The Levothyroxine Weight Gain Connection
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2016
- Does Levothyroxine cause weight gain? That is the question I am going to answer in this video today. Here is a common problem: patients with hypothyroidism present to their doctor, get put on T4 medication like Levothyroxine or Synthroid and they CONTINUE to gain weight - despite no change in their diet or exercise routine.
How can this be?
In this video, I answer what I think is going on in many patients and it has to do with T4 to reverse T3 conversion when certain patients are given medications that contain T4 only.
In the setting of inflammation, trauma, infections, liver/kidney issues, low-calorie diets, and nutrient deficiencies the body can take T4 and convert it into the thyroid blocking metabolite reverse T3. High levels of reverse T3 then compete for binding at the T3 cellular receptor site and put the brakes on thyroid and metabolic function.
So how do you treat this condition?
Most patients will need medication containing T3 like natural desiccated thyroid or liothyronine/Cytomel to "flush" the system.
I also give several tips that I use in my office to help boost thyroid function if your doctor isn't willing to give you medication with T3 in it:
1. Optimize T4 to T3 conversion - I recommend the combination of zinc plus selenium.
2. Fix your adrenals - Consider using adrenal adaptogens or adrenal glandulars both of which can enhance cortisol and improve your stress response.
3. Add high-intensity exercise - To help lower insulin and leptin levels.
4. Reduce inflammation and find hidden sources of inflammation - the easiest first place to look is at your diet.
5. Lower leptin and insulin levels - It will be impossible to lose weight with leptin resistance and/or insulin resistance and both conditions reduce T4 to T3 conversion.
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If you are interested in having Dr. Childs evaluate your labs you can find more information here:
www.restartmed.com/lab-testing/
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): www.restartmed.com/start-here/
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- Supplements that everyone with hypothyroidism needs: bit.ly/3tekPej
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See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:
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Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here:
www.restartmed.com/blog/
Prefer to listen via podcast? Download all of my podcast episodes here: apple.co/3kNYTCS
Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: www.restartmed.com/what-happe...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
If you are struggling with Hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's be sure to check out my free resources available here: www.restartmed.com/start-here/
You will find downloads which include foods to eat/avoid, a list of optimal thyroid lab tests and levels, and tons more!
Hi.
As this levothyroxine generic unpopular med is produced for pennies in CHINA... Should we be looking at cause for concern re corona virus????
Big pharma making big bucks n his sanitary are chinese labs??!!!
Thanks. A
@@h.l.phillips3175 Ahahahaahahah
@@h.l.phillips3175❤😮😂
How can folk who go through the day exhausted do high intensity exercise? It's a daft suggestion, as most would be more active if they could.
Thank you very much. I will look into it
Dr. Childs, I have everything on this list. Even when my TSH is in range, I feel awful. The cycle of raising or lowering dose of Levo is never ending. No one with thyroid disease will ever feel "normal" again. My gorgeous thick hair exists no more, eyebrows gone, thin eye lashes, can't sleep, body hurts always, concentration is non existent, Feeling like I have early onset Dementia the list goes on. I'm exhausted!!!
I'm right there with you. I used to be skinny at 105 lbs..years ago. I'm a small person but not now. I started losing my voice. Doc said I have a goiter. Synthroid will shrink it. Now I weigh 200lbs.
Not happy T all...the fat won't go away..a lot of it is my spare tire.
I have not found a diet, drink, pill or excersice that changed that weight.
Sigh...
🤗💞🤗
@@soal3415check out the Carnivore diet. Don't believe me, check it out for yourself. You'll be surprised and glad you've changed your diet ❤ Blessings
Jack's mom, That's exactly how I feel. It's draining, and I'm so tempted to stop taking Levothyroxine. Don't feel in control of my own body anymore. Just want to get off the merry-go-round.
@@lynnettemurphy8243 Thyroid problems are so debilitating that it should be considered for Social Security Disability.
Jacks Mom
You are absolutely right!! I have had an underactive thyroid for 6 years and take 100mc of Levothyroxine daily. I have finally accepted that I will never feel the same again. The old me has gone unfortunately and now I'm left with being constantly very tired, to the point of quite honestly, I can't be bothered with anything anymore. I've just lost interest in everything and everything that needs doing, housework, going to work, is a horrendous daily struggle that I have to force myself to do. I just hate it so much!!!
Yes, it's shit. Life's over. Wish I'd kept the cancer.
Jacksmom Yep...I agree...totally.
@@soal3415 Boy, we sound like a bunch of sad sacks. There should be an Island we could all go to like an Island where they use to put Lepers....bad joke I know!
I'm diagnosed with hypothyroidism today and starting tomorrow I will be taking Levo. I'm also starting my gluten free journey. I already feel like shit with tiredness. My only hope is that the medicine helps me bring back to normal
@@anushadgangadhar1653 I wish you well on your journey. Keep in mind, that even if your TSH and associated thyroid test may test "in range", you know your body. You may experience tiredness, sore body, weight gain etc. even if your test results show good. Sometimes it only takes a sneeze (jk) to throw your thyroid "out of range". It's a constant battle.
I’m glad to see this video. I am someone who needs T3! Many years ago I had a partial thyroidectomy due to precancerous cells. I never felt any better taking T4. I had an incident which caused my pelvis to go out of alignment, and numerous visits to a chiropractor would NOT stabilize my skeleton. My chiropractor recommended that I get the thyroid level checked again, but all the doctors I visited said I was NORMAL. So I had to visit a holistic doctor who worked with thyroid patients. After testing, he told me that I was still hypothyroid!!! After he added a small amount of T3 to my T4, my skeleton stayed in place and never came out of alignment since. In my opinion, this blind insistence on only giving T4 is nothing short of MALPRACTICE.
Thank you for explaining this to everyone.I’ve been on it for four years .I’ve gone from 125 to 180 .I have mentioned this to my doctor.He says nothings wrong .I’m going to seek out a thyroid specialist in my area.I’m trying to followers orders but I’m so depressed and no energy .I have exercise for months at a time only to lose five pounds if I’m lucky .I thank you so much for this info .
I have been on for couple years and normally weigh 132-137.
I am now over 160& frustrated ..I grow most of my food and am very cautious with diet..I now weigh more than at the end of my pregnancies...I am so glad to find this video
Where have my docs been? Why don’t they know this?
Amazing information and perhaps life changing! Thank you for sharing this!
In terms of nutrients for conversion, selenium is essential for T4->T3. Until you add those two Brazilian nuts a day, it’s difficult. Also, for some reason, thyroid patients, we seem to have greater sensitivity to gluten. So, paleo or keto are great diets for us.
An excuse to eat Brazil nuts? I’ll take it!
Thanks for sharing this. I was taking one Brazilian nut a day while trying to get pregnant and then pregnant. I should go back to it. I have issues with lactose and my son dairy.
Unfortunately brazilian nuts are radioactive.I recommend buying selenium as a supplement.
I would love to hear what you suggest for people with no thyroid gland at all (removed surgically or with RAI). In our case, Levo or Synthroid is not a supplement but a replacement.
I was on Synthroid for over 10 years with constant gradual weight gain and feeling terrible. Then, at one point two of my teeth cracked. Perfectly healthy teeth (I thought), so I started researching Synthroid and NDT's.
A person's healthy thyroid produces not just T4 but also T3, T2, T1 and calcitonin (which works with the parathyroid).
When our thyroid gland is removed and given just the T4 (with the hopes that it converts properly), we are still living without the T2 T1 and calcitonin.
As soon as I switched to NDT so many things improved and I never had a tooth problem since. Of course, 10 years with no thyroid gland and just Synthroid did a LOT of damage to my health that I am still struggling to correct.
It would be great if you did a talk about this.
Thanks for all you do.
Yes pleas speak on this because we are the forgotten section of the thyroid conversation⁉️
What is NDT?
I too had my thyroid removed. I have gone from hyperthyroidism, and losing weight, to just constantly putting on weight and feeling rubbish. I also developed TED after removal of thyroid. Please discuss a thyroidless scenario.
I also had my thyroid removed due to cancer. I am on Synthroid and have Celiac disease. I rarely feel good. My dr. said it is just allergies. Still I am not really well.
I agree I do not have a thyroid and all the information out there is for people who have one! I am desperately seeking answers!
I’ve been on levothyroxine for 16 years after having iodine treatment 2002. Past 5 years have been horrendous with tiredness, miscarriages, brain fog, constipation, bloating and feeling terrible. I’ve asked my doctor for t3 test but refused, changed surgery and they also refused. I’m on 100mg of levothyroxine And I’ve put on 1 and a half stone in 6 months due to slow metabolism. I’ve just received a private blood test home so I’m hoping I will get results and hopefully get on NDT. It’s been a long hard struggle but after watching your videos it’s made me understand more about the thyroid than any other and I feel more confident so thank you 😊
You're like my new hero!! I had NO IDEA that my troubles could be caused by my thyroid. My doctor is treating symptoms from another direction. I can't soak up enough of this info. I appreciate you so much, TY
Wow, it's only now that I've come to understand the functions of T4 T3 reverse T3, etc.
U explained it in layman's terms 👍
Thank you 💞
Definitely, your T-3 was starting to turn that around but......... been waiting for it to come back for months! Please bring it back!!
I am so glad I found this video. I was about in tears watching it. I have been struggling for a year now with major muscle knots and I don’t sweat when hot my body doesn’t warm up when cold, anxiety. And then my doctor just blow me off like I’m crazy. I have never experienced anything like this. I used to be a hard working person who was always in great shape. Now after thyroid cancer I don’t even recognize myself in the mirror.
I will ask about the reverse T3 test as my inflammation has skyrocketed and no one even blinks an eye at me. 17.089 was my last inflammation test just a little over a month ago.
What can I do to get them to listen. The knots in the muscles can be crippling.
This must be the best explanation of underactive thyroid I have ever come across. Thank you I can now understand what my body is doing and how to put it right
Hi 👋
I've been on Levo for years. Up to 225 mcg. I swear it was building up in my system. I was also taking an anti-depressant and Metoprolol. My BP would only go up from the Levothyroxine. Last summer I reach a boiling point. I was dying of heat, heart palpitations and racing pulse, profuse sweating, my ibs (which I have developed in the past few years) was killing me. So much intestinal pain and every day or two I would have the trotts. I had no energy. Literally could not walk through my house without having to sit down and wipe sweat. Before the pandemic, I lost 60 pounds with low carb/ Keto/intermittent fasting. It came roaring back with 20 extra. Now that I have gone through menopause, I cannot stop the weight gain. I finally said to my family doctor that this Levothyroxine is kiling me. I take Mobic for the arthritis in my knees and back. I stopped taking it cold turkey and within a week I felt normal. I stopped the ant-depressants. When I don't take Levo, I don't need the BP meds (metoprolol). I have an endocrinologist who just put me on liquid levothroxine. My thyroid ultrasound has indicated a 1.2 cm nodule. Now I have to have an aspiration biopsy. There has to be a better way. All this crazy has come on in the past two and a half years. Three years ago when I was losing weight on Keto, I went down to a low dose of Levo and I was getting strong, healthy, thin. Now I am fat as a pig and waddle like one too. No energy. Sleep apnea. Elevated blood pressure. Hot all the time. Aches and pains. I have got to find a better way. I am glad I found this channel and your podcasts. I am so ready to feel and look normal again!
Clara Morrison Hope you are feeling better, but I doubt it, I have Hashimoto's. After the covid shots I noticed the hyperthyroid symptoms would sometimes be significantly worse, not just sweating at night, but same as you heart palpitations, and serious fear I was near having a stroke. Anyways, I was put on Synthroid and forced by my Expert endocrine doctor to stay on it and it Fked me up badly, I told the clinic I believe he is trying to deliberately kill me. So a nurse Practitioner allowed me to take a lower dose of levoT. My TSH I can get it to normal then it starts creeping up to hyper symptoms, I have a massive lump in my throat and I can NOT force any doctors to biopsy it, they claim its a lipoma only, but I have had a Goiter before. Its nuts, they do not even pretend to fake concern about my symptoms or my concerns. Your very lucky to be getting a Biopsy, I envy you, stick with it, either you have good health insurance of they are checking you out better because your cute, either way your very fortunate they are at least trying to keep you safer. If I want a biopsy Ill have to jab myself in the throat with a needle and try to do it myself, but I do not have the training nor equipment to examine or test it lol so I'm screwed big time. I take Telmisartan for my high blood pressure, its good, being studied to se if it extends life spans. I am watching these videos too hope I learn something that might translate into a breakthro. I feel your pain, sucks !
I wish they would teach the older doctors the way they're teaching the newer doctors. We need more doctors like this and this guy is pretty young, hopefully The colleges are versing new doctors differently. 😊
OMG, I feel you've just told my story. I just told my Dr. that I'm as fat as a pig and I can't deal with the profuse sweating from my head. It's as if I have a hose siting on the top of my head, the sweat just pores off from me. I'm not even embarrassed anymore I'm just scared!!! I was diagnosed with Graves in 2009 and it's been hell. I know there are people who have it a lot worse but I'm exhausted. Now I'm having low blood sugar episodes and fear having a seizure. I now carry a mini can of soda with me at all times "just in case" and I'm not even a soda drinker. I can't do things that I love anymore because of the severe sweating and my freakin blood sugar. I don't even need a winter coat anymore. I can lay in the snow and melt it around me....
@@jacksmom3612 Sounds like you need to be totally off any thyroid replacement hormones, if they gave you synthroid or Levothyroxine stop it until the sweats go away. Keep complaining to your doctors office, until they get you better, or go for second opinions. But listen to your body always !
OMG this is me ! Oink oink all the way. I seem to be gaining weight just looking at food. I am sick of changing clothes and wringing out my underwear from all the sweating. Even a little exertion my face is beet red and I am pouring sweat. This all started in 1990 when I found I had a lump on the front of my neck. Turned out to be a goiter. Endocrinologist did the needs biopsy and it was negative. Put me on Synthroid and for years it seemed to be working. The goiter went away and I was not gaining weight. OH before that I had a total hysterectomy due to Endometriosis so I was also on HRT at the time. Over the years due to insurance coverage that refused to cover Synthroid I was switched to Levo and that's when the chit hit the fan. I started to gain weight (and I thought it was cos I stopped smoking), I started to have (& continue to have) thyroid nodules. The past 2 years I've had ultrasounds showing they are growing and needle biopsy which are negative. So my new Dr. as my regular dr passed due to covid...said I needed to lower my dose (per bloodwork) and so far I am still sweating like a pig, have gained MORE weight and just about given up on ever losing it. Even when I did the low/no carbs I lost 20 lbs in 6 months while hubby lost 45 while we both ate the same and exercised, plus all my housework. So I am hoping this information is something I can take to my dr. and get something even mildly resembling better health!
Wow thank you,
I will take this video to my doctor and hopefully she will take note and be able to do something about weight gain, tiredness, etc.
The most sensible video I've ever seen on hypo thyroid 😍 I wish I could get you as my doc !
Glad you enjoyed it!
I am so glad I stumbled on this video. I was a MA with a doctor for 11 years and I take thyroid meds. I never really understood how the thyroid works and the treatment of same. Very interesting and helpful for my next visit with my doctor. Thank you so much for putting this information out there.
Hello
@@Andrew98689 hello
Thank you for info. Answers a lot of questions!
Thankyou. I appreciate your knowledge and guidance.
Yes, I'm on this medication, and I have gained weight in my abdomen and have had a hard time losing the fat there. Thank you for this video!!
ME TOO. SAME PLACE
RAPIDLY. ON LEVOTHYROXINE
ME TOO
Me too also 8yrs taking of levothyroxine😔🤒😰
Me three! Lol 😂 Not fun but we will get through this
Ditto-me too
I’ve been in Levothyroxine for 20+ years…I’m overweight, never knew this could be a contributor
Oh doctors know ...they know that they just keep you stupid...you are nothing but a client and they need to keep you to make money.So you have to decline in your health not to get cured, that's their job to keep you sick.
Thank you for being so generous with you knowledge 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you so much...I am requesting my Dr to consider changing my levothyroxine ..
Truly appreciate
Who knew? Thank you! I’m 81, been on levothyroxine for 36 years and have really struggled with weight ever since. It is the only Rex that I take and am very grateful for that. I was also diagnosed with PD 5 years ago, started with the meds, but went off them and on to herbs 3.5 years ago along with a clean diet. Can’t solve the weight gain, thinking very much about desiccated thyroid. Should loose 50 lbs. Again, thank you very much!
this video was so very helpful. I see a endocrinologist tomorrow and I will bring up this video. I was diagnosed in April of this year and have been through 3 dosage changes with levothyroxine. at 150mcg my doctor claims my levels are a little high but I still feel sluggish and gaining weight with diet and exercise. I did start taking selenium and zinc and have been feeling more clearheaded and able to focus. my hopes are to change medications and hopefully lose some of the weight. over the last year I went from 150lbs to 175lbs. though it doesn't seem like much, it has been with great struggle.
I'm glad you found it helpful!
Dr. Westin Childs can help me .... Levothyroxine gives me much effects and worse than any other medications and when I take i get the weight of fat... I fat without eating too much...feeling worse in my stomach for time to time my voice change... And many other effects i got with.... So give the great solution for that and thnxx
@Gandhi-Wuz-KooKoo Would you please elaborate about how it specifically affected you? Until recently, I seriously thought I had early symptoms of Alzheimer's (my paternal g'mother had it, & it IS heritable.) I also have treatment resistant depression and complex PTSD. I was diagnosed w Hashimoto's about 3 years ago, and have noticed my level of fatigue & "brain fog" has increased to a frightening all-time high. I'm interested in how you are measuring your increased clarity, memory, or whatever you are determining to be the variables that have improved. Thanks.
Did your endocrinologist listen to you? What did you end up doing?
Thank you for the information. Much appreciated.
I’ve been talking it since I was 27. I’m 64 now. I had most of my thyroid removed, because it had a tumor with pre cancer cells. I’m very grateful I’m still alive.
I ballooned on Levo
I have an active job
Always had a high metabolism
Put on two stone that I can’t lose being on this medication 😭
Very informative! Thanks!
Wow, I was just hospitalized for Tachycardia and I went on Spiriva for my Thyroid and I couldnt breathe. My throat was closing and my BPM while resting sky rocketed. Nobody knew why. They thought I was having a heart attack. Thanks to a commenter on here mentioning about inhalers I would not of found this out. So gladI found this video. Thank you
What do inhalers have to do with this issue? My use has been increased lately. And my thyroid numbers were off this week. Not sure which ones. Re numbers. No meds but was suggested to take something (?)
I used to take armour. And heard it wasn’t available any longer? Is this true? Anyone?
@@carlasampson6129 My medication was too high and then the new* inhaler Spiriva I was prescribed may of made me go into a Thyroid storm by dangerously increasing my heart rate.
I went off Levothyroxine about 7 years ago; I then began using Desiccated Glandular Thyroid - I’ve stayed on it - my TSH levels became regulated in the normal levels for the 1st time in 30+ years - my hair grew back - though fatigue can still be an issue - it certainly is nothing as compared to what it once was. I also eat a gluten free diet (I was diagnosed as celiac) and make sure I take my vitamin’s supplements…. Oh, an what’s being discussed here - my weight normalized too; and I wasn’t starving all the time - or feeling overly bloated. Just my experience. Thanks for such a great informative vlog!!! 🎉
My hair falls too still my TSH is always high what’s that Desiccated Glandular Thyroid??
@@marychhangte5285 …Desiccated Glandular Thyroid is ‘natural thyroid’ supplementation - you can buy without a prescription. I buy what I use through a company called : ‘Nutri-Meds…’ I use the Bovine Thyroid Health - I take the 130 mg dose - in the morning. Hope this helps!
OMG....I've been living for 2 years on synthroid and going up in weight. This totally explains everything!
There may also be other hormone imbalances contributing.
I'm going to an endocrinologist soon!
Dr. Westin Childs
Mine don’t go off until
My medication level is right on
Level
Jordana Berryman
Those stink
I've been on Armour Thyroid for 15 years. In the last 5 years, I started gaining weight again. Started having cold spells, dry eyes to the point of corneal erosions, big toe nails turning blue sometimes, puffiness all over, slowness, aches and pains, no motivation to do much other than sleep. I check off almost all items on the list for things turning T4 to Reverse T3. I have Hashimoto's, PCOS, and PTSD, and a very intense child who triggers me daily. My doctor increased my meds from 75 to 90 mg recently to see if things improve. It seems too early to tell if the increase is working. Cutting out sugar seems to help, but I'm addicted to it. It's all or nothing where sugar is concerned. I can wean painfully off of it, but the second I get a taste, it's failure all over again. Quality of life has worsened since thyroid dx in 2007-2008.
Maybe also your sexual hormones are involved now, as you have reached perimenopause or menopause.
Great info...thank you!
Great info
Thank you for sharing Doc. I had a total Thyroidectomy, I feel so tired all the time and I and I am gaining weight. I am definitely going to try all your recommendations.
Same here
@@UniqueBeautie me too if I can find link!!!! To supplements other than the norm,.....!!!!
Thank you for this video!!I had a complete tyroidectomy due to having papillary carcinoma & have felt awful ever since, along with increasing weight gain. I had chronic diarrhea and asked my endocrinologist multiple times if I could switch meds because I was sure they were causing it. My primary care Dr suggested a gluten free pill which my endocrinologist finally gave me & the diarrhea finally was better. I do also take a beta blocker, so this gives me even more info to work with. Hopefully I can get back to feeling normal again.
Yes, am on Levothyroxine and have been for years. For a year or longer so tired even after great night sleep, can’t lose weight when it used to be easy, or I starve myself but only lose 2 or 3 lbs. haven’t had a blood test for over a year; doc keep renewing my script. Good info here..
How dumb are u to not get a bloodtest whilst u feeling like utter shit? Wtf!
@@DarkoFitCoach hey....am in a very small town..no place close by for tests and doc hasn’t scheduled a zoom..
@@PineGeri dear lord almighty! the incompetence of some people. sorry to say but its unacceptable. anyway ur suffering not me so good luck waiting for the doc to zoom you
@@DarkoFitCoach you’re right....rather than take drugs would rather get to the root cause..but docs don’t readily do that...pill for this - pill for that...
@@PineGeri yes so have u found the root cause? Cause if u have damage to thyroid or hashimotos or god forbid cancer etc. Then plants and diet wont help. Meds are an option on the table. Bettee then feeling like shit for long time ey
Your explanation on this Med & how the thyroid works. in on this Med. Started out heavy and not losing weight. And am on one of the BP meds you mentioned. ugh.
Getting a good doctor is so important. Some doctors blow you off despite many attempts, but some doctors will day 1 send you off for lab tests to figure out what's going on. I literally just met my new primary care doctor yesterday and she listened to my concerns and immediately ordered lab work to test my thyroid and other levels. Waiting for results, but most likely hypothyroidism. I've been on a calorie deficit for months and not losing anything. We will see.
FYI. My doctor is very well known so I wo t use his name. He was recently posted in the world endocrinologist magazine about his work. Although he treats diabetic patients as well. I truly believe he hates fat people. If you say how can I lose weight he says don't eat?? I have mentioned his na.e to my GP and 2 others. I told them I was terrified to go back because last time I had lost 10 lbs but in a yr I've gained 20+lbs. I'm so frustrated to learn to manage bipolar ( I take Wellbutrin, after try close to 60 others not to mention the combinations. Oh and ECT because I rapidly goes from high to low. Now I'm being told that the hell I went through was to get here. I want quality not quality Although both would be nice. What happens if I simply stop the thyroid synthetic lab concoction that creates more problems than it helps.
Interesting blog
I've been on Levothyroxine for WAY too long. I've told my GP that I thought it was causing weight gain. She said that was impossible and gave me info on how to lose weight. I worked out all the time and was on a very low calorie diet for a year.I was gaining weight rapidly. I can't sleep at night. (I usually get to sleep around 3 or 4 am) Super frustrating as I was tired during the day. My temperature is always around 96 degrees. Since the pandemic I've taken my temperature everyday and it is weird how low it is. I ended up stopping the LT on my own. I would rather have the original problem I had before going on LT. I am so happy I watched this video. I am going to get a new doctor and see if I can request a more detailed thyroid panel. My weight has literally doubled in 4 years!
I don't understand why most doctors are so resistant to running a complete thyroid panel? And they do not listen to their patients. Glad you went looking for a new doc but a good one is hard to find. Naturopathic doctors are much better, imo.
Have you lost weight since stopping Levo?
@@nangee2990 They are so weird about that!
Try intermittent fasting. .that is the only I’ve been able to lose weight.. see How to Fast like a girl.. written by a Dr MIndy.. best of luck..
I have been on levothyroxine for a month, and while I haven’t measured my weight, I can tell I’ve lost weight and my friends keep commenting that I look much better. I have energy that I haven’t had since I was 16 (26 now). It feels like I have my life back.
I'm glad it's working for you! Thanks for sharing.
I've been on it 3 years due to a TT. When I was hyper i was a skeleton...now ive gained 80 pounds on levothyroxcin (150mcgs) and i eat right plus work out. Last lab bw t4 was 15! Awful med.
MilitaryGirl USA Totally agree dreadful stuff,my body just doesn’t get on with it at all .When I went on natural desiccated thyroid ,I lost the weight and fixed the problem thyroxine had caused ,never again .
I have been on Levothyroxine for five years. I feel exhausted even after sleeping all night. My weight has increased and remains the same although I exercise in the gym and at home. I have IBS and I feel permanently hungry whatever and when ever I eat my restricted diet. Life is miserable.
So lucky......
OMG Thank You so much! ❤
Levothyroxine changed my life in the winter as I was always cold and blue. I take a very low dose but I felt much warmer. However, I’m unable to lose weight even with starving. Very aggravating. I’m carrying 20 extra pounds.
Same. Nothing you do moves the wieght either
Love the video! But would really appreciate if you could provide us with the supplements that can actually be find in our regular pharmacies. Or the active ingredient
Are you talking about supplements or medications? If you want my recommended supplements you can find them here: www.restartmed.com/shop/
good video. i have conversion issue. TSH very low but t4 or t3 did not budge.....but i disagree with HIT exercises, it increases stress and cortisol. Long slow movmenets, with deep breathing decrease stress and inflamation. HIT inreases inflammation
Maybe say put it in Layman's terms, not "dumb it down". Doctors have prescribed this for me for years. So I trusted "experts" and they didn't know very much. I have gained weight (20 lbs) on these meds and my kidney function is declining. Thanks for the video!
Thankyou for your expertise Dr Child’s. I will discuss with my GP some of the points you have explained relating to my hypothyroid issues!
No problem!
Been on it for 21 years in NZ. I should be skinny with all the stairs in our house, but no. I will try selenium and zinc supplements. Thanks for this informative video.
I have been on Levothyroxine for over 20 years and I never put weight on with it I’m 77 now and still very slim .
My uncle smokes and eats bacon and is 82. See my point?
Can you speak on the topic of thyroidectomy?
The dos and don'ts.
Got a total thyroidectomy and partial parathyroidectomy last week and been on levothyroxcin for a week and I feel great. Lots of energy and have lost 12lbs. My resting heart rate and cardio HR has gone down too. I'm 34 and I haven't felt this good emotionally and physically for 10+ years
Sami Hanish that is comforting to hear because I'm having my thyroid total remove in 2 weeks thanks
Quintrell is an advertisement 😡
Since my total thyroidectomy my like has completely gone down the tubes. Worst thing ever. Doctors don’t know how to prescribe the correct hormones, etc. awful!
Unfortunately that will change if you stay on Synthroid for very long. Sorry.
Synthroid and levothyroxine definitely work for a lot of people! I'm not saying they don't, but there is a huge percentage of people (around 15-20%) that they simply don't work for. Consider yourself blessed to be in that other 80% :)
Thank you! My doctor didn't believe me when I said I only gained weight when I started taking Levo. Still doesn't. I'll get those extra tests done next check up :)
I know they want listen my doctor want either so I'm going get me another doctor
Here is the list of things I found inflammatory for me and I have changed:
1.herbacides like glyphosate, so I buy organic food now
2.A1 milk so I drink A2 milk but still have lower amounts of A1 cheese/butter but organic
3. sugar AND artificial sweeteners which inflamed my joints
4. high lectins, so I cut seeds and some peels and watch high sources
5. gluten(a lectin)and grains in general
6. chemicals such arsenic in rice so I get organic not grown in high arsenic areas and soak/rinse too
7. Red meat
8. High omega 6 foods and oils, instead I use organic extra virgin olive oil, and cook with avocado and macadamia oil and use some organic butter.
9. Inactivity-so now minimum walk and workout 30 minutes a day
I am still learning, so now switching to stainless pans and learning about oxalates -may ditch spinach. However, the changes above over the past few years have taken my blood pressure back down drastically to normal and with no more bp meds needed, and weight is heading back to normal-60 down so far, like a pound a month. You can experiment with harmless exchanges in your diet and might find things you can avoid or exchange that allows you to lose weight and get better. My weight went way up but that started before I was put on this med, and my weight finally came way back down and I am still on it. So for me, the inflammation piece he talks about is key, and maybe for you as well. Others maybe it is the medicine itself, but some might find relief with some of what worked for me. Bonus for me was being able to stop bp medicine since my bp dropped back to normal. I wish you the best.
Avocado Oil has high Omega-6 ratio compared to Omega-3, so be careful. I cook with a tiny bit of coconut oil (I don't do fried food, so I basically saute in low to medium heat) or light olive oil.
Great channel btw!!
What does it mean if:
A person has TSH of +10, but when take levo, it blows them away and they can’t move off the bed due to extreme dizziness. And also the bloods show a very high TSH but the T4 is relatively normal. There are no thyroid antibodies either...
I have been on dessicated thyroid for 3 months. Years of chronic pain are gone!After 32 years of begging to be switched from levothyroxine at my yearly exams, I gave up asking. Unfortunately, as long as the numbers look good, how the patient feels is inconsequential. I finally dropped my allopath. I have a new one who put me on desiccated thyroid. I am concerned because she only wants to follow my TSH! My basal body temp still averages
Hello, I am i 62-ish and was Dxd in Dec 2017 with Hashimoto's. I had no idea why I was so sick for a lot of 2017, I had all Sxs listed when I looked it up after seeing my doctor. I had a TSH initially of 159. They have been moving my synthroid fromr 75 to 100, (which brought my TSH to 0.022), to 50 and now 75 daily. I have this belly for the last two years that I ever had before and my weight since going on the Synthroid keeps going up. Should I be discussing a Reverse T3 and taking Zinc Picolinate? Endocrine is not my wheelhouse so I am researching this new disease I have.
Selinium & Zinc Adrenal Glandular B1 Thiamine Thyroidinum
Thank you for information am only gaining weight and muscle weakness
You're welcome! I hope you find it helpful.
thanks for the information. I'm only gaining weight on the these tablets. Driving me nuts. Horrible tablets🤢
Gerrie Kleine
U may need a higher dosage then
Gerrie Kleine . My Dr put me on thyroid tablets. I am now taking 175g after numerous blood test. I have gained almost 5 stone. I express my concerns to my Dr. She constantly tells me it's not the thyroid medication causing the weight gain. No I haven't changed my diet and I am more active now they before. It's a bloody awful medicine
Need to add T3, you will be amazed.
Sam
Are you gluten intolerant? Most people with Hashi’s are gluten intolerant and it may cause a lot of weight gain..
I was tested for gluten intolerance, my doctor was shocked that I wasn’t allergic to it since most people are..
Yes, try some T3 meds in combination with T4... perhaps your reverse T3 is high in which case you might need to take only T3 to flush out all that RT3.... ask your doctor.. have him or her check all your vitamin and mineral levels... we need selenium/zinc/tyrosine/d3/calcium/iodide/ for our Thyroid meds...
Hang in there...
if you're on the generic instead of name brand might be the cause. both my husband and I have Hashimoto's and we cannot take the generic at all. We suffer with side effects which we don't have when we take the name brand.
I read that Seleniummethionin is easy to overdose because it collects itself in the body, so Natriumselenite (thats the Germany name at least) is recomended. What do you think?
I used to be prescribed t3 and lost so much weight I felt fantastic. With the cuts in the nhs, I was changed to levothyroxine and I put all the weight back on. I will try all your suggestions and see how it goes for me. Thank you
See if your doctor can add t3. One thing that I know works well for me is taking a multivitamin. But you have to make sure it has the right vitamins in it. Selenium is the biggest one. And be careful with your protein levels. If you consume even the slightest amount above what your daily intake should be that can make levothyroxine not work as well.
Thank you
Thank you 🙏 😘
You're welcome!
Please do some online appointments❤
Thank you so much for this helpful video :) I seen that you said a low calorie diet could facilitate T4 being converted into reverse T3. My question is, I am currently waiting for my thyroid function tests to come back....before I get prescribed Levothyroxine, would it help prevent conversion to reverse T3 if I started eating my maintenance calories NOW, as normally I eat slightly under maintenance amount as my metabolism is so slow. TIA
I’ve read selenium helps with conversion of T4 to T3. However I’m unsure if reverse T3 can also be made using the selenium
Had my entire thyroid removed 15 yrs ago. My doctor has me tested every 3 or 4 months. Almost everytime my dosage changes. Why? Seems like it shouldnt change when there's no thyroid . And yes- weight has gone up and up. Hair has thinned,nails break easily,no good sleep
Dr. Childs, do you do consultations for patients in other cities or know of any DO's in the Atlanta area? I feel the endocrinologists and cardiologist and other doctors I see here in Atlanta will not be willing to follow this regime for me. My story is a little unique but may not be and any help I can gain to assist would be greatly appreciated.
Dr. Childs.. you are a godsend. This information is not forthcoming from so many doctors. I'm 60 years old and was put on Bisoprolol for spiking blood pressure, palpitations and racing heartbeat, which I'm convinced was due to contracting Covid-19 in early 2020. I'm currently still on Bisoprolol and Levothyroxine so would the Bisoprolol affect my basal metabolic rate/temperature reading and pulse rate, so is it worth checking these markers in the mornings? Thank you if you are able to answer this question, I have no idea what I would do without the information you give us. Thank you so much.
I’m trying to figure out life and healing from long Covid as well, since so many issues, post COVID!!!
Thanks
Ever since i was diagnosed with a thyroid problem, i was put on that Levothyroxine, I have gained weight i never had in my life. I used to weigh 150 for many years, eating healthy , then on this medicine for thyroid, i now weigh 184. Wtheck. I am really discouraged in how i feel and weigh. I am also going through pre menopause. I am also taking blood pressure meds too. I am thinking of quitting that medication, Levothyroxine. Something has to give. 😡😭
Did you replaced your levo with something else?
Will you do a video on Graves Disease and/or RAI? That was the start of my Thyroid problems when I turned 20 (2008). Gained 30 lbs in 2 months, was also very petite, athletic, skinny - worked out 2 hours a day. Then I was hit with Graves and my world ended. Had radioactive iodine treatment the summer of 2009, was put on levothyroxine 112 mcg. Only lost half of the weight I put on. In 2015 was lowered to 100 mcg of levo and I've gone back up in weight and have felt terribly fatigued and exhausted since the start of 2017. My doctor never listened to my complaints of being tired and weight gain I think because he was a older man set in his ways and didn't really care about how I was "feeling" if my levels were "in range". I just made an appointment with a new Endo hoping that since she's younger and a female she will be more open to new methods and thinking outside of the box as your UA-cams reflect in the way you do things. I am interested in going the Armour Thyroid route and hope she is able to work with me on that, and if not, at least direct me in a different way with supplements that may help in my conversion if that is actually the problem. Thank you again for making these videos and I appreciate any feedback on my situation or if you are in fact going to do a UA-cam on Graves and/or RAI.
Graves’ disease kinda ruined my life at 15 lol I had to get on a steroid for my eyes gained 20-30 pounds in like 2 months looked mad sick. I lost like 14 pounds months later got thyriod removed 4 days ago on levothyr I rake T3 supplements B6 zinc and S I try to. I haven’t noticed anything yet tbh
No provider has EVER linked my low pulse to my thyroid! One Internal Medicine provider hyper focused on A-Fib when I had no symptoms except low pulse... $1800 test later, no A-Fib a shoulder shrug and says ok to drink energy drinks in the afternoon... I will say that it appears that Keto with Intermittent Fasting lowers my pulse which is already low (it was around 38). I’m going to discuss Armour brand with my new PCP. Thank you for an excellent explanation of thyroid health! (FYI, I’ve teased I’m a reptile- body temp always below normal..)
Hello 👋
It was really informative.. recently got my levorthyroxine dose increased from 50 to 90mg but gained 3kgs within a month... donno whether these supplements are available in india or not?? Do we need medical prescription for these supplements??
I notice you have a product T2 on your website. It would be good to have a video on that please
DR CHILDS IF THIS IS TRUE AND I DO SOOOO BELIEVE THIS DATA...YOU MUST STEP UP YOUR GAME INTO DOING IN HOME ONLINE THERAPY...BREAK THE BARRIERS... BECAUSE ALL PEOPLE ARE NOT PUBLIC....GREEEAT JOB AND THANKS I KNOW GOD GAVE THIS SITE!!!
What dosage should I buy online for T-3? Should you even trust the online website’s selling this? Your T-3 balanced me out perfectly, I have gained 15 lbs since you have been out, a LOT of hair loss(almost bald now) also had COVID in April 2020 which I know helped with the hair loss. Please help me-I eat less than 1000 calories per day and feel like I’m starving but I have never been fat and this terrifies me more than starving. Realize this is really messing with my metabolism, not sure what to do! Help!
Thanks! Very helpful! I don’t have my thyroid any longer. They talked me into RAI and ever since then I have not been the same and this is my biggest regret. I was always able to get my graves under control naturally with acupuncture and herbs. The last time I ended up with heart failure and lots of health issues and that was why I agreed to go through with the RAI. What do you recommend for someone that does not have a thyroid anymore? Do the same protocols follow under this category?
Same here. Radiation treatments were horrible for me.
Same protocol does apply. I had cancer 2x, no longer have a thyroid. I'm on natural desiccated thyroid hormone medication after 4 years of being on Synthroid which made me so sick with poor health. Natural desiccated thyroid hormone medication has been a huge game changer! But, this is a life long issue for us. As women we have estrogen, cortisol, progesterone, so many other hormones that play apart. Premenopausal & menopause changes things too.
@@onewomansjourney760 what do you take?
It’s true. It happened to me. I’m back on SYNTHROID now!
May I ask …does taking Synthroid make a difference in weight gain?
I'm going to tell my doctor I'm not taking that! Thanx!
was put on levothyroxine 2 months ago and been having really bad constipation problem. I did not have constipatiin before I was diagnosed with underactive thyroid. explained that to the Dr and she said it can't be with this medicine you should be doing better I am lost.
jose a
Do keto die it does not allow that any more
it is one of the side effects unfortunately, iv been taking it for years. Try fibergel
Hi there, where did you find your information about the "Factors that increase conversion of T4 to RT3"?
Lost my thyroid to cancer three years ago . I'm 210 lbs . at 6'1" and 65 years old . I'm on 175 dose of levothyroxine . I only eat between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm . I'm told my blood sugar is too high , so now on metformin . I exercise daily . I'm trying , but my weight is creeping upward . UGH !!
I wish you were my Doctor.
Levothyroxin and intermittent fasting has worked for me. I take 50 a day. I also walk 6 miles a day. My hair and nails are better but I also take collagen every day.
Collagen is key. It’s helped me greatly.
I’ve been wondering, because I’ve been taking 88 mcg of Levo for about 2 years and have stopped gradually losing weight during that time, my previous pattern (welcome) for a while. I’m not gaining, but I’m also not losing, despite a *greatly* reduced appetite. Difficult to exercise due to other serious conditions (lower back, neurological). It never occurred to me that it could be this medication. I skimmed the information, which I find complicated; obviously need to be more proactive with my doctor if this could be the reason.
I take the medicine. I lost 70 pounds but now I'm at a stand still and going back and to with my weight. I have 2 types of blood pressure meds I take and meds for gurds. So I will mention to my Dr. What you have said and see if it will help me.
Dr. Childs,
This video was very helpful. I am on Lev. and actually am increasing my dosage from .25mg daily to .5mg on even days and .25 on the odd days as my T3's aren't quite where they need to be. I do not, however, have trouble losing weight.
When I first started taking Lev. 2 years ago I lost about 30lbs (from 280-250) in about 3 months by cutting out gluten. I assume this goes in line with removing inflammation, decreasing insulin resistance due to far less carbs and removing toxins.
I eventually plateaued in Dec. of 2016 at 230/240lbs. I started increasing my working out (I was already doing some) but focused on HIIT cardio similar to crossfit AND my wife and I just did a whole30 diet. I lost another 30lbs because of it and am now at 205lbs- the same weight I was when I just got out of basic training. Currently I am doing the keto/ LowCarbHighFat (LCHF) diet and seeing great results in my weight and blood work including cholesterol.
I think all the advice you gave to lose weight with hypothyroidism is dead on and I think my weight loss history backs it up.
Will Thorpe thank you for sharing. It gives me hope
I have gained about 40 lbs since I had my right Thyroid and 2 parathyroid removed in 2010 because I had a large tumor wrapped around it, I was choking from it, and the biopsy done was inconclusive. It turned out to be benign. I was started out on Synthroid but was switched to Levo a number of years ago because my insurance wouldn't cover synthorid anymore. HELP!
your right. with no thyroid, insurance companies should allow for such patients to take name brand drug. even it is said non name drugs are just the same is totally in correct. once thyroid is removed totally you just will not feel ever like you did before. it really sad, but true. lot of doctors testing will take it as if you still have partial thyroid. they do not test in full. it may be do to insurance companies.
Got diagnosed Graves’ disease 2008. From 145 I have gone up to 206. Trying to lose weight cannot go under the 190’s. I had Radiation ablation. I have to take Synthroid for the rest of my life as I do not have a thyroid gland. I’m so tired I do not have it in me to exercise. I am going through depression and stress burn out from work. Help!!!!😭😞😢🎄🤪😕
I never feel hungry and have to be reminded to eat so does that mean my leptin is low? Its impossible for me to lose weight without T3 on its own and even then I need a very high daily dose. My doctors refuse to help me as my blood work always comes back normal and they never do all the thyroid tests. Its a lonely journey for sure.
About 5-6 years ago, Kaiser changed the brand of Levo meds I was taking in December. Within a few months I gained 15 pounds. I told them, I did nothing different except that the company that made my meds was changed and I gained the weight. They didn’t believe me. I’ve been on meds when they gave me radio active iodine and killed off some of my thyroid over 38 years ago after having my second child and my thyroid went wacko and over producing to the point that it was off the charts. I had a choice operation to remove or the iodine… did I ever have a choice?
I do take this medication and have been on it for 12 months. In that time I have had weight gain big time, and no matter what I do this weight will not stop. I ask my GP if the medication was causing this weight gain and he said NO. However I feel it is the medication. I have gone up 2 dress sizes, the weight gain causes me much depression.
Hi; noted comment on other meds. I'm on polytherapy meds for generalised absence seizures. Lifetime struggle. Currently the mix contains sodium valproate which has a noted side-effect of weight gain. I'm also on levo. Can't mess with the seizure meds. Is there an alternative for levo given these seizure-essential meds? I have only just got remission on the epilepsy - after decades. Can refer an answer to my specialist Thanks. .
I lost weight when I ate regular meals, with all healthy food groups, but my portions were the smaller ones, recommended for diabetics or pre-diabetics. When I skipped meals, I did not lose weight.
Is it true that hypothyroid patients should avoid too much cruzeforous greens because they inhibit L-Thyroxine uptake? Also do you think that it is true that hypotyroid patients shouldnt do a keto diet because they kind of need carbs (of course it should be helathy carbs)?
Is there a best recommendation for dessicated thyroid if you have low thyroid and are taking levothyroxine? I read something about that they both cannot be taken together. 🤔
I have been up and down in my tsh levels. I was first diagnosed hypo was on 115 mcg to 125mcg and I still felt like crap. Was put on 150mcg felt a little jolt of energy but after lab tests showed I was going hyperthyroidism. So they lowered my dose gained weight. I demanded my doctor to give me every known lab to see what is going on. My hormones are perfect my glands are perfect. My doctor finally prescribed me armour (60mcg) I have been on it for a little over 3 weeks. I am hoping it helps I am at my wits ends with this illness. I want to be off antidepressants I feel like they are contributing to my weight gain. I was on zoloft and was put on bupropion a few weeks ago too.I tried low carb diet (1200 and below) I went vegan I was doing good but every time I get a new prescription I gained weight....I truly wish there were more doctors like you in the world I am sure each of us would 1st better understand our thyroid and 2nd I am sure we would lose weight more effectively
Also, two years ago, I took an iodine supplement I got from a natural food store. It was pretty high dose come to find out. It really changed my life. It messed me up really badly, and I still haven't gone back to normal. It's been a real challenge to say the least. So many symptoms arose after that, and continue to come and go. The worst being with my ears, neck, and nervous system and insomnia. I've had all tests done, except reverse t3 which I will be doing in a few weeks. Do you have any thoughts on what exactly happened to me after taking iodine? What did it change in my thyroid, I have hashimotos I found out after taking the iodine also. It seems like some major damage happened to my thyroid from the iodine supplement, and caused a major hashitoxicosis, and I'm all on my own as even specialists I've gone to see only care about TSH. They can't explain anything to me except one Endo said I would be better within 6 months. That wasn't true at all. It's been a two year health journey with still so many questions. I'm currently on 75 mcg levoxyl. Heart palpitations come and go, along with many many other symptoms that affect my quality of life.
R things better now bro?
I took iodine to and gained weight and ended up with a nodule and had to get surgery to remove it.