I truly wish it worked that way...... talk to your dic about a healthy diet and exercise. I've joined weight watchers and lost weight with the meetings; unfortunately I had to quit due to funding and schedule conflict. I can say though that since my levels have evened out, I feel better and have a little more energy! Good luck with the weight loss..... as far as not being hungry all day, its all about self control.

Weight is a toughie.....a lot depends on everything - lol

Weight gain that truly occurred as a result of the hypothyroidism should come off once the hypothyroidism is properly corrected....with proper diet and exercise.

There are so many other factors involved with weight gain that it's unrealistic to think a general statement could apply.

I gained a bunch of weight when endo #2 overmedicated me with anti-thyroid drugs for my Graves'.....I was quite hypo under her care.

It all started to come off when I was able to convince her to let me try higher thyroid hormone levels than the bottom-of-the-range levels she seemed to like.

But, I've always been an avid exerciser and that, along with a healthy diet, helped me lose the weight I gained when hypo under her care.

Now, when I joined the 20% of Graves' patients that go hypo after remission, I gained 7 lbs. during the meds titration process. The fact that I wasn't able to exercise at my usual intensity in the beginning probably contributed to this.

I was finally able to resume my usual intensity of exercise and those 7 lbs. finally came off.

I started the P90X extreme fitness program last fall and, without changing my eating habits, lost 5 lbs. and, better yet, 6 inches off my body.

About 10 years ago, I gave up on diets. Instead, I decided to eat as I thought a thin person eats. It worked....I slowly lost weight and can indulge now and then.

I'm at the lowest weight I've ever been in the past 20 years....and I'm much healthier.

Thanks! I think once a doctor listens it may be easier for me to lose. I hope so. Thanks and I too use the eat when your hungry stop when you're full approach. It worked until they raised the Cytomel and lowered the Synthroid. I want to eat the house so I can't wait to hear from my doctor. I am so glad I came here, I just felt like I was going crazy! TY :)

An increased appetite after starting T3 or a dose increase is common.

If it persists, there's a chance the patient's FreeT3 level is too high for them.

Remember, symptoms can be deceiving, labs don't lie.

You're the best! Thanks so much and if it weren't for you I would just be staying on this dose and feeling terrible for the next 6 weeks. I get up at 2am and can't sleep half the time so I am hopeful he will help me. I have a page of notes to give to him and ironically he always checks the free T3 and T4. :)

When my doctor added the Cytomel to my meds I felt better and I was working out and I did lose weight.
I'm gonna say it was from the exercise though and not the meds.

cute1

The sleep issue as you describe it is called "interrupted sleep". This is a classic hypo symptom.

It would be really good to see those FreeT3 levels that your doctor has been checking.

In fact, if you have lab history (and can post corresponding meds doses), we could figure a few things out.

Bottom line, you want both your FreeT3 and FreeT4 levels above mid-range.

Just like shoe sizes these days, the middle/large sizes are more common so, it makes sense to "try on" middle/upper range thyroid hormone levels.

Then, by working with your doctor adjusting your dose, you can try on the various sizes (levels) that are "in the vicinity" and see which one fits best (leaves you without thyroid symptoms).

Thanks! This is my 13 year with this disease. When I was getting my period every two weeks and my doctor finally believing me that It wasn't an OB issue he added 5 Cytomel...It was like heaven to finally stop bleeding. Then I lost the 5 pounds that I had gained. I never went above 10 -pounds until now. I had surgery two years ago and since them and quiting smoking, boy I have felt terrible. Doctors tell me I'm hyperthyroid due to too much medication and a low TSH yet T4 and T3 have been in normal range. I have gained 20 pounds and last time I was this weight, I have birth. I'm sad and depressed. I have discharge from my breast. I cant think straight and they tell me I' m hyper, yet I pass out early and wake up at 2am and can't go back to sleep. IDK, my GP took blood today and ask why the expert didn't take Free T3. I told him, it beats me but I feel like crap. He said T4 is in normal range and would like to see the entire picture. He also gave me yet another endocrinologist name and said she is a thyroid specialist. I just need someone to listen.

You guys have been great.

Cindy

Oh, Cindy

I can't believe you have been dealing with hypothyroidism for so long without being optimized. I'm SO sorry!

You just might want to look at some of the new threads I started. I recently found a great patient-advocate site that has lots of the information I've read throughout the years with medical journal articles to back it up.

Good stuff to share with the GP - especially the need to optimize the patient's levels.

Hopefully, after reading the various links I've shared with you, you now realize that your doctors are interpreting your labs incorrectly.

Being hyperthyroid can mean having a low TSH but, what it really means it over-range thyroid hormone levels.

That is definitely not the case for you.

Best of luck to you as you move forward - please keep us posted :)

((hugs))

Cindy

I forgot to say that I hope 13 is your lucky number.....the 13th year you've been dealing with hypothyroidism but, are finally feeling good.

You're gleaning the knowledge - now, it's time to get a doctor to partner with you.

Fingers, toes and eyes crossed :)

Thanks! I will check it out and oh boy I need to reread what I am typing. Sorry, just typing fast and not editing. You have been a great help. It has been terrible and I believe the last two years have been the worst. Thanks and I will be in touch.
Cindy

Yes it is my 13th year. It all began after my 3rd child. She was six months old and I passed out with her in my arms. I was almost in a coma and finally diagnosed. Thanks for all your help, I am going to check out the link.

This thread has Dr. Wannabe written all over it. This is exactly what the other thread is talking about.

Interrupted sleep can be cause by many things.

This is one reason I do not participate in this group much anymore... To many Dr. Wannabes handing out information as if they have a degree.

whishitwasme ~ you would not believe how many people will defend the Dr. Wannabe's.

It's ridiculous.

My daughter had her thyroid removed a year ago and she has changed drastically. Most of the time shes depressed, annoyed, agitated, tired most of the time, very, very argumentative. She has become cold and distant. I hardly recognize her anymore. To be quite honest I am almost starting to hate her. Literally hate her. Shes cold towards everyone except her husband. Her and her brother use to be so close and now he sees her as this morose, negative, hardly ever laughs anymore nuance. She takes Armor for thyroid replacement. I would really appreciate it if someone, anyone can tell me what to expect now that she has no thyroid. Is her behavior normal considering her thyroid has been removed? What effect does NOT having a thyroid have?