Suggest Treatment For Elevated TSH Levels Along With Weight Gain

Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015

Question: I have thyroid since 2008 & taking thyronorm 50 mg. For the last 4 months I started taking homeopthatic medicine. Now my TSH is 5.58 & I gained 8 kgs. Please advise, should I continue with thyronorm or thyroxin which can help my TSH as well as reduce weight.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should change to thyronorm

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your question and understand your concern

Since your TSH is increasing and there is weight gain, you should restart on thyronorm 50 mcg. Please discuss with your doctor about the same.

Additional tests I would suggest to you are :
1. Anti thyroid antibodies (anti TPO and anti thyroglobulin)
2. Ultrasound neck

If antibodies are high or if ultrasound is showing abnormal thyroid gland, it is better to continue thyronorm (thyroxine). Homeopathic medications may not be useful in these settings.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

With warm regards,

Dr Ajish TP (MD,DM)
Consultant Endocrinologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (2 days later)

Thank you Doctor XXXXXXX As advised, I have started thyroxin 50 mg. As my TSH is 5.58, should I increase my iodine? Please advise. Also please advise for weight lose.

As advised by yourself, the test of Anti thyroid antibodies (anti TPO and anti thyroglobulin) and Ultrasound neck, I will do it in next week.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See detailed answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Welcome back.

Increased iodine intake is indicated in iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, not in auto immune hypothyroidism. So dietary modification depends on the results of thyroid antibodies.

Regarding weight loss options in hypothyroidism, the options include:

1. Thyroid medication can decrease the weight due to hypothyroidism
2. Diet and exercise - frequent low calorie food high in fibre and regular aerobic exercise for 30 minutes a day
3. Medications like orlistat and Lorcaserin are weight lowering drugs
4. Surgical treatment - bariatric surgery.

First we will try with thyroxine, diet and exercise. If there is no good weight reduction we will try with weight lowering medications followed by surgery if needed.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP

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