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361026 tn?1197559528

Weight Gain

I am curious to find out if anyone else out there who has Hyperthyroidism if they have had any problems with weight gain instead of weightloss?  For a solid year and a half before the doctors finally diagnosed me they couldn't figure out why I was gaining weight.  It would be a couple pounds here and there but it has added up over time to almost a total of 100 pounds of weight gain.  They couldn't figure it out because I rarely ate, so they thought it was some of the meds that I have to be on which one of their side effects was weight gain, but not at the drastic extent as mine has ended up being over the past 2 to 3 years.  After I finally told my doctors either they figured out what the hell was wrong with me or I would find doctors that could (btw I have new doctors now) the light went on and they decided to finally test my thyroid.  Outcome ended up being Hyperthyroidism.  Which they said absolutely could not be the cause for my weight gain. So I took it upon myself to find new doctors that would actually help.  I know there is a very small percentage of Hyper patients that actually gain weight instead of losing...but finally since I have different doctors I am starting to lose weight extremely slowly.  LOL  I'm just curious if there is anyone else out there who has ran into a similar problem with their weight and what they have been doing to help reverse the weight gain.  Thanks in advance.  ; )
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Avatar universal
By very debilitating disease I assume you are talking about hypothyroidism.  So please post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also, what other symptoms do you have besides weight gain?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same problem as you all. Weight gain (60lb) in a very short period of time after a 5 hour bowel cancer operation.
Hundreds of post from hundreds of thyroid sufferers, but no one answer to our dilemma. I don't understand why? Is there any Dr out there that can help?
I need answers to this very debilitating disease. The wait gain is just one more hurdle to clime. I need answers, desperately ,  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I seriously doubt you will get a response from jeaucrew5, after all this time.  If you will post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report we will be glad to give our opinion about your status.  Also please tell us about any other symptoms besides weight gain.  What med and dosage are you taking?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi I see your post is from 2009... How are things going now? i also have been on the same dose and meds as u, I am so glad everyone is posting about these issues, i thought it was only me gaining weight..and feeling crappy.
I can not believe how rude my endo doc is, I asked a few questions about
weight gain, and underarm swelling...I was told that is not her problem go talk to someone else. ...I felt quite scared. I also had an issue with the first meds she put me on, within 30 hours my chin and neck became one...i had a reaction, which made me swell up, the emergency doc on call told me thats normal for graves patients...Luckily my gp did not agree, I got rid of the swelling almost within 15 hours after meds change...but the wieght gain...wow what a suprise... any solutions???? can we take any kind of wieght loss pill or different meds???? thanks for any thoughts out there...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Just because Free T3 and Free T4 are within the so-called "normal" ranges does not mean they are adequate for you.  Each patient is different and may need different levels of thyroid hormone to feel their best.  Also the ranges are far too broad to be functional for everyone.

Please post the actual results and their reference ranges.  Also if tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin please post those with ranges as well.

What other symptoms do you have?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am now 40 pounds overweight and it keeps creeping up everymonth.  I am on Synthroid for HYPO because of my symptoms....My doc is worried of the side effects as my blood levels (at least TSH) show Hyper

Free T4
Free T3-Both within normal range
TSH is like .01 (Hyper by med terms)
BUT

My total T3 is 84 (on the low side)

It seems the higher the synthroid doseages the more HYPO my symptoms become

I take 50mcg daily and have been on it 3 months and gained 12 pounds.

I went to an Endo and they said everything is within normal range (before my Family Dr, agree to try Synthroid)

I am post menopausal (at age 47) which is a little strange and not like anyone else in my family...

Cholesterol is through the roof bBUT has come down since being on Synthroid a little....

I am at a loss-i eat and not always healthy but i do not eat often or large portions...i have always been a light grazer...my worst habit is i use butter...everything else is relattively decent..not hardly ANY fast food or chips...I do eat a good portion of bread but according to my fitbit i am buring about 2200 calories a day and i take in anywhere of 12-1800 a day....while that should not mean weight loss...it doesnt sound like i should be gaining weight esepcially 5 pounds in one month.

I dont know what to do anymore...everything cost money..the more visit the more i pay and the less answers i have. And alwasy wanting me to make a new appointment and miss work-i have no vacation left-i spend it all on Dr's appointments
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
With Graves disease you usually lose weight due to being hyperthyroid.  Weight gain problems are usually associated with calorie intake/exercise levels, low metabolism related to low thyroid hormone levels, insulin resistance, or PCOS.  If you are sure that there is no calorie/exercise issue, then since you mention some type of possible thyroid issue, I suggest that you should start there.  You need to get tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4 (not the same as Total T3 and T4), along with TSH.  I also suggest that you should test for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin.  If you will get those done and post results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, then members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.  

Also, do you have any other symptoms besides the weight gain?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been told I have graves disease..I'm not on any medication and I've gained 110 pounds the past 3 years..are you not on any medication for the thyroid either? I am sick to death of gaining and feel totally alone..I just gained another 3 pounds in one week. :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been told I have graves disease..I'm not on any medication and I've gained 110 pounds the past 3 years..are you not on any medication for the thyroid either? I am sick to death of gaining and feel totally alone..I just gained another 3 pounds in one week. :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
How were you diagnosed with hyperthyroid?  What other symptoms do you have besides weight gain?  Please post your thyroid test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was diagnosed 3 months ago with hyper.... and I am so confussed. Over the past few years I have gained about 60 pounds but they say with hyper.... you lose weight. I am glad Im not the only one who has gained weight for no reson. I am hoping they get my thyroid under controll so maybe I can lose weight. grrrrrrrr
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If you will click on the green button (Post a Question) at the top of the page and start a new thread under your own name, it will get lots more notice and response.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey, wow, i thought i was the only one that was gaining weight with hyper,,,
anyways my symptoms have always been there, and got worst after having my son almost 3 yrs ago, finally i decided to get it checked out, and all the test confirmed that i was hyper[i thought i was hypo},,,my doctors can't seem to give me much help or answers,, i live in trinidad and tobago, my docs here don't seem to know a lot on Hypo or Hyper throid disorder,
i have so many symptoms, weight gain i am almost 275lb right now, lately i have developed really really bad joint pain, i feel like kicking the crap out of someone, and period is messed up, headaches, i can't sleep,
i'm so glad that its not all in my head, i hate feeling like this,
i just wanna be normal again,,
i have a appointment with a new doc next week, i  will keep u guys posted,,
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My 17 year old daughter was diagnosed a couple of months ago with Graves. Initial symptom was weight gain- thought she had insulin resistance like her sister. TSH was almost nil.She is stressing so much because she has gained weight-still doing so. Anyone lost weight after the ablation was done? Doing the uptake next week and then ablation to follow. She has a shellfish allergy. Docs are assuring RAI will not be a problem. Anyone with shellfish allergy have a problem with the RAI? Thanks Hang in there everyone.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Jesus I have just been told that I have hyperthyroidism and over the last few years I have gained 70lbs and my doctors keeps telling me I'm fat and my food/exercise ratio must be incorrect and he doesn't believe that cycle everywhere, do aqua Aerobics, swim once a week and play badminton weekly I have been on a 800cal a day diet and still not lost anything my doctor tells me my thyroid disorder is because I'm fat is he just being a knob or am I a fat lazy lump coz that's how i feel email ***@****
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am taking Elroxin for the past 25 years and since then gained a lot of weight.  I have heard something new today , but am not sure if this is the way you sgould take Eltroxin.  Four hours before you take your pills dont eat anything also 7 hours after dont drink coffee or eat bread, it will enterfere with the working of the Eltroxin.  What do you think  ??

I am tired
I gain weight

What is there to do  ???
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
FINALLY! I've been googling hyperthyroidism and weight gain for the last two months since I was diagnosed. It's comforting to know that I'm not so atypical that I can't find anyone to relate too..in other words...I'm not crazy! Yeah!!! Hang in there fellow atypical weight gainers! Hang in there.

I was diagnosed in August. I don't have my hands on my readings but will post later. After a thyroid scan by an endo I was diagnosed with ophthalmic graves.  I've been extremely healthy/active up until this time last year where I started to slow down and get extremely tired.

I'm two timing my doctors. I have a "traditional" doctor and a "natural" doctor. I'm concerned with accurately monitoring the disease while trying alternative ways to manage/cure it.  I've started to eat smaller more nutrient meals - less calories;less sugar.  I've also given up gluten including corn and rice.  Well since I've started this new meal plan, I have much much much more energy but I've gained 10lbs.  It sure is frustrating to watch my family/friends eat sugary candy bars, sodas, rich foods and I'm left paddling around for the sugar free no gluten alternative.  And I'm STILL gaining weight.  S-i-g-h

I asked my doctor if longterm use of diet pills could have contributed to the disease. I've always been concerned with my weight and have worked hard to stay small (crazy exercise and diet pills).  But she said no, normally hypers gain weight before loosing it. I'm thinking okay but I've fought to keep my weight down for the last 10/15 years. Pretty sure I've always had the disease but recent stress/lifestyle has helped to  exacerbate it. There has to be more to this weight gain and hyperthyroidism.  I agree with you guys, it has nothing to do with diet or exercise. Don't get me wrong, it's the right choice to stay healthy but there has to be another connection to the weight gain... maybe blood sugar levels?  I'm scheduled for a liver scan today (my liver tests were bad) maybe that has something to do with it? I'll keep you guys posted with test results.

My plan is to stay off the meds as long as I'm "healthy" enough. I have my energy back but I have occasional dizzy spells and crazy migraines. I'm hoping it doesn't mean the diease is progressing....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I lost 55 pounds before being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.I almost lost my mind and the bathroom issues kept me from leaving my home. I was prescribed methimazole 10 mg M-F and 5 mg on weekends. It stopped the bathroom issues to the point of having to take strong laxatives to relieve constipation. My new endicrinologist?) took me off the meds for thyroid scan.I was able to maintain my weight loss by sticking to a strict low carb diet until now I have gained 10 pounds in a week I don't get the results of my scan until 10/05/10.I feel full all the time and only eat when I have too.I am scared the weight gain will cause me to have to start my diabetes meds again which I had been able to discontinue after the weight loss. I am so worried about this weight gain and the results of my scan. nerves are still shaky. There has got to be an answer.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Please post whatever thyroid test data you have, along with reference ranges, so that members can provide the best response.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Look this is my case. I was having a battle with my mind. I felt like I was losing-it (mind). Everything bothered me to the point of withdrawal, from family, friends, my husband and children even my hobbies. I was a crying all the time mess! I wasn't sleeping but 1-2 hours in the night and would sleep all day to make up for lost sleep. I knew that something wasn't right with me, totally out of my character. I would mention these things to my doc. This would only lead us into a decussion of depression. Finally a nodule in my throat appeared. I went to my doc. they ran some test and sent me for more observations. I had to have surgery two days later because my thyriod(partual) had ruptured and there was no time to waste. Well needless to say I was hurt because my doc. wasn't listening to me when I had previous meetings with them. Now, it's been 3.5 years since surgery and 75 lbs later. I don't take a supplement beacause my doc. don't think that I need it. I have started to regain my energy lil-by-lil, I eat very small portions, I stay away from sugarie drinks but still can't lose any more than 1-2 lbs at a time. I become discouraged and stop working out but soome come back to my senses and try once again. Can anyone tell me what they may have done to lose their weight and to keep it off. I just 40 something years young and I'm hurting over this terrible weight grain. I glad to say that I don't have a depression promblem but looking at my once "shapely" body now "round" one could easily become depressed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My TSH is 0.677  I have all symptoms of Hyperthroid except I have gained weight.  I am also B12 deficient with a level of 136.Starting shots today.  I have 2 lower lumbar fusions and 1 cervical fusion.  I have alot of issues to deal with.  I want my life back I want to feel good.  I will settle for feeling so so.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have Graves and suffered with hyperthyroidism until I had RAI and TT last year.
BEFORE RAI, I gained 16kgs from Carbimazole.
I started off at 55kgs , went to 71kgs and now 12 months later, I weight just over 60kgs.
Once your levels stabilise, the weight starts to come off.
I dont eat junk or pre-packaged food, I eat fresh fruit, meat, fish and vegetables.
I avoid milk..only for coffee as basically I found that it 'turned my stomach' after RAI (iced coffee).
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just wanted to ask what made you conclude that you were hyper?  Was it the TSH test?  Or were you also exhibiting hyper symptoms?  How can you be sure that weight gain was a hyper symptom rather than a hypo symptom, unless you have test data for the most important thyroid hormones  (free T3 and free T4), that shows very high levels of these hormones?  

I'm really curious about this because so many times doctors decide your are hyper based only on TSH results that are in the low part of the range, and yet there are no overt hyper symptoms.  This frequently results in patients who are actually still hypo, with all the  wonderful symptoms such as fatigue, low metabolism, etc.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just had thyroid removed in Dec. 08 with papillary carcinoma.  Doctors have adjusted me to .125 Synthroid with a TSH level of .22 (hyper), but I have gained 25 pounds in the last 3 months after losing 40 pounds last year between July-Dec.  I complained to the doctor, but was told it was probably from stress - baloney!  I have two other friends at church who also had thyroid removed, are in hyper state and gaining weight even with massive amounts of exercise.  It is depressing and we want to find a cure.  We started a support group at church called "We're Not Crazy" because we knew that our symptoms were more than "depression" prior to doctors finding our thyroid diseas and we know that there is more to our weight gain than "stress".
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