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What are the chances that I will actually loose weight on my meds?

I was just diagnosed with Hypothyroidism & was put on Synthroid 50 mcg with the possibility of going up to 100 mcg.  I have gain almost 80 lbs in the last 4 years...for those that have had similar weight gain & put on meds, how much did you loose?  I know everyone is different but the weight gain is casing major issues with my back & I am hoping to drop some of the extra pounds!
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231441 tn?1333892766
Hi,
It is a long time since I was first diagnosed.  However, before my diagnosis I gained about 60 lbs.  Once I was properly medicated, I lost most of that weight over a period of about 1 year (combined with diet and exercise, which was much easier once I felt better).  Weight loss was still challenging and I have to accept that I will never be an easy loser..... but there is hope indeed.  
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Avatar universal
First you have to work your way up to and obtain your optimal levels of thyroid.  And that alone may take time.  Even after getting optimized, only a few people does the weight just "fall" off.  Most still have to be very diligent in order to lose the weight.

I hate to be a downer, but also do not just believe that anything is as easy as just taking a pill and "poof" the problem is solved.

Did you Dr state that he would limit you to only going up to 100 mcg?  As you should work your way up in dosage in steps, but many people need higher dosages than 100 mcg in order to feel well.  Not all of course, but if the 100 mcg is arbitrary, I would recommend you search for a new Dr.

I'm also not sure the next step from 50 mcg would be best to jump directly to 100 mcg.  another step in between may be the best option.  Some people can take 50 mcg increases. But that is also a 100% increase, and some people cannot tolerate a large jump like that.  On the other hand, some people can.

Please post all your blood labs and the reference ranges so others can best help you out.
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Can you please post your current thyroid hormone levels, with the reference ranges?  That will help us see where you're starting and how far you have to go.  50 mcg is a relatively small dose.  Do you know if you have Hashimoto's?

When I first became hypo, I gained about 30 lbs in 3 months - that was 8 yrs ago and I'm still struggling with it, in spite of being on med for most of that time...I've tried dieting, exercise, etc and while I did manage to lose 26 lbs last year, I haven't been able to keep it all off.  Of course, part of that has been my own fault, plus I've been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome, so there's more wrong with my metabolism than hypothyroidism...

But I haven't lost hope!!  :-)

The first thing you have to do is make sure you get your thyroid hormones back to an optimal level... For most of us, that means Free T4 about mid range and Free T3 in the upper half to upper third of its range.

Once you've accomplished that (you're probably going to need med increases), you'll have to see how things go.  Some people do get lucky and the weight comes off relatively easily.  

A healthy diet and moderate exercise is always the key...
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649848 tn?1534633700
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