Graves’ and weight gain

[maypartyofseven]

I had Graves‘ disease as a young child, 18 months, and was treated.  It went into remission, until now at 47.  However, I have gained weight!  35 lbs.  now I am being put on 5 mg of methimazole, and I’m reading that this will slow my metabolism and cause weight GAIN!  I am so bummed and frustrated.  Can I ever shed this weight?  I had lost 50 lbs 5 years ago, and I am depressed after putting on so much.  Any advice??

[maypartyofseven]

Here are my numbers:
Free T4 1.71
TSH <0.015
T3 free 7.7
Thyrotropan receptor 4.11

Still needing help :/

[Red_Star]

I was very hyperthyroid for two months when Graves antibodies showed up. In my case I was already insulin resistant (high insulin = fat storage and no fat burning) and hyperthyroidism worsened my insulin resistance and caused impaired glucose tolerance. There is an article from Natural Endocrine Solutions "Why Do Some People With Hyperthyroidism Experience Weight Gain" that has a lot of reasons why this can happen plus tips on how to lose weight.

[gimel]

No, that is not normal for Graves'.  You need to get the recommended tests done and also get the results from previous tests and then post all results and their reference ranges.  

[gimel]

I can't believe they would put you on Methimazole without running a full panel of thyroid related tests to see what your levels are.   You should insist on being tested for Free T4 and Free T3 (not the same as Total T4 and Total T4) along with TSH.  If you can get those done and post results and reference ranges we will be glad to help interpret and advise further.  Also, if it is possible that you are into perimenopause, that might explain some of your symptoms also.  

[maypartyofseven]

They did run a full panel, but I just don’t know what the numbers are, as it was just done a week ago.  Some of the symptoms have improved since I started taking the meds.  I am just concerned about more weight gain.  When I had an episode when I was young, I lost weight and ate like a horse!  I was just surprised and concerned as I keep gaining.  Is this normal for Graves’?

[gimel]

Before further discussion please tell us about any other symptoms besides weight gain?  Also, please post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.

[maypartyofseven]

I am not sure about the numbers, but I tested positive for  Graves’ antibodies.  I have had hot flashes, shortness of breath, hyperventilating during workouts, and night sweats.  I have also had low energy.  I thought it might be hypo, with the low energy and weight gain.  I didn’t connect the other things until I was diagnosed.