Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
 | 
Weight gain caused by thyroid
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.

Weight gain caused by thyroid

by Sally113, Aug 29, 2005 12:00AM
I have gained about 50lbs in the last year and I'm tired alot.  I had a thyroid scan back in April and it showed the right side of my thyroid is full of tumors.  I can feel them in my neck, and they feel like they are getting larger.  I joined weight watchers 5 weeks ago and really stuck to the program, and yet I lost nothing.    My doctor ordered an I 123 scan and I went today.  I had to swollow 3 capsuls and then come back 4 hours later for the scan.  Tommarrow I go back again in the morning for another sort of scan on my tyroid that will show how much iodine was absorbed.
I want to know if anyone out there has had simmilar side affects of a thyroid that wasn't functioning right, and what they did about it.  I have to lose this weight,and I need your help.  Also I saw an advertisment for some thyroid medicine on an info comercial that you could order to speed up your metabolism and I wonder if that worked for anyone.  I think it was called Thyroxcine or something like that.  
Thanks for your help,
Member Comments (4)

by ShannieK, Aug 29, 2005 12:00AM
Hi Sally, get a medical opinion, of course, but I have heard numerous stories, that taking dietary supplements of any kind to lose weight, are dangerous, when having thyroid disease.  This is just what i have heard and read, get the facts, and let us know.  Shannon

by ar1281a, Aug 29, 2005 12:00AM
Hi Sally,

I'm sorry to hear your not feeling well. I had the same test done when I was dx with Thyroid disease. In my case I'm hyper so I was actually losing way too much weight while being hungry all the time. This test is good in showing how "active" your Thyroid is. One question, have you had a full thyroid panel done? if so, what was your blood work results?

In regards to natural ways of losing weight advertised on an infomercial, I wouldn't try them without consulting my Dr (BTW I hope that you're seeing an specialist). I remember back them that I wanted to try natural ways I'd read about to "control" my Thyroid and my endo didn't let me. Besides the typical vitamins, she didn't let me use these herbs that are in the market. Reason is that sometimes they have ingredients that could bring secondary effects but as they'r not regulated by the FDA they're not controlled (remember the diet revolution and I don't even remember the name of the herb case?). So be careful with what you take w/o talking with your Dr first.

Nonetheless, once they give you meds and bring your Thyroid under control, you should be able to start losing weight. Best wishes and please keep us posted.

by Nomes, Aug 30, 2005 12:00AM
Hi. NO ONE wants weight gain!!!! It seems extremely unfair to gain weight without indulging in yummy food. I am hyper and haven't lost any weight (Everyone says - how come you're not losing weight??) I am hungry all the time and have put on 2kgs.
I am terrified of being hypo and having to struggle with weight forever. I really feel for you. At least you are being healthy which helps the depression.
My friends Mum was hypo and once she figured out all her meds perfectly she ate right, exercised and lost it all to her goal weight. She had been putting on weight for no reason no matter what she did. She was determined and hung in there and she looks really good. She's still on her meds everyday.
Hopefully your meds will help you sort it all out!

by Hether, Aug 31, 2005 12:00AM
HI... I was diagnosed with hypo in May of this year.  I too gained soe unwanted pounds over night it seems.  First thought, I lost 20 lbs, because it is commone to become hyper before hypo.

I agree with the other comments but I will go as far as to say, STAY AWAY FROM DIETARY SUPPS.  Buy the book, Southbeach Diet - even if you don't follow the meal plan it will educate you on how to buy, cook and eat healthier. It is wonderful!
Also - get to a gym, walk, do areobics. DO SOMETHING...
Once your thyroid issue is being medicated with Levoxyl or Thyroxin, your metabolism will be back to normal and you will be able to lose weight.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise.  I even had a biopsy because I too have a goiter on my lobe. The biopsy was more pleasurable than going to the dentist for a filling.

you will be fine - the meds are great and your energy will soar through the roof - be gald you have been diagnosed and are on the road to recovery!!!
Related discussions
Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
H1N1 and Our Pets
Nov 05 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician
In the ER: A Unicorn's Journey
Nov 03 by Jon Geller, D.V.M.
Doctors Resign Over Coca-Cola Fundi...
Nov 03 by Adam Tanase, D.C.