Levothyroxine and Weight gain (Why some people gain weight on levo and Synthroid)

The connection between levothyroxine and weight gain. Why some people gain weight on levothyroxine and others gain weight on Synthroid.

Can levothyroxine cause weight gain? The answer may surprise you and it is a definite yes. By the way, this information all applies to SYNTHROID as well. So whether you are taking Synthroid or levothyroxine, both medications can lead to weight gain.

How can a medication which is designed to improve thyroid function ultimately lead to weight gain?

The answer has to do with how this medication is metabolized and utilized in your body.

Levothyroxine and Synthroid contain the hormone known as T4 or thyroxine. Doctors give this medication to replace a sluggish thyroid hormone and assume that it will do this job without any issue.

The problem is that T4 is NOT active and in order to be activated must go through a second step known as thyroid conversion. This conversion process produces another hormone known as T3.

But the body also has the option of turning T4 into reverse T3 which COMPLETELY blocks the action of T3.

Your body can take the T4 which is found within levothyroxine and synthroid and turn it into reverse t3 which blocks the benefical effects of T3.

This is how synthroid and levothyroxine can lead to weight gain. You can actually make your thyroid worse if you use the wrong medication.

So, what should you do about it?

There are 2 main treatment options:

#1. Naturally improve T4 to T3 conversion.

Using supplements which contain zinc, selenium, and guggul can help FORCE your body to produce more T3.

#2. Bypass the conversion step by using different thyroid medications.

You can completely bypass the conversion process by using medications such as Armour Thyroid and T3 (Cytomel) to give your body T3 directly.

You can test to see if this is a problem for you by looking at the following tests:

- Reverse T3
- Free T3

Check these tests to see how well your body is converting T4 into T3!

Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:

See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:

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:

Disclaimer:

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

[drwestinchilds]

Hey guys! Please do SHARE your experience below with levo/Synthroid. I want to know if you've gained weight or lost weight after using it.

[Suzanb]

I gained a ton of weight (over 100 pounds while on levothyroxine)..threw it out the car window on a road trip, and lost 35 in the first month without it..

[rogueyarbrough]

I absolutely experience weight gain on levothyroxine. It's beginning to get out of control, and all of my hypothyroidism symptoms have intensified yet again. My doctors always say my TSH levels are fine, even when I am sleeping for 16+ hours a day and barely have energy to do basic house chores.

Thank you for this video.

[lelacleveland]

Yes many pounds and fatigue over the years but they tell me I'm fine. We all know better!

[thewitlesswordwarriorsever]

Yep. Gained weight and when a emergency Dr. lowered my dose after an incident, I lost about 15 lbs. GP later increased it again and I gained weight again. It's definitely a thing

[thetherons]

Yes I have gained 100 pounds and I am so tired. I am needing help

[shannon_w.]

OMG this is EXACTLY what is happening to me! I am on Levothyroxine and I have gained a significant amount of weight, my fatigue is HORRIBLE, and the depression is horrible! My doctor said EXACTLY what you said "well your T4 levels are almost normal. I have asked her ( she is my regular Physician)if I should see a doctor who specializes in this many times and she just shurgs it off. Shouldn't a doctor who specializes in Thyroid issues who I should be seeing????

[janie]

Yes, I have. I gained weight with T4 and was found to be thyrotoxic with very high rT3 as well. Dr Childs, thank you for your informative videos that help so much!

[hilaryosborne]

Yes! I've been putting on weight, I've had brain fog, the whole shot. Thank you for explaining this so clearly!

[stephanieshifrin]

Yes, I have. I have been on increasing dose for 20 years and Ive done nothing but gain weight.

[adrianstube]

I was diagnosed 2 years ago with hypothyroidism. I was started on 25mg and now am currently at 125mg. I exercise everyday and barely eat. I feel like total crap more than half the time and am continuing to gain weight and not to mention my cholesterol is getting out of control. At this point I have lost all hope

[dominiquedouchet]

Makes so much sense in my case! Each time they've up my dosis, I've worsened. Once I went cold turkey on the treatment and actually lost 7 kilos in a month and half and my hair looked better and I had tins of energy. I finally saw an internist today willing to explore the possibility my reverse t3 might be a problem and he will see if decreasing my dosis improves my symptoms.

[kirstendeering]

Yes!!! This is I’m not sure I should have ever been treated in the first place with Levo. 😩 I have gained almost 20lbs in 3 yrs since starting. Thank you so much for this video explanation this makes so much sense!

[kristasexton]

I've been taking Levothyroxine for 3 weeks and have gained 4 lbs ... it's like nothing has changed, my mood is a little better but other than that I still feel the same.

[emilyweaver]

I had been 125-130 lbs my whole life. I was about 43 years old when they said my TSH was high and sent me to endocrinologist. He kept telling me that this medicine would make me feel better but I kept telling him I felt fine, I had no symptoms. He said you'll see, you'll feel better. I took it and slowly over 2 years gained 50 pounds. I didn't feel any different on the medicine at all, other than the weight gain. When I hit 180 I stopped taking it. I still feel fine even after stopping the medicine. I never felt any different at all, except the weight which I think might have made me a bit more tired. I'm slowly losing it since I stopped taking it, and I haven't changed diet or exercise or anything. I really don't think I want to ever take it again.

[cdrad]

Gained 7 pounds in 3 months taking synthroid. Only had low T3, Free T3 levels. Hadn't been able to lose weight from diet and exercise, had all the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism. Now I've gained even more. I'm very health conscious. I run, workout all the time. This video was super helpful and informational!

[kellymarie]

Yes! Had a total thyroidectomy 3 and a half years ago and subsequently put on 50lbs since then. I have been on 150mcg of Synthroid/Levothyroxine this whole time, with a TSH of .2 (kept lower than most reference ranges for thyroid cancer suppression therapy). I was going crazy trying to figure out how to fix it. Today I saw my endocrinologist and he explained that I may do better by reducing my Synthroid and adding Cytomel. Starting tomorrow! Thanks so much for these videos. They really helped fill in the blanks for me.

[gwendolynstancell]

Yes, I gained weight and felt horrible. My weight ballooned to 2251bs on 200mcg of Synthroid. I had a total thyroidectomy back in 2010. I always felt I was not converting my t4 medication. My Endocrinologist was willing to add t3 to my regimen. Now I am using a Compounded Pharmacy that makes my combination t4/t3 medication sustained release. I take 2 grains which is t4 76mcg and t3 18mcg. My weight is down to 190lbs. I feel AWAKE for the first time, and more energy.

[theroyalgiantgamer]

Wow this video is amazing i wish you was my thyroid doctor. Yes I have had weight gain since being on levothyroxine over a stone and a half in just over 18 months I was 12 stone most of my adult life until I started on this medication. Thanx heeps for all this info it has been extremely helpful. Paula England

[terrihodgins]

Yes ...I am going through weight gain right at this moment, low energy, body temperature not regulated, hair loss, on and on ....so frustrating ....and yes I am on medication or supplement ....it’s been 38 years for me the doctor says the blood tests are “normal” ....