HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Can Hypothyroidism Cause Weight Gain?

Posted on Wed, 2 Nov 2016

Question: I am 88 and have been able to keep my weight fairly constant up to about 1 year ago. I went from 175 pounds to 188 pounds. My last blood test checking my thyroid was normal but 3 years ago. I have has low sodium for many years but only slightly low. I am waiting for results from a new blood test which will measure sodium and thyroid issues. I have been on a Mediterranean Diet for 50 years and follow it. I practice meditation on a daily basis and in the last year have become quite good at it. What else should I do to stop my weight gain.?
My email address is: YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Weight gain

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to note your challenges with weight gain.

An underactive thyroid is one possible cause of weight gain. A blood test called TSH is useful to check for this condition. There are other uncommon conditions like Cushing's syndrome and Acromegaly that can cause weight gain too.
A blood test called IGF1 and a saliva test called Midnight Salivary Cortisol, are helpful in screening for these problems.

CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
IGF1
Midnight Salivary Cortisol

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 hours later)

Thanks for your prompt reply. However, I also read that low sodium can cause Hypothyroidism? How do I check for the?

I also have hypoglycemia which causes me to snack every few hours. I use low calorie snacks and ones that are considered healthy snacks. Any thoughts on that situation?

Yours truly, XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Yes severe hypothyroidism can lower blood sodium. But more commonly,some types of blood pressure pills lower blood sodium. If you are certain you are not on any such pills and in addition, your TSH is normal then further tests are necessary to investigate the cause of low sodium. Examples include:

Serum Osmolality (by direct method ie Osmometer)
Urine Osmolality
Urine Sodium
Uric acid

Regarding hypoglycemia, it is important to first diagnose it correctly. You must get your blood sugar checked

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar