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Can hypothyroidism cause weight gain?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My wife has been continuously gaining weight due to hypothyroidism. Last week, we had her tested, and the doctor recommended increasing her medication dose from 75 mcg to 100 mcg. Unfortunately, her cholesterol levels are also significantly high. She feels tired and struggles with household chores and daily tasks. Despite her dieting efforts, she has been unable to lose weight. Could you suggest a more effective medication? Her TSH level is 4.42 µU/mL, free T3 is 3.65 pg/mL, and free T4 is 11 ng/dL.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your wife appears to have hypothyroidism. Given her high cholesterol, I would advise her to follow a low-fat diet and walk briskly for 60 minutes daily, which should also help with weight loss. It is important to note that she is not overweight. Based on her recent test results, she should take Thyroxine 75 mcg. Repeat her thyroid function test in three months, and we will review the results then.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 7, 2022
Reviewed At September 6, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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