Can increasing the dose of Levothyroxine aid in weight loss?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am on Levothyroxine at 100 mcg, but have been having weight gain despite working out five days a week and eating very well. I am cold all the time, have headaches, dryness, brain fog, and joint pain.

I got my levels tested, and my TSH is normal, even low, and T3 and free T4 are at the very bottom levels of the "normal" range. My doctor is suggesting I go up to 112 mcg, but I am wondering if there is a different route we could go so I could feel better.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query, and from what you have mentioned, it appears that you have hypothyroidism.

Well, you can increase your dose to 112 mcg Levothyroxine as per your doctor, but mind you, Levothyroxine is not actually a weight loss drug. Your symptoms could be improved over time with 112 mcg Levothyroxine, but additionally, try taking vitamin D supplements after ascertaining vitamin D deficiency. Check serum ferritin levels. These symptoms could also be attributed to vitamin deficiencies. Include a multivitamin plus minerals supplement daily.

Besides, exercise can itself initially cause slight water retention as the muscles soak up water like a sponge. Also, the exercise causes lean muscle mass gain, and that makes you look slimmer but actually weighs more than fat. So try to look for non-scale victories like decreased winding or breathlessness and better endurance, a decrease in the measurements of your clothes, and not to fixate on the weighing scale only.

Hope you find my advice beneficial.

Good luck.