Losing weight on levothyroxine, is it possible? You bet. Here's why your levothyroxine is not helping with weight loss and how to fix it.
Levothyroxine is the most commonly prescribed medication for treating low thyroid or hypothyroidism.
One of the most common symptoms associated with low thyroid function is WEIGHT GAIN. You might think that treating your thyroid using thyroid medication would cause you to lose weight but that isn't always the case and this video explains why that is.
It makes sense that increasing your thyroid hormone should cause weight loss, especially if the opposite leads to weight gain.
So if levothyroxine isn't helping you with weight loss the question is why not? Here are a few reasons why this may be the case:
#1. Is it the right medication for you?
There are many different thyroid medications available on the market and they are not all created equal. Levothyroxine may simply not be the best medication for your body.
#2. Have you waited long enough?
Even if levothyroxine is the right medication for you, have you given it enough time to kick in and to work?
It takes roughly 4-6 weeks to see any change once you make changes to your thyroid medication dose!
#3. Are you taking enough?
While levothyroxine may be the right medication for you, you have to make sure that you are taking enough.
It won't provide any benefit to you if your dose is simply too low.
#4. Is it getting into your system?
And lastly, you have to make sure that the medication you are taking is getting into your system. Believe it or not, people take their thyroid medication incorrectly which leads to decreased absorption in the gut.
When it comes down to it, levothyroxine just isn't always the best option for weight loss. Other thyroid medications, especially those that contain T3 thyroid hormone are often much more effective of that purpose. These medications include things like Armour thyroid, other formulations of NDT, and even T3 only thyroid medications.
If you aren't sure what to do next I've created a list of people who tend to do the BEST on levothyroxine. People in this category include those who are:
- Treatment naive
- Sensitive to T3 and/or NDT medications
- Sensitive to medications and supplements in general
- Have few if any chronic illnesses
- Have seen some improvement on levothyroxine within a short period of time (usually between 4-8 weeks)
Are you using levothyroxine? Is it helping you with weight loss? Let me know below!
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): www.restartmed.com/start-here/
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See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:
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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:
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Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: www.restartmed.com/what-happe...
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