Hat in the ring

[klassylady25]

I have been taking Levoxyl (levothyroxine) 125mcg for over 10 years and have gain almost 100 pounds.  As I understand it, Armour is to be used in conjunction with the other thyroid meds and monitored closely, since it is a sythetic harmone replacement.  

However, weight gain is part of the game and I've been reading these boards.  Dr. Lupo will tell you otherwise but I don't think the medical world knows or wants to put the two together.  Can you imagine the changes that would have to be made, because now we're talking about other complications from weight gain.

Grrrrrrrrr..............


This discussion is related to will it help me lose weight.

[stella5349]

I could be reading your first paragraph wrong - but I think there needs to be some clarification and couple of questions asked too.

You say -

"As I understand it, Armour is to be used in conjunction with the other thyroid meds and monitored closely, since it is a sythetic harmone replacement. "

Armour is not a synthetic hormone replacement. It has a few fillers but not produced in a synthetic form.  Armour is mostly used as an only treatment for thyroid disfunction - as Synthroid is used. -  Yet I have read some patients are on a combo treatment of both at times.

I am not sure what information you are reading - but I have read in Dr Lupo's responses that he is aware of the slower metobolism and weight issues hypo's are in. He does list weight concerns being problems for some patients. But - he does not support the fact the just from being Hypothyroid - you will be fat. He - in my opinion which I agree - goes beyond the slower metobolism and realizes that there are many factors a patient needs to consider before chalking everything up to a hypot's slow metobolism. Many imbalances and age will accompany slow thyroid function that can contribute to weight gain.

Ultimately proper testing on the specific hormones that increase our chances of gaining weight should be done before chalking it all up to one tiny gland - thyroid.

Now if I am reading between the lines on your question - are you suggesting Armour thyroid will assist you with weight loss? Just so you are aware the chance of that happening on either a synthetic hormone as what you are taking or the dessicated thyroid hormone replacement as Armour that is false.

Only when your body has been given the oppurtunity to except the replacement drug and starts to stablize to it and it's dosage will the weight issues start declining as long as you have solely committed yourself to numerous other life changing eliments.

And to clarify - I know you have been treated for 10 years on Levo - but you may still have not found your optimal level of replacements to help you achieve your goal of losing weight along with the other lifestyle issues required for you to alter your situation. It is a balancing of the entire body to achieve weight loss - not just dependant on a thyroid replacement.

[klassylady25]

Well the new doctor explained the Armour information and I might add that someone here told me that information too.  Since I'm NOT going back to him that leaves me at square one.  

I have current readings, but I don't have current insurance and it seems that no one wants to work with someone on a pay-out system.  

I have been on 1200 for most of my life, so it seems and I still have gained the weight.  Only when I was divorced did I lose weight. Crackers, sardines and milk were the bill of fair.  I do know that at 1996 I was 160... now I'm 240.  

Diet is not a problem.  I'm still in good health but still overweight.  I'm to busy to be sedative.......... so where to go from here.  

I do have one doctor only, an OB-GYN that will work with me to increase the dosage, but it's not his specialty.

As for Dr. Lupo, he has suggested that medication is not the only reason we gain weight but, as you said he is aware of the two going hand in hand.  It's a bit like insulin, you have to have it but it adds weight.  

So if I'm reading you right, I will have little chance of change because I simply do not have the access to the medical kingdom or doctors willing to really work with someone.  Now that is a bit sad.

[stella5349]

No not at all. You could definately change the metobolic situation you are in - the fact of discovering what are the issues is what's troubling.

I know the song and dance on insurance stuff - I went from cadillac insurance to junk and BOY did the level of care change quickly.

I just kept plugging along though - trying everything I could both on my own and visit to a doctor who really helped me.

Really there is an answer

[cga18969]

sardines sounds like a craving for salt, is your pituitary ok?

[cga18969]

oops I think I meant your adrenals... knee bone connected to the thigh bone kind of endo stuff..