why am i losing weight after thyroidectomy

Isnt it ironic that women tend to gain weight immediately after their thyroid has been removed knowing that their thyroid controls a huge percentage of their weight? Of course, test results should always be compared to the reference ranges shown on the lab report, but your levels are so out of whack that it is no wonder you are feeling so bad. Various studies on the relationship between thyroid hormones and weight gain have returned different conclusions. Thyroidectomy patients will lose weight by eating low-fat and low-sugar foods. Hyperthyroidism is frequently the result of an autoimmune disorder called Graves' disease. If you arent familiar with T3 thyroid medications then I would recommend you look at both Cytomel and liothyronine. Others still experience a slow weight gain over many years. Thyroid hormones work along with a number of other hormones, proteins, nuclear receptors, and chemicals, which is why its such a complicated process. Taking synthroid I have gained and lost weight over the years based on how much I was eating, drinking, and moving. Because your thyroid can no longer produce thyroid hormone on its own, you will need to pay close attention to what type of thyroid medication you are using and how much you are using. After a total thyroidectomy and being on Levothyroxin, I was having head-meets-desk energy problems every day. The study concluded that the association between TSH and weight gain doesnt necessarily mean that one causes the other. This explains why patients gain weight after a complete thyroidectomy. I too was having a great deal of problems with swallowing and choking. But just try to do a minimum of 20-30 minutes, 3x weekly of any form of exercise to begin with. A 2009 study looked at nearly one thousand patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 1985 and 2005 to evaluate complication rates and recurrence rates. Foods with a high fat or sugar content will make it more difficult to lose weight, even if you are on hormone replacements. Most of your calories should come from healthy protein sources, like skinless chicken, turkey breast, tofu and egg whites. But when your thyroid gets removed your doctor almost always will put you on only ONE type of thyroid hormone. Its going to be very difficult to manage your weight if the very thing which regulates it is compromised and not back at 100%. So sleep is very important in that aspect. Thus, excess thyroid hormones or taking a larger dose of thyroid medication is unlikely to lead to dramatic weight changes. It certainly isnt fair but its better to know that this is the case than to not. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. For 30 minutes, I would do a workout video from the 21-Day Fix program at home. This means cardiovascular - like walking, running, treadmill, etc. Generally, people with excess thyroid hormone have symptoms that can hinder weight loss, such as anxiety, insomnia, a rapid heart rate, muscle weakness, and heat sensitivity. Overall, weight loss was modest, with a mean weight loss of 8.4 + 9 .7 lbs. If so, please post those results as well. Stress is often a silent cause of weight gainandweight loss. #3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499850/#:~:text=T4%20is%20deiodinated%20to%20T3,globulin%2C%20prealbumin%2C%20and%20albumin. According to the American Thyroid Association, a lack of thyroid hormone causes an average weight gain of five to 10 pounds. Anyway, just try to do something daily. The thyroid gland is responsible for controlling about 60% of your entire metabolism(2), give or take a few percentage points based on the person. Why does this happen and is there anything that you can do about it? Two years later, my energy is still MUCH improved over the Levothyroxin days, but it doesn't compare with my pre-op energy levels. 6. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. And most thyroid patients, including those without a thyroid, are taking a dose that is too small for their bodies. Center aisles usually contain the processed foods, which are often high in saturated fats and refined sugars, which can inhibit your weight loss efforts. Your metabolism involves a series of processes that break down food and convert it into the energy your body needs to run. (former Osteopathic Physician). The prescription medication that you were given once your thyroid was removed. Excess weight is often a multifaceted, complex problem, and everyone has a unique profile that deserves individualized weight loss plans.. There arent many scientific studies regarding how much weight is gained or lost once hypothyroid people are treated with the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine, but the limited evidence that is available indicates that not everyone loses weight with treatment and in the ones who do, its limited. But I am speaking from experience when I say that the weight loss they experience is much slower when compared to people with a thyroid. In addition to maintaining energy balance and metabolism, leptin also tells your hypothalamus when youve had enough to eat, stimulating thyroid hormone production to burn fat. Patients often assume the hypothyroidism is causing obesity even though this may not be the case. Some hypo patients taking T4 meds like Levo find that their body is not adequately converting the T4 to T3. You will have to replace these thyroid hormones through prescription drugs for the rest of your life. Reduce the number of calories that you consume. This can make losing weight extremely difficult. Within a couple of months, there was a huge improvement in my energy. Radioactive Iodine Treatment. If youve gained weight AFTER your thyroid has been removed the first place you should look at is your thyroid medication dose. People who have a thyroidectomy are well-acquainted with having a hyperactive (overactive) thyroid. Your thyroid gland controls and regulates the majority of your metabolism. Finding the correct dose to balance your thyroid levels can be challenging and often requires titration over several weeks before you land on the best dose for you., If your dose is too high, you may be creating a hyperthyroid state because too much medication is in your system, so it is likely you could lose weight. Mary Shomon is a writer and hormonal health and thyroid advocate. As a result, you could gain weight after the procedure. To keep your thyroid under control, you want to start by eating anti-inflammatory foods, and eliminate foods that cause inflammation. And the less conversion to T3, the slower your metabolism and the harder it is to lose weight. Well, I did lose the weight, 20 pounds to be exact with the 30 Day Clean Eating Challenge and I'd like to share how I did it with you! She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis University in Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in the History of Medicine from the University of Colorado-Boulder. You can also get T3 thyroid hormone from other thyroid medications such as Armour thyroid or other formulations of NDT. This is a big problem because T3 thyroid hormone is 3-4 times more powerful than T4 thyroid hormone. #4. Her background includes caring for patients in womens health, critical care, pediatrics, allergy, and immunology. Find you are experiencing unexpected changes in your weight. Graves' disease causes the body to misidentify the thyroid gland as a foreign body and send antibodies to. And yet this is exactly what most endocrinologists do. Consider triiodothyronine, or T3, hormone replacements. Learn the explanation and the role of thyroid medication in weight loss. However, getting plenty of protein, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can ensure you get the macronutrients and micronutrients you need to feel good and stay healthy. She is the author of "The Thyroid Diet Revolution.". Since Free T3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions, it has been shown to correlate best with hypo symptoms. These hormone imbalances make weight loss even more difficult and MUST be addressed if you want to lose weight long-term. These two reasons account for why most patients without a thyroid are not receiving the right dose. I say ironic because your doctor will try to play it off like your weight gain is due to some other cause when the most obvious cause seems to be overlooked. Thus, while people with hypothyroidism often struggle with weight gain, the thyroid is usually not the only culprit behind increasing numbers on the scale. Will Taking Thyroid Medication Cause A Heart Attack? What Do Herpes Sores Look Like at Different Stages. Patients eat healthier and/or less just because of the limited options, generally leading to weight loss. When they start the Synthroid, the levels aren't as high as their thyroid had been giving them, so they gain. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas which keeps your blood sugar levels regulated. It will be up to you to advocate for yourself! There are no hidden fees. Losing weight is hard work for anyone, but it can definitely be more of a challenge when youre dealing with hypothyroidism. Thyroid nodules: A thyroid nodule is a growth (lump) of thyroid cells in your thyroid gland. There have been those that haven't had a weight gain problem, but those are few and far imbetween. Hypothyroidism may cause weight gain. Exercise. Once your thyroid is removed you are now considered to be HYPOTHYROID. I'm sure they have done a TIBC labs to ensure You have the necessary material for production of red blood cells. I haven't noticed any difficulties associated with weight loss that seem any different from those that the average person faces. When your thyroid isnt producing enough hormones (hypothyroidism), your metabolism slows down. Eur Thyroid J. #1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229816/, #2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24692351/. Which where they are drawn and according to my endo that is within the normal. Whenever you have excess energythe result of eating more food than your body can usethis energy gets stored in fat cells and you gain weight. I am now becoming more tired and lethargic and am constantly yawning. Ofcourse I do know though that she wants me at 1.2 to 1.4. This is why when women are menstruating or they're menopausal, they gain weight - in all the wrong places - HORMONES. Your weight will likely change after you have a thyroidectomy. I had a thyroidectomy nov 12 and have gained about 30 pounds since and fluctuating about 5 pounds with working out, diet changes. But you should be aware that your weight loss journey will be much slower than people who have a thyroid. 2018;19(7). Related articles: Why Am I Losing Weight After Thyroidectomy? I just had my levels checked on 6/4/2015 at Prolactin 31.7, T4,FREE 0.7, T3FREE 1.9, FSH 4.1, TSH 2.82, Estradiol 206, .can any of those cause complete lack of exhaustion, I want to sleep pretty much the entire day. As discussed above, the simplistic explanation is that having an underactive thyroid often causes people to gain weight because their bodies stop using calories efficiently. What hasnt? We know this because of clinical studies which have attempted to estimate exactly how much your thyroid contributes to body weight. I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. But, once you wake up from surgery, you immediately have the opposite problema hypoactive (underactive) thyroid. In addition, certain factors may require you to change your dose, such as significant changes in your weight, pregnancy, and some health conditions.. I am at risk of losing my job because I can barely stay awake and have a very foggy mind all of the time. Doing well, as well as to be expected. Somewhere between 10% and 60% adults with obesity also have autoimmune hypothyroidism. You should be aware that each patient is a little bit different. Julia Walker, RN, BSN, is a clinical nurse specializing in helping patients with thyroid disorders. Adthyza Thyroid Medication Review: Should You Use it? These tests will measure your TSH, T3, and T4 levels. Conversely, when your thyroid is producing too many hormones (hyperthyroidism), your metabolism goes into overdrive, burning more calories than normal and likely resulting in weight loss. The changes that occur to thyroid hormone regulation in your body once your thyroid has been removed are also responsible for why it is so difficult to obtain a regular weight after. I have tons of energy and I've lost 8.5lb since removal. Last time, was diagnosed with borderline hypothyroidism started .025 mcg levothyroxine side effects to get over took me 9 weeks went back to dr for Hello, a functional doc just took my labs and it shows tsh is low, .848 and t4 is normal, 6.8 and t3 is normal,172. Move Your Body. With this change in thyroid hormone metabolism, it's no wonder that thyroidectomy patients struggle with weight gain. Please let us take a look at your thyroid status by posting your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report. Not sure what advise I can really give - but stay positive and open minded. Weight gain is a frustrating symptom of hypothyroidism. Im talking specifically about your thyroid medication dose. Support Your Thyroid. Just wanted to chime in on my journey so far. However, this is not always the case. (since reduced back to 137 mcg) Also, now have minor sleep apnea due to weight gain. OMG, what kind of doctor would let his TT patient live with those symptoms and those lab results? Your endocrinologist or internist will guide you here. Then you can build up to high-intensity cardio activities such as running and kick-boxing, as well as strength-training routines. T3 is the active thyroid hormone at the cellular level, delivering oxygen and energy to cells, and its often low in hypothyroid patients. Cardiologist says I have had minor silent heart attack due to 175 mcg Synthroid level..yikes! So today Im going to give you some great suggestions which will help improve your thyroid conversion to the active T3 and maximize your fat loss. Optimizing your thyroid levels with thyroid hormone replacement medication is usually the first step in minimizing symptoms. However, Thyroid-Info explains that a T3 supplement taken in conjunction with prescription hormone replacements can better balance your body and make up for the lack of thyroid, thereby increasing potential weight loss. can influence how much T4, converts to the active T3. When theres too much leptin, which also happens when youre obese, your body becomes less sensitive to leptins signals, resulting in leptin resistance. The efficiency at which it does this is called your basal metabolic rate (BMR). There is hope, Ive got the solution and you CAN do it! Follow me on Youtube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for up-to-date thyroid tips, tricks, videos, and more. You may have heard that thyroid hormones can be used to lose weight, even in people without thyroid disease. Parathyroidectomy cures almost all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism and returns blood calcium levels to a healthy range. You know, your metabolism, the same thing that controls how many calories you burn on a day-to-day basis which in turn regulates your appetite. 3 Great Reasons To Try Our New Eating for Impact Plan. #2. Some doctors even prescribe it to help with weight loss (which is a big no-no in the absence of thyroid disease.) Here's to the future. The weight loss is usually caused by the body getting rid of anexcess accumulation of water and salt(i.e., water weight). kayleyann Posts: 2 Member. In addition, they almost always use the weakest form of thyroid medication levothyroxine and Synthroid. Throw in aging and stress and now things get a bit more challenging. What we put in our bodies certainly impacts how it performs. Suppose you are new to hypothyroidism after treating hyperthyroidism with thyroidectomy or generally struggle with thyroid-related weight issues. But, moderate exercise several times a week is important for keeping your body and mind healthy. These should ALL be done in conjunction with adjusting your diet (as mentioned above). People with hypothyroidism need to take thyroid hormone replacement medication to "replace" the hormone no longer made by the thyroid. An anti-inflammatory, thyroid supporting diet. They may need to look at the adrenal gland to see if they're producing appropriate mineral and corticosteroids. mine was out in 2006 & my fatigue keeps getting worse along with muscle loss.The last few yrs i struggle severely to take care of myself. The variance in study results further illustrates how intricate the relationship between thyroid hormones and weight really is. Weight loss is common because the diet eliminates most processed foods and is very restrictive. #3. For instance, a 2014 study looked at a community-based sample of 1,944 adults with normal thyroid function who were followed for 11 years. I dont feel i have any energy. Additionally, you'll likely need lifelong treatment with thyroid medication after a thyroidectomy. Eat a diet that consists of lean meats, green leafy vegetables, low-sugar fruits and low-fat dairy products. People lose about five to ten pounds on thyroid medication or less than 10% of their body weight. Your doctor may also check other labs depending on why you have the thyroidectomy in the first place and also monitor for other complications like damage to the parathyroid gland., You will also need to test your thyroid function periodically once you are on the correct dose of medication. Once on meds, TSH, which should be a screening test at best, is completely inadequate to base dosing changes on. Indeed, anxiety alone can often lead to overeating or comfort eating, adding to weight gain. These are prescription medications that contain the T3 thyroid hormone and can be added to your existing dose of levothyroxine or Synthroid. 2013;2(2):83-92. doi:10.1159/000351249. The bottom line is that further research is needed. However, this is not always the case. Instead, the researchers proposed that there could be a third factor involved. Again, this is because weight gain is often caused by other factors aside from an underactive thyroid. And lastly, another reason that women without a thyroid suffer from weight loss resistance is caused by other hormone imbalances. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. If the thyroid gland is removed through a procedure called a thyroidectomy, your metabolism is disrupted from the lack of thyroid hormones. I'm also older now though but thyroid troubles are crap! If you feel good don't change anything. In that case, ourthyroid physiciansare ready to help you find an answer. However, medication is not the only thing you should do to keep your weight in check.. . Ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory foods that may improve endocrine function. Here are 4 ways you can get more help right now: #1. What thyroid med are you taking and what is the daily dosage? If this is the case, you will want to watch for signs of hyperthyroidism and be diligent in having your thyroid levels assessed per your doctor's recommendation. The scale may not move but you still may be losing inches. Supplements: There are tons of supplements in the market to lose weight. An undertreated thyroid leads to other hormone imbalances. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis University in Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in the History of Medicine from the University of Colorado-Boulder. I had a thyroidectomy nov 12 and have gained about 30 pounds since and fluctuating about 5 pounds with working out, diet changes. Yes, its slow, and yes its hard, but its not impossible. For faster results, try exercising 2x daily. I usually tell people without a thyroid to expect weight loss at about a rate of 50% compared to people with a thyroid. What has worked? My family doctor and endocrinologist say my tests are normal - medication is 88 mcg of Synthroid. and I'm proud to say that over 80,000+ people have used them over the last 7 years. The key to weight loss is keeping up with medical treatment and taking steps on your own to keep your weight in control. Ahead, determine how much weight you can expect to lose once you start taking thyroid medication and if it is a sustainable solution. Aim to exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. We know that this is a problem because studies have shown that patients who use only T4 medications like levothyroxine never obtain normal healthy free T3 levels after thyroid surgery. Working with aphysician specializing in hypothyroidismwho understands different thyroid medication options is extremely helpful, as not all people tolerate and thrive on the same type of thyroid medication. I had RAI to kill my thyroid and afterwards became very ill because my dr was just testing TSH and T4. Whatever flavor of weight gain you are struggling with, once your thyroid has been removed will most likely stem down to these 4 reasons. Thats just the unfortunate situation that you are now in once your thyroid is gone. Need better symptom control? 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Mary Shomon is a writer and hormonal health and thyroid advocate. However, since thyroid hormones control your body's ability to use energy, removing it reduces your resistance to infections and increases the risk of developing diabetes. She only tests TSH. Occasional T3 T4 but very rare if ever. Free T3 (triiodothyronine) levels are high. The second most important formula for fat loss success is exercise. What could be a reason for high levels of Free T4 and normal TSH and T3 levels? Lots and lots of healthy fat help bring up your calorie consumption. To assess the weight changes associated with thyroid hormone replacement or suppressive therapy after thyroidectomy, we measured the weights of patients before and after thyroidectomy and compared them to the weights of euthyroid patients with . The Mayo Clinic explains that without hormone replacements, your body enters a state of hypothyroidism after a thyroidectomy. Treatment options for thyroid cancer might include: There are several treatment options for hyperthyroidism. My test also said that I have low B12. Thyroidectomy The most common reason people lose their thyroid gland is a surgical procedure called a thyroidectomy. Thyroid hormones regulate everything from your heart rate and body temperature to your skin's moisture and hair growth. So, do you think your current doctor would order those FT3 and FT4 tests? it's been taught that calorie restriction is the only way to lose weight, but that's not how keto works. Now I gained a ton of weight and have a hard time losing. A diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats will surely slow you down and make you unwell. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If you have questions regarding your health you should seek qualified information from a medical professional or your doctor. Taking the correct dose of thyroid medication is key to being at a healthy weight after thyroidectomy. The thyroid gland produces hormones that balance all body functions, including your metabolism. You need to eat better and exercise daily - these should be your primary goals. Ann Nutr Metab. While weight loss can be very difficult and frustrating once your thyroid has been removed it is definitely not impossible. Reduce the amount of complex carbohydrates in your diet. Welcome to my website! Thyroid hormone regulates metabolism in both animals and humans. What thyroid medication and dosage are you on currently? And this is pretty standard, unfortunately. Do-Eun Lee, MD, has been practicing medicine for more than 20 years, and specializes in diabetes, thyroid issues and general endocrinology. 2016;20(4):554-557. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.183454, Bjergved L, Jrgensen T, Perrild H, et al. I have personally helped many patients without a thyroid lose weight and, at the very least, start to feel like themselves again. You might want to get your levels tested. This indicates that your thyroid very likely isnt the only factor behind your gain. The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of. However, this is a simplistic picture of the various factors that are involved in these processes. It doesnt seem to be changing much yet overall I do feel a bit better no energy though still its only been a couple weeks though. Instead, the researchers proposed that there could be a third factor involved. Also may need to determine if you have abnormal levels of immature red blood cells. Some days my joints hurt so bad I can't move and others(even the next day) I am totally fine save the tiredness. Another thing that you should know is that your thyroid medication is going to be a very important part of your weight loss journey. Whether youve had a partial or full thyroidectomy, most likely youll need to be on thyroid replacement medication. A discrepancy in dosage, such as not getting enough hormones, can make a difference in how your metabolism functions. Find inspiration for a healthy way to support your thyroid. its the #1 most endorsed symptom by women with low thyroid function, endocrinologists and other thyroid doctors, normal healthy free T3 levels after thyroid surgery, supplements designed to help thyroid hormone do its job, Treating Hashimotos Without Medication: Heres How, Product & Supplement Updates: Reformulations, Updated Product Bundles & More, The 5 Best Breads For Hashimotos Thyroiditis, 10 Hashimotos Facts That Every Patient Should Know, 8 Ways Hypothyroidism Can Change Your Face. Of course, it seemed to make sense at the time: if you speed up the metabolism, you can expect to see more weight loss in less time., However, there is a big problem with this approach to weight loss. Kouidhi S, Clerget-Froidevaux MS. This put me at a high risk, and my US came back very concerning. I put on ~70 lbs over the past 14 years, but used the hypothyroidism as an excuse. I have Graves Disease and never had problems losing weight by just exercising and "watching" what I eat. Did anybody experience weight loss after your hysterectomy? What types of therapies have you tried? Once your hormone levels are within the normal range, you may lose a small amount of weight that mainly consists of the extra water and salt your body has built up. In fact, women, on average, gain around 20 pounds after they get their thyroid removed according to several studies(1) which looked into the matter. Leptin is a hormone thats released by your fat cells. I just had my levels checked on 6/4/2015 at Prolactin 31.7, T4,FREE 0.7, T3FREE 1.9, FSH 4.1, TSH 2.82, Estradiol 206 . Deficiency of B12 can cause the most excruciating fatigue I've ever experienced. Normalizing your thyroid hormones usually improves your energy levels, reduces fatigue, decreases muscle and joint pains, relieves constipation, and improves low mood. My levels last time I got labs were 1.84. I wouldn't expect you to start here, unless you're super motivated or you want faster results. What medication are you taking and what is the daily dosage? All the docs think I'm depressed. Even though it is a biased measure, BMI is still widely used in the medical community because its an inexpensive and quick way to analyze a persons potential health status and outcomes. Do something that you find fun and enjoyablemaybe gardening, a pilates class with friends, or water aerobics. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are either at the high end of the normal range or elevated.

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why am i losing weight after thyroidectomy

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