at 268 i weighed in at 240 this morning.

The last thing I will let you know is that the dosage of synthroid will need to be adjusted as we lose weight. That means tests every month or two as they get it adjusted. I cheat a wee bit here since I have to go every 6 months I will wait until my next appointment (early march) for him to do his regular test he will then see i'm losing weight, talk to me about it and i will have to go back sooner like probably 3 months in that case. Same applies for weight gain. Just personal experience here.
You will be great! I am feeling better than I did in my 30's already and my new saying is "Nothing can possibly taste as good as I feel!"

AnnPT77

FWIW, a data point: My thyroid meds have not (so far) required dosage adjustment despite losing approximately 60 pounds. I was switched to my current dose (175mcg) at about my starting weight of 183, retested June 2015 at about 155 pounds (no material change in TSH from post-adjustment stabilization point), retested again in December 2015 at about 125 pounds (no material change). Perhaps that's just not enough weight to make a difference - though my doctor didn't seem to think a change due to weight loss was expected.

Doc0862

AnnPT77 wrote: »

FWIW, a data point: My thyroid meds have not (so far) required dosage adjustment despite losing approximately 60 pounds. I was switched to my current dose (175mcg) at about my starting weight of 183, retested June 2015 at about 155 pounds (no material change in TSH from post-adjustment stabilization point), retested again in December 2015 at about 125 pounds (no material change). Perhaps that's just not enough weight to make a difference - though my doctor didn't seem to think a change due to weight loss was expected.

possible difference could be the dosage level and actual causes. In my case they completely killed my thyroid or they told me 98% inactive. I think because the radiation treatment is not an exact science.. they had to do mine twice and it may recover a little as the years go by. My condition would require they stop it from functioning as entirely as possible or remove it surgically. I do not want the scar. Also no two doctors agree 100% and no two people are alike. I would never advise anyone medically on this or any other site/blog. Getting a second opinion is always recommended because of the huge variance in doctors views on treatments. (I had one before that had my levels way too low so I was experiencing symptoms.. that should not have even happened.) I do not think that one was actually doing the tests but they were charging me for them. I changed to a new doctor, did a second opinion even after getting him and both were on the same dosage.... no problems since.

My weight change was from 125 pounds all the way up to around 270 pounds over the last 15 years. Yes they did have to adjust my dosage because of my body mass. about 2 times over the 15 years but i do not remember the weights i was at when they did it however last time was 2 years ago and I was 260 then. I'm not sure if my inactivity came into play but i also slowed down dramatically when I got an inactive desk job. (I used to have a very physical job) so all things are a factor. None of it however was a real excuse for my weight gain. My bad habits did that and I am 100% at fault for not taking control of myself sooner.

erin3215

I've been on synthroid for years as well, currently taking 150mcg. It is not a magic fix, weight loss still takes a good deal of work, but it does make a difference in a lot of ways. rHope its helping you thus far!

3AAnn3

I'm on armour thyroid and have been for 6 years. Before that, was on synthroid for 4 years. Yes, it's more difficult with the condition, but the meds will help. Don't let your conditions become your excuses! Moreso than the meds, having a very clean diet, keeping a very positive disposition, and lots of sunlight and exercise are what served me the best.
Also, I'm on a fairly low dose, 45 mg. I can't remember what my dosage was for synthroid. Best to you!

moonnstarstx

Hello,
I was diagnosed with hypothyroid disease about 8 years ago and also started out on 50mcg of synthroid. I was on 175 mcg over the past 3 years. Last Friday I went to my endocrinologist and was told that depending on my blood work my thyroid medication might be lowered due to losing a big chunk of weight. Today I found out that my endocrinologist is lowering my synthroid to 150mcg! I am so excited because it feels like such a huge accomplishment (its the little things). It is definitely each to make it an excuse (Me for example). You just need to take it one day at a time. Feel free to add me. Good luck

amandaatwork

Terri70 wrote: »

Ok. Thanks for this post. I have a question for y'all. I've been on Levo at 125 mcg for the last 6-7 months and my # looks great. The problem is I'm not seeing any of the good side effects that y'all are saying you get. I'm still VERY sluggish and have been having a problem with losing weight. Could a change in meds make a difference there? and not screw up my good #? I hate feeling like this and am sooooo ready to rid myself of this weight. If it's time for a med change, what do you suggest? Thanks in advance!

Hi Terri. I've been on levo for... probably 18 months now. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and related hypothyroid with my last pregnancy. My ob-gyn started me on it and what a HUGE difference it made for me! However, calorie-cutting and clean eating weren't enough for me to lose more than 1 lb a month (even though I was breastfeeding), which I would immediately gain back with a single cheat meal, no exaggeration.

My endo has me alternate 88 mcg and 75 mcg every other day, and when I told her about my difficulties with weight loss she said my body may not be effectively converting T4 to T3. She added 5 mcg of Cytomel 2x a day and I'm finally – FINALLY – able to lose the weight. I've been losing about 1.5 lbs/week by following a 5:2 intermittent fasting diet. I eat about 1300 calories 5 days a week and 500 calories or less 2 days a week. However, she wouldn't give the Cytomel to me while I was still nursing my baby because it can get into breastmilk and cause crankiness and other hyperthyroid symptoms in baby.

I'm so grateful for the Cytomel, seriously. I've been trying after the birth of our 2nd child 3.5 years ago to lose weight with very little success. This has finally made it possible for me. Good luck!