HYPOTHYROID

ON 11-23-99 MY THYROID WAS TESTED AND MY TSH LEVEL WAS 14.41. ON 12-1-99 I WAS TESTED AGAIN AND MY TSH LEVEL IS 12.86 AND MY T3-UPTAKE LEVEL IS 31.50. MY T4 LEVEL IS 7.55 AND MY FTI LEVEL 2.38.
I MYSELF DO NOT KNOW WHAT ALL OF THIS MEANS BUT WHAT I DO KNOW IS THAT I HAVE PUT ON 6-7 POUNDS. TO ME THAT IS AN AWFUL LOT AND I DO NOT WANT THIS TO CONTINUE. I AM CURRENTLY TAKING LEVOTHYROXINE 100 MCG. IF MY MEDICATION WAS INCREASED DO YOU THINK THIS WOULD PUT EVERYTHING BACK AT A NORMAL LEVEL AND I WOULD GO BACK TO MY NORMAL WEIGHT. THAT IS PROBABLY MY BIGGEST FEEL IS THE WEIGHT GAIN.

[HFHS-M.D. - HG]

Dear Susan

The best person to answer your question would be an Endocrinologist.    Hypothyroidism can contribute to weight gain. But there is always a possibility that some thing else also can be contributing to the weight gain. Adjusting the Levothyroxine dose can be helpful for Hypothyroidism. In addition, you can try other methods  such as diet control, regular exercise for weight control. You need to consult your Physician as early as possible for appropriate recommendations.

[PamD]

Susan, I think you would get a better answer on an endocrinology forum.  The psychiatrists are surely aware of the effects of hypothyroidism, but their focus is to address thyroid problems as they relate to mental changes.

[Christine]

As a person (not a doctor) who has personal experience with hypothyroidism--yes, your medication WILL return you to normal.  However, getting thyroid medication adjusted properly takes lots of time.  First, your doctor will determine a good starting dose (for most people 100 mg is the dose of choice).  After you have been on it for 2 months, your TSH should again be tested.  If it has not improved your doctor will probably adjust your thyroid hormone up to the next level (112 or 125 mg).  This will continue on every 2 months until your TSH is at the desired level.  Having gained 6-10 pounds myself everytime I am hypothyroid (my TSH goes to about 100!!) I can tell you that it takes a long time for the weight to disappear.  Even when the hypothyroid condition is gone, the weight may not go away without the extra work and effort from you.  I suggest that you visit the thyroid forum at "About.com" it has an excellent message board.  Just type in www.about.com and then do a search on thyroid.
Christine