can't lose weight on syntrhoid reading are in range

[Rhonda37716]

I am 42 years old. Had my thyroid taken out almost 4 yrs ago. I was on 137mcg of syntrhoid. Dr. lowered to 127mcg about 4 months ago, and as usual when she lowers the meds in a few months I start gaining weight and feel terrible. I felt good on the 137 mcg and had no signs of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, but reading were high TS3 and Ts4 so she lowered. I didn't have heart palpitations or sleeplessness, diarherra or anything was manintaining my weight. Now I sleep too much, gaining weight even with diet supplements, also I am constipated all the time.  I have the symptoms of not enough meds, not too much med. My reading were T4free 1.27, and TSH was 0.46. It is apparent that my body isn't absorbing the meds like it should. Is there something you can take to help the body use the meds as they should? This is so frustrating. I didn't have signs on the higher dose for overactive thyroid. I slept good, didn't have heart palpatations etc.


This discussion is related to dieting supplements and synthroid.

[stella5349]

Hi Rhonda

It sounds like you doctor is soley basing everything on numbers and not how you feel. So many put up with that type of service.

I do think labs are very important - but not one patient is the same. Your doctor needs to listen to you.

With no thyroid you will depend on meds for the rest of your life. You must be heard on how you feel being on those meds and the dosage given.

I went through a slew of doctors and just about 6 mths ago I finally found a keeper. She does not base my dosages on my labs. She uses the labs - but will also see how well I do to make a decision on change\ing dosages.

This year has been the best one I have had in 7 yrs.

Don't waste years like I did . Find someone who will listen to you.

[Smilerdeb]

I agree 100% with Stella.

[gimel]

Agree completely.  Also, insist that testing include free T3, which is the most active component affecting metabolism.  Since your free T4 was only about mid-range, it appears your doctor is relying on TSH.  Many members here have reported that they  seem to do best when free T3 is in the upper part of its range and TSH at the low end of its range.

[Totie]

All posts are correct. Your doctor needs to listen to you. My doctor tried lowering my dosage due to health issues, I went completely hypo. She apologized and agreed to keep my TSH level at 1.0 or below, so she put my dosage back where it was. I take 125mcg. She does need to test your T3/T4...

[Smilerdeb]

My FT3 is best around 4.5 mark (3.5 - 6.5)
My FT4 is best around 17.0 mark (10.0 - 19.0 )
and my TSH is a beauty when its around 2.3 ( 0.5 - 4.0)

Everyone is different I suppose and most like the TSH to be under 2.0 but with me having Tachycardia and a heart murmur....I feel too hyper with it any lower.
And YES, I have lost weight without trying either.
But not until I was on a stable level for 2-3 months.