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Thyroid  (Expert Forum)
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Obesity and hyperthyroid
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
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MedHelp Member's Question

Obesity and hyperthyroid

by lefrog, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM
I recently was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.  I had all but a dime size of my thyroid removed in 1968 and have not had any problems until now.  I lived with this before, but I was very thin.  Now I am 5'6" and 300lbs. which is not the norm for hyperthyroidism, I just started to take medication.  Can you shed some light on why I am the total opposite of other people with my condition.  

I have had 3 tests in the last 3 months which all showed the same results for hyper. and not hypo.  I have all the other symptoms of hyperthroid, but the weight thing has me stumped.

Thank you,



Linda B
Doctor's Answer

by Mark Lupo, M.D., Oct 15, 2005 12:00AM
15% of hyperthyroid patients gain weight.  In some patients, the metabolic rate does not increase significantly with hyperthyroidism however the appetite often does (out of proportion to the slight increase in metabolism).  



In many cases, the thyroid has little impact on weight - of course this is not the conventional thought, but it does seem to be the case. There are several other (many yet un-identified) factors influencing weight and metabolism.  Unfortunately the only weight loss program that works is to take in less calories than you burn off.  Menopause also tends to slow metabolism.  I would also investigate for insulin resistance/pre-diabetes.
Member Comments (8)

by ArmourGal, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM
To: Lefrog
You had most of your thyroid removed in 1968 and you're still showing hyper on your thyroid labs?  wow...Are you sure?  Because most folks would be way hypo by now I would think.  



Do you know what your TSH lab is?  Or do you have Free T4 and Free T3 labs?  

What other symptoms do you have that your are attributing to hyperthyroidism?

by loislane97, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM
I , too have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism - for the past 4 years, I have been going to specialist - I have had thyroid scans, thyroid ultrasounds, T-free tests, even a HORRIBLE biopsy experience ( NEVER again)  found were 5 tumors on my thyroid - 3 onthe right side, 2 on the left.  The largest tumor, I believe was 3 cm.  Now, I too, have gained weight with this condition - loss of hair, cold all the time, depression, moodiness, no energy...I have been under the watchful eye of 2 endocrinologists - both with the same opinion.  "lets watch it and see what happens."  It has only been within the last 3 weeks that my dr. has decided it is time to "kill it"  I am going in today at 3 pm for a thyroid ablation - :)  now, the kicker is, my dr. is NOT going to put me on ANY meds. He said he will watch me, and make sure I do not become "hypo"  IM ALREADY GAINING WEIGHT WITH NO PROBLEM, NOW, THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE MY ONLY SOURCE OF METABOLISM AWAY AND THEY ARE GOING TO WATCH IT!! I am a bit concerned about the entire thing, but I also am ready to have this removed from me!  My heart beats sooo hard in the evenings! I am afraid I am having a heart attack - for that reason alone, I think it best to have it removed. I am concerned about the weight issue. Does anyone have anysuggestions??

thanks

loislane97

by ancientmariner, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM
To: loislane97
Your symptoms don't sound hypER at all - when I was hyper, I was HOT all the time, not COLD. I wish you'd reconsider the RAI, but I'm probably too late. I am HYPO now after RAI in 2002, and my heart beats really HARD, but not necessarily fast. Long-term hypo has been known to cause heart problems.

by ancientmariner, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM
To: Lefrog
Are you being dosed by TSH only? I had RAI, and my doctor decided I was hyPER because of my low TSH. He didn't know that when you're on thyroid replacement it CAN suppress your TSH. At the time, I didn't know it, either, but found out when I followed his directions and reduced my dose. If that's the only test that your doc is using, tell him he's WRONG! Your symptoms don't sound hypER at all, and he should be treating you based on how you FEEL, not by your lab report.

by loislane97, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM
To: ancientmariner
I have aksed REPEATEDLY about my symptoms and being HYPER vs HYPO - since I have MORE sysmptoms of HYPO.  I have read, and heard, that many people DO experience HYPO symptoms, even tho they are HYPER.  I have had soooo many blood tests, so I trust that out of 3 doctors, they are all reading it correctly.  I am tired of this whole mess.  I just do worry about my weight going UP with no regulatory system in place!!  thank you for your input - it is much appreciated.

by ArmourGal, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM
To: lois
I sure wouldn't bet money that 3 docs are doing it right, but then I'm jaded.  



Look, if you can get a copy of your Free T4 and Free T3 labs (if they did them), you will know whether it's hypo or hyper leaning.  TSH is DECEPTIVE at times.



And it's not so much that hyper has hypo symptoms, but rather that some of the symptoms can appear in both...anxiety and depression for example.  Or feeling fatigued in both of them. Or skin problems and losing hair.  But feeling cold and gaining weight leans more towards hypo than hyper.  those are not hyper symptoms ordinarily.

Cindi

by doodlebug1, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM
To: lefrog
Lefrog, my mother had her thyroid removed many years ago, and they left a little piece like you. About 18 years later, the little piece made her "hyper" again. But....she had BOTH hypo, which led to weight gain, and then that hyper, which bugged her eyes out. I hope you will post those tests with ranges you mentioned. And hopefully, you have had the antibodies labs done.



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