Hashimoto's, weight gain AFTER Synthroid treatment

[garnet31]

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 2003. Within about six months of being on Synthroid and without changing my diet or exercise, I began to put on weight. I gained about 15-20 pounds in six or so months. While I was mentioning this to my endocrinologist, he kept saying it wasn't the medication. I had fasting glucose, glucose tolerance, cortisol, etc., testing but all is normal. My weight gain now is about five pounds a year---doesn't sound like much but now that I'm 43, it really is. Being 5'4" and 180 pounds is not good at all for me, when my max was about 140. I realize metabolic rates slow down as we age, but it also seems that I have to really starve myself for any weight to budge and exercise is kind of so-so on it all. Has anybody experienced weight gain AFTER Synthroid treatment for Hashimoto's? I realize the weight gain usually is a symptom, not a result.  Thanks very much.

[gimel]

Your endo is right that taking Synthroid should not cause weight gain.  I suspect that you may find that either your dosage or medication is not correct for you.

The important thing is to get your actual thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4, not total T3 and total T4) to the right levels so that your metabolism returns to normal for you.  Then with good exercise and good eating habits you can look forward to shedding some of that weight.  

If you have any thyroid test results, it would be helpful for us if you would post the results and reference ranges from the lab report.  That way we can assess if there has been adequate testing and diagnosis.  

[redheadaussie]

Have you had your pituitary gland checked? Often a disease called Cushing's can lead to weight gain not related to extra food intake or lack of excersise. Might be worth getting that checked.
Cheers