5 Helpful and Easy Tips for Weight Loss after Thyroidectomy

5 Tips for Weight Loss after Thyroidectomy – What your Doctor is Missing

Almost every patient gains weight after having a thyroidectomy. 

In fact, it’s considered normal to gain 20-30 pounds and most doctors just shrug it off as “normal”.

​When you consider that thyroid hormone controls the metabolism of your entire body and that after removing it most patients gain 20-30 pounds, shouldn’t we at least consider that something is wrong here?

Maybe our current treatment recommendations might be flawed.

It just seems logical, right?

I hate to break it to you, but most doctors don’t think twice about it. And there aren’t a lot of resources for patients after they get a Thyroidectomy. 

But here’s the deal:

​Patients who have had a total thyroidectomy deserve special attention because their situation is unique, and they shouldn’t be treated like all other thyroid patients. 

Luckily, there are some tips and tricks you can use to help ​with weight loss after thyroidectomy and I’m going to share them with you here…

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Why Do Patients Gain Weight After Thyroidectomy?

It’s well known that many patients (especially women) gain weight after having their thyroid removed. 

In fact, it’s been shown that women who have a total thyroidectomy gain more weight than patients with hypothyroidism (1).

study outlining weight changes that are common after thyroidectomy

And, let’s face it:

Most Doctors don’t do a good job of treating hypothyroidism, otherwise, websites like this wouldn’t exist!

And, following the trend, doctors typically do an even worse job in treating post-thyroidectomy patients.

Let’s take a minute and talk about weight gain after thyroidectomy. 

Why are patients gaining so much weight?

The truth is that regulating hormones is very complex.

The thyroid system in your body is no exception.

​And the medical world doesn’t have a great track record in balancing and regulating hormone levels. 

Take for instance Type I Diabetes:

Medicine has developed near-continuous blood glucose monitoring systems and we still don’t do a great job of controlling blood sugar (2).

​Now compare that to your thyroid. 

How often are you getting your labs tested? How often is your medication being changed? Are you feeling any better about those changes?

It might be time to make a change to our current treatment paradigm, or at least consider the fact that we don’t have it all figured out.

In order to understand why our current treatment doesn’t work, we have to understand why we actually gain weight…

​Weight Gain is Not About Calories

​Weight gain is not about eating too many calories or not exercising enough. Period. 

It’s about an imbalance in your hormones.

How else do you explain the sudden weight gain in post-thyroidectomy patients despite eating the EXACT same foods before and after?

Or how about the weight gain associated with menopause (3)?

study explaining the relationship between weight gain and menopause

​Do these women just happen to magically start eating more and exercising less at the precise time their estrogen levels drop (in the case of menopause) or their thyroid levels drop (in the case of thyroidectomy)? 

Obviously not.

Weight gain is a hormonal problem!

And to fix it we have to fix the hormonal imbalance.

Unfortunately, the current paradigm is set to make you believe that in order to lose weight you must eat less and exercise more. 

You even get this kind of advice from places like the Mayo Clinic (4) and Livestrong

standard weight loss advice from mayo clinic

​This is bad advice, so please don’t follow it. (Check out this post on nutrition facts that should be common sense but aren’t for more info)

In fact, reducing your calories has been shown to reduce your overall metabolism, and may make your thyroid function even WORSE (5).

​Dieting leads to low levels of Free T3 and higher Levels of Reverse T3 which means you’re going to slow down your metabolism even more. 

the impact of standard weight loss advice on thyroid function

I know what you’re thinking:

I don’t have a thyroid and I take medication so it doesn’t matter to me.

Not true at all.

If you’re on T4 medication your body must convert it to the active Free T3 in order for it to work.

And your body can still turn it into Reverse T3 as well.

So it definitely still matters to you.

​What about Diet after Thyroidectomy?

The truth is that diet is still important for weight loss in Thyroidectomy patients, but not as you think. 

I don’t want you to think you need to restrict your calories to lose weight (that won’t work).

But it is still important for you to eat a HEALTHY, nutritious, and whole-food diet.

If you don’t know what that is you can find a lot of information about it here.

And, to answer your question, yes it will work for patients with a sluggish thyroid and for those without a thyroid.

So in addition to eating a whole food diet, what other things will help with weight loss after thyroidectomy?

Let’s jump into some tips that can actually help you lose weight if you no longer have a thyroid.

​Weight Loss After Thyroidectomy Tips

​Some of these tips you will be able to do on your own, but some may require a visit to the doctor’s office. 

So it’s in your best interest if you can find a doctor who is willing to work with you and your condition to get you the best possible results.

I typically recommend doctors with training in functional medicine and preferably MDs or DOs who can prescribe thyroid medications.

​1. Get On the Right Type and Dose of Thyroid Medication

This is a critical step and the first place I recommend you start. (It can also be the toughest part because it requires a doctor to prescribe you the RIGHT medication)

As I’ve mentioned before your thyroid controls the metabolism of your body. 

And currently, we have an epidemic of thyroid patients that are being undertreated. 

To understand why this is you need some basic understanding of thyroid physiology: 

There are 2 main types of thyroid hormone that your doctor can prescribe. 

T4 = The inactive thyroid hormone <— This is what most Doctors prescribe and very few people do well on this medication (Yes I said that it is inactive by itself)​

T3 = The ACTIVE hormone <— Most people do better on this medication (6) but most Doctors don’t prescribe medications containing T3

how NDT compares to levothyroxine as it relates to weight loss

For more information on thyroid medications check out this post here

Most people do better on medication that contains the T3 hormone and studies show this to be the case. 

Patients on Natural Desiccated Thyroid hormone (a medication that contains T3) lose more weight and have better satisfaction than patients on levothyroxine (the medication you are most likely taking). 

Why is this? 

It turns out that your thyroid produces both T4 and T3 medications (when it’s functioning normally).

It produces about 80% T4 and about 20% T3 (7).

When your thyroid is gone most patients are given T4 medications ONLY (remember that this is the INACTIVE hormone).

As a result, most patients develop weight gain and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

So what can you do?

Whenever possible I recommend attempting to mimic nature. That means dosing your thyroid with 20% T3 and 80% T4. 

If your doctor is willing to work with you, you have a couple of options:

Get on Natural Desiccated Thyroid Hormone which contains roughly around an 80/20 ratio of T4 to T3 – in addition to other less biologically active thyroid hormones.

shop thyroid supplements for all thyroid patients

Add Cytomel or liothyronine to your dose of T4 – Let’s say that you are currently on 100mcg of T4. In this case, I would simply add 20-25mcg of T3 medication to your regimen (note: you may need more or less depending on how sensitive you are to this medication). 

Adding T3 medication to your regimen can drastically improve your overall symptoms and metabolism thus leading to more weight loss. 

And remember:

After thyroidectomy, the ONLY way you are getting T3 is in the form of medication.

​2. Optimize your Free T3 Levels

Under normal circumstances, your body must produce free T3 from T4 (unless you provide T3 directly via medication). 

The problem is that your body can also turn T4 into Reverse T3 which is a thyroid blocker (it sits on free T3 receptors on the cells and blocks the action of thyroid hormone).

Because of this, it is important to optimize this system and make sure your body is producing as much free T3 as possible and as little reverse T3 as possible. 

I’ve gone into a lot of detail on how to increase your free T3 levels naturally in this article, but I will also go over some useful info here as well. 

In order to optimize free T3 levels you will want to do the following:

Bottom line: 

Higher free T3 levels = Higher metabolism = more weight loss

Increase these levels naturally with supplements or artificially with medications, but either way, you will want your free T3 levels as high as possible (but still within natural physiologic ranges). 

​3. Balance ALL Hormonal Systems in the Body

Balancing your thyroid is just one piece of the weight loss puzzle. 

In fact:

I’ve never seen a thyroid patient with just ONE hormonal imbalance, and patients with weight loss resistance tend to have several. 

And it’s also important to remember that hormones interact with other hormones!

For instance, thyroid hormone interacts with progesterone (9), cortisol (10), and insulin levels (11).

This is especially true in patients without a thyroid.

To make your weight loss efforts MOST effective you will want to evaluate the following hormones:

  • Insulin Levels – High levels of insulin (AKA insulin resistance) cause weight gain in the belly. More info here
  • Estrogen Levels – High levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone promote weight gain in the hips/butt and thighs. 
  • Testosterone Levels – Low levels of testosterone cause depression, weight gain, and reduced muscle mass
  • Leptin Levels – Leptin resistance causes increased appetite, low metabolism, and chronic weight gain. Find out how to reverse it here
  • Cortisol – Adrenal fatigue leads to weight gain in the belly, reduced energy, and inability to tolerate stress. Almost EVERY thyroid patient has issues with cortisol. 

Use the following guides to help balance these hormones:

​I’ve included a table below that will teach you what tests to ask for and how to determine if your hormones are out of balance:

​4. Be Strict with your Diet but Don’t Restrict Calories

When I use the word diet I am referring to the food that you eat. 

I’m not referring to DIETING or eating a calorie-restricted diet.

In fact, eating a calorie-restricted diet will actually make your thyroid function worse (12). 

Since we’ve already discussed diet in this article I won’t go over it much more except for some general guidelines:

  • Stick to Organic Food groups and Grass-Fed/Organic Meats
  • Don’t be afraid of eating Healthy Fats
  • Eat lots of Vegetables
  • Don’t snack every 2-3 hours
  • Avoid Processed foods or anything that comes in a box or package
  • Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners as much as possible

​5. When your Energy Improves make Exercise Count

It may be difficult to think about exercising when you are suffering from fatigue after your thyroidectomy (another sign that you are being undertreated), but I can’t underscore how important exercise is for your health. 

Exercise isn’t important because you are “burning calories”.

It’s important because it helps to balance hormones in your body (13), release endorphins (14), and stimulate neurotransmitter release (15).

Even if your energy levels are low, I recommend that you start with low-intensity exercise on a daily basis: 

That can be walking for 30 minutes per day. 

Once you have a handle on low-intensity exercise, you can then start to add in slow-weight training and high-intensity exercise. 

These types of exercise have been shown to be more effective than traditional “aerobic” exercise and have the additional benefits of building muscle mass and taking up less time than standing on a treadmill for hours. ​

Putting it all Together

I know that it can seem impossible to lose weight after thyroidectomy, but let me tell you that it IS possible and I’ve helped MANY patients do it.

It just takes a systematic approach and a sympathetic physician.

Because getting on the right type and dose of thyroid medication (preferably medication that contains T3!) is so important I recommend that you find a Doctor who is willing to work with you.

In addition, you will need to find someone who will look at your other hormone levels and treat them appropriately.

The other aspects: Diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and supplements/vitamins – are things that YOU can take care of. 

Also, remember that healthy weight loss may take months to achieve. But once you are able to lose pure fat mass without losing muscle mass, your weight loss will be long and lasting. 

Now I want to hear from you:

​What have you done to lose weight after your thyroidectomy?

What has worked, and what hasn’t?

Was changing your thyroid medication helpful?

Leave your comment below!​

​Further resources:

Weight changes in euthyroid patients undergoing thyroidectomy (16).

Weight changes in patients with thyroid cancer after thyroidectomy (17).

Weight gain in hyperthyroid patients after thyroidectomy (18).

More studies show weight gain in hyperthyroid patients after thyroidectomy (19).

Scientific References

#1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229816/

#2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8299480

#3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22978257

#4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/basics/weightloss-basics/hlv-20049483

#5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6771066

#6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23539727

#7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499850/

#8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20578900

#9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9846161

#10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3520819/

#11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356957/

#12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12055988

#13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10683091

#14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6091217

#15. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077351/

#16. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229816/

#17. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595360/

#18. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24522995

#19. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11531931

losing weight after thyroid removal

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About Dr. Westin Childs

Hey! I'm Westin Childs D.O. (former Osteopathic Physician). I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. I love to write and share what I've learned over the years. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) and I'm proud to say that over 80,000+ people have used them over the last 7 years. You can read more about my own personal health journey and why I am so passionate about what I do.

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202 thoughts on “5 Tips for Weight Loss after Thyroidectomy – What your Doctor is Missing”

  1. Yes.. as soon as I switched to Armour Thyroid I lost 5 lbs within 3 months.. and kept losing for the next 2 years. I stabilized after 2 years with a loss of about 25 lbs. I did nothing different during that time. Although my lab results were all over the place because it took a while to normalize, especially after I was able to add cytomel / T3 replacement. In the meantime I was able to deal with inflammation that showed up due to tooth infection and other stress which was addressed when I started seeing a chiropractor. I have since modified my diet by eliminating tea/coffee and sugar. It was mystifying to me why the lab results never showed much in the way of cortisol levels or iron deficiency or any of the other signals. This has been an ongoing challenge but the best help has been my ability to find your blog articles and stay focused on feeling better. Meanwhile, I have been sharing information with my physician. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your expertise!

    Reply
    • Hey Janel,

      You are very welcome! I’m glad you were able to lose that weight with the change in medication. I’ve found that most patients with weight loss resistance and/or leptin resistance tend to do better on T3 formulations instead of NDT by itself.

      Your situation with lab tests is not uncommon. Lab tests are not important but I don’t base treatment and management on them in isolation, you need more data – like resting heart rate and basal body temperature.

      Reply
  2. Dear Dr. Childs, I am 15 years post total thyroidectomy. I have a great Endocrinologist that doesn’t treat JUST my lab values. He added Liiothyronine to my T4 regimen, and I feel much better since starting this combination. I sometimes forget to ask the questions I need to ask at my appointments so wondered if you could expound on which vitamin/supplements are most important to be taking after TT. I feel a bit overwhelmed by all the literature and recommendations and wonder if you can shed some light. I switched to a more vegetable and fruit based diet a couple years ago, and feel better. I ride my recumbent bike for 60 mins 5-7 x per week and do some light weight bearing exercise. I still don’t feel “healthy”, for lack of a better word. I’m 56, and would like to optimize my health and maybe trim off a few inches around my middle. I want to prepare for a healthy retirement by establishing healthy practices now. Thank you for any information.

    Reply
    • Hey Shelley,

      Thanks for reaching out – any supplements that you take should be targeted at deficiencies that YOU have. I can tell you from experience that most TT patients have the following deficiencies: zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, b vitamins (b6 and b12), iron and magnesium.

      For weight loss efforts make sure you evaluate insulin and cortisol levels as these are most likely to be contributing to abdominal visceral adiposity (AKA belly fat).

      Reply
  3. I am looking for some help. I have hypothyroidism. My T2,T3,T4 are normal. My TSH is 4.0. What is causing it? What can I do naturally to fix it .

    Reply
  4. “After thyroidectomy the ONLY way you are getting T3 is in the form of medication.​”

    I’ve got a relative who had a thyroidectomy 8 years ago. She only gets medication with T4 in it, yet the FT3 is pretty much in the same range as the FT4. How is that possible? Your sentence above suggests that it shouldn’t be possible.

    Do you have any recommendation what one could say to a doctor if he isn’t willing to prescribe T3 medication (in addition to T4 medication)?

    Reply
    • Hey Daniela,

      I can see how that sentence is confusing. The only way to get either T4 or T3 hormone after thyroidectomy is in the form of medication. The body is still able to convert T3 from T4 if the medication supplied is T4 only medication (like synthroid or levothyroxine). Your relative has T3 in her body because it is being converted from the T4 medication that they are getting. I’ve found that relying upon this conversion as the primary source of T3 for the body is where patients can get into trouble. The thyroid produces BOTH T4 (80 percent) and T3 (20 percent) in addition to converting that T4 into even more T3 in the “natural” state and that is what we want to emulate when giving back thyroid hormone after thyroidectomy.

      You won’t be able to talk a Doctor into doing anything that they don’t want to do. I wouldn’t even waste your breath or energy trying. It’s far more efficient to just find a doctor who is willing to work with you.

      Reply
  5. Heya
    I’m wondering if you can tell me if I change my Tablet to under armour will my weight go town. I had partial taken out and 4 stone heavier and walk 5k 4 days a week and do weights and struggle loosing it. I take 200g of electroxin daily. Can you advise on this please

    Reply
    • Hey Louise,

      It’s more complicated than that, yes it may help you lose weight but not necessarily. It all depends on why you are gaining weight to begin with.

      Reply
      • Dr. Childs,

        I was wondering if you take new patients and would be willing to review my blood results. I am 6 years post surgery and still struggle. And you definitely hit the nail on the head when you stated that doctors really won’t or can’t address my weight gain. To them 20-30 lbs is no big deal – to me it’s life changing.

        Reply
  6. I had RAI a few years ago… would this be similar to having a thyroidectimy in terms of treatment? I have had a really hard time getting my levels right.

    Reply
  7. I had RAI a few years ago and have struggled to balance out my thyroid. would this be similar to thyroidectimy in terms of treatment? thanks!

    Reply
  8. Hello my name is Alexi and I have been thyroid-less for 2 years now. I have been on a roller coaster of dosages of Levothyroxine. Recently I have been just putting on the pounds like its my job! Since the surgery, i’ve gained almost 20 lbs and it feels like its still climbing as we speak. I have also experienced minor hair loss, memory fog, low energy and increased anxiety to name a few. I’ve been doing a lot of research and asked my Endocrinologist if there was anymore that he could do, even though my labs were supposedly “perfect” and he offered to prescribe Cytomel (I had already researched it so I knew it was t3 only) so he lowered me from 150 of levo to 125 & added Cytomel I think it was 10mcg 2x daily. I was on it for almost 2 weeks and suffered heart palpations that I thought were a side effect of the med, but were actually from having low TSH. So I stopped that combo and continued my 150 dose. Now that I am reading your post, you gave a ratio of 100mcg of levothyroxine and 20-25 of t3 cytomel. Do you think I was given too much t3 with my 125mcg of Levo and that caused my heart to start having issues? I had alot of hope for the t3 to make me feel better & got nervous and discouraged when i had the heart palpitations. Now that i’m reading your article maybe t3 supplement still has a chance in my med line up! Hopefully you can give me some advice..

    Thanks, Alexi.

    Reply
    • Hey Alexi,

      The heart palpitations were most likely from the T3 medication, the TSH falls due to the T3. I’ve found several people that seem to be very sensitive after thyroidectomy to T3 medication, and in these patients it’s often helpful to try sustained release T3. The T3 itself has a VERY short half life in the serum but can impact the heart. One solution is to slow down the absorption of the T3 in the GI tract.

      Also, don’t forget other hormone levels: cortisol, insulin, sex hormones, etc.

      Reply
      • Thanks so much for the speedy reply. It is greatly appreciated. What is the difference between sustained release t3 and t3? Which one of those is Cytomel (generic version) considered? Also, what should my t4 dose be at if sustained t3 is added to my regimen?

        My doctor was going to switch me from generic t4 to brand name t4 (Synthroid) to see if that had any impact on my health. do you think this is a waste of time and energy? I was going to go pick up the new med later today.

        Reply
        • Hey Alexi,

          Sustained release T3 is T3 medication that is more slowly absorbed than cytomel or liothyronine but it is the exact same medication. There is no way to tell what your dose should be because every single person is different, it takes trial and error to get there. I have just given some generic guidelines that can help get you there faster, but I’ve treated people all over the spectrum.

          You may actually do well on T4 only medications if the dose was high enough, again you will just have to trial it out.

          Reply
  9. I had right PT in Feb.2015 and completion surgery in Sept.2015 for papillary Ca. First Endo left me hypo all spring and summer as he did lab work but neglected to call me with my results. Said if TSH was greater than 2.0 he’d call and I was to start on the prescription of Synthroid he gave me – but only if he called and he never did. I developed a new module in my left lobe and my HP redid my labs to find my TSH elevated. Synthroid was started immediately. I’ve gained 10 lbs with each surgery. I convinced my GP to add Cytomel to my regimen. 2nd Endo is adamant that I don’t need it and I don’t see him any more either. I exercise regularly and watch what I eat. I raven joined Weight Watchers again recently but am unable to lose weight. Very frustrating. I’m seeing a new Endo later this month and will see if he’s of any help.

    Reply
    • Hey Sylvia,

      Generally speaking endocrinologists don’t do a great job at helping people lose weight. And I definitely don’t recommend weight watchers as a way to lose weight, it will only further make it difficult to lose weight down the line – even if you lose a few pounds now. You will want to find a doctor who can help treat your thyroid and test you for other hormone imbalances.

      Reply
  10. Post RAI now 2 yrs ..this year adding weight is my new friend ..completely over it . Just on T4 meds Endo said I’m doing fine . I walk anywhere from 10,000 steps up to 20,000 daily watch my diet . Eat healthy no processed food. Little tea / coffee ..water mainly 2/3 litres daily . Should I be sourcing another doc . ?

    Reply
    • Hey Robyn,

      If you aren’t satisfied with your current care then I would recommend looking for a new one, just realize finding one to do the kind of stuff I’m talking about will be really difficult and you aren’t likely to find it in the insurance model.

      Reply
  11. I had my thyroid irradiated 5 years ago. Was on Synthroid for 2 years. Lost no weight, was exhausted. Went in Armor for 2 years-no improvement. Now back on Synthroid. Any suggestions? My energy level has improved some by adding in some excercise. I eat while foods, etc. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hey Deborah,

      You need to have your other hormone levels checked so you know what to fix in order to help you lose weight. Look into insulin, leptin and your other sex hormones.

      Reply
    • Hey Gloria,

      I would recommend neither. You won’t get the kind of care I’m talking about in this blog by seeing any of the conventionally trained Doctors.

      Reply
  12. Why can’t all doctors understand this like you. I am not like every other person with a thyroid. I don’t give a crap what my tsh says if my ft3 and ft4 are at the bottom of the range. 2 grains of NDT is better than levo thyroxine but I’m still not properly medicated. Very frustrating when he said oh it looks like you’ve lost some weight I’ll bump you to 2.5 grains. And I guarantee you when I go in June he will say oh you’re over medicated your tsh is too low but my others numbers will still be in the low end of the range. I work out 3-4 times a week and it is hard as hell to lose any weight.

    Reply
    • Hey J Vaughan,

      I would also look into your insulin levels! I find many of my thyroid patients also have high levels of insulin even while fasting.

      Reply
      • I had a thyroid storm in 2013, resulting in hyperthyroidism, CHF, Afib. I had a hysterectomy in 2010. I had a cardio ablation in 2015. I then had 2 macular holes a year apart and cataract surgery a year after the last macular hole surgery. I continue to gain weight and have gained 50 lbs since my thyroid was removed. My Endo doctor has me at .4 and I take .75 Synthroid. I also have HBP and take metoprolol and Losartan. I also experience bouts with acid reflux. I am concerned with the weight I’ve gained and can easily gain 2 lbs easily. I don’t eat big portions and generally split portions with my daughter and still gain weight. We have been eating more plants based eating for the last year. Any suggestions?

        Reply
  13. I am a 72 yo female with IDDM, and acquired Hypothyroidism. Pre-op, My PC wanted me to take synthetic replacement thyroid hormone, but I said no. My surgeon ordered Armour, nd I took it after surgery. I found a Facebook group, Stop the Thyroid Madness, and I learned I was right! I said all along that I wanted FULL replacement of my thyroid hormones. And my NDT meds supplied it!

    My endo refused to treat me once she learned I wouldn’t change to Synthetic meds, but my wonderful PC agreed that as long as I felt good, he’d go along with my plan. I am taking 90 mg of NPThyroid daily, along with 20mcg of T3 for T3 issue at this point. However, in the past nine months since my total thyroidectomy, I have lost 39 lbs. and feel great! I have felt good, have my energy back, and am very thankful that I took the natural route.

    Reply
    • Hey Ruth,

      Thanks for your story 🙂 I’m glad you found the right care and you are feeling better!

      Reply
    • Hey! What kind of Dr or specialist are you seeing? I have been struggling to lose for a long while now..endocrinologist just lowered my Levothyroxin and I’m afraid my weight gain is spiraling out of control. I work out several times a week and eat a plant based diet. I would live to know more about who you are seeing? …and thanks Dr Westin for any input you may have. Thanks!

      Georgia

      Reply
  14. I had parathyroid surgery five years ago and they found a thyroid tumor at that time which turned out to be cancerous. After a total thyroidectomy and the RA1 treatment I have been through two Endocrinologists and two Physicians. Finally found an endo. who seems interested in me as a patient and is knowledgeable and a M.D. who listens and researches. When they found the cancer I was already overweight so it has been a struggle to lose weight since my surgery. I am actually more active than I have ever been doing water aerobics four times a week, hiking and canoeing, and a little golf. I have actually gained forty more pounds since removal of the thyroid. Thank you for the informative post. I will ask for more test when I see my Endo. on Monday.

    Reply
  15. Hi,

    I had to have complete removal of my entire thyroid about 2 years ago and ever since then I’ve gained 55 pounds (I was 125 now I’m 180). I can’t seem to lose the weight and every time I ask my Edno what I could do to lose the weight he just ignores it and doesn’t help me with it. I was wondering is there anything (diet pills?) I can take to help me lose this weight? I have no energy at all. I workout and eat very healthy but nothing seems to work. I’m taking brand name Synthroid 125 mcg and my Dr said everything was balanced and normal from my blood work. Is there anything I can do or take?

    Thank you,
    Francis

    Reply
    • Hey Francis,

      Diet pills or medications won’t help you lose weight – you need to balance your hormones, and in order to do that you will most likely need some guidance from a physician.

      Reply
      • My physician told me my hormones and everything was normal and balanced. I’ve been to many doctors to figure out what’s going on but no one seems to know what to do. My blood work and everything comes back balanced and normal every time. It’s very frustrating that I can’t seem to find anyone to help me.

        Reply
  16. I am one year post TT and life is really miserable. I wish I had a doctor like you in my area. I have gained over 50lbs and have zero energy or zest for life anymore. My T4 levels are normal so basically my endocrinologist released me back to my family doctor. So many doctors go by the “levels” and don’t listen to the patient on how they feel in general. I am going to go to a new family doctor. What would you recommend I ask them to test? To help me gain my zest for life back? To help me lose this weight? To just feel normal again?

    Reply
    • Hey Mollie,

      Asking for the right tests usually don’t help because if the Doctor understood thyroid function they would order them to begin with and most don’t know what to do with the results once you get them back. Unfortunately most will treat you the exact same way regardless of how you feel because for the most part they are all trained the same way.

      The tests you should ask for: TSH, free t3, free t4, reverse T3, sex hormone binding globulin and thyroid antibodies.

      Reply
  17. I’m 59 yrs. old. Had thyroidectomy, at 40. I have been 20-25 lbs. overweight for the past 10-15 yrs. I decided to try vegan diet last year, w/o any results. I’ve fasted, do meal-replacement shakes, increased exercise, 3-5 wkly. It took 8 mos. to lose 7 lbs. Then, I was gone 3 weeks on vacation, had a few treats, cheese, wine. And gain it all back.
    I have never known about other hormones, you mentioned. I need a Dr. To test all my hormone levels. I am really discourages. Thank you

    Reply
    • Hey Mary,

      It will also be very difficult to lose weight if your thyroid hormone isn’t optimized in addition to the other hormones I’ve mentioned in the article.

      Reply
  18. Hi Dr. Westin,

    Do you have a list of doctors who you recommend that may be helpful.

    I too am without a thyroid since surgery in Feb. I was on Synthroid and wasnt feeling great and eventually got my doctor to change me to Nature-Throid. I was feeling better but now am back feeling exhausted and cant lose any weight.

    Reply
    • Hey Charmaine,

      Sorry I don’t know anyone else who share a similar philosophy as me. You might have luck with a local functional medicine doctor but they are hit or miss to be frank with you.

      Reply
  19. I had a total thyroidectomy almost 2 months ago. I was on 150 mcg synthroid for 2 weeks post surgery, then switched to 100 mcg synthroid. I immediately felt horrible on the lower dosage (I didn’t feel too good on the higher dosage either). I went to my regular physician (because my endocrinologist sucks, I live in a small town in the south and he’s the only one in town) who put me on 150 mcg again. I feel a little better but have absolutely no energy. I have gained 14 pounds in less than 2 months and I was already struggling with my weight before hand. My levels were extremely low on the 100 mcg

    Reply
    • Hey Anita,

      Unfortunately it’s considered normal when patients gain 20 pounds post thyroidectomy. It usually means you are being under treated or that you are being treated with the wrong medication. The hard part is convincing your doctor to switch your medication.

      Reply
  20. Any suggestions for a 60 yr woman who has undergone a total thyroidectomy and total hysterectomy and takes high blood pressure/beta blocker type medication. I am presently on 88mcg of levo. My weight is within normal range per my doctor, but I would like to lose 10 lbs. as I am a little sluggish. Ultimately, I would like to feel the best I can under the circumstances.

    Reply
    • Hey Renee,

      If you haven’t followed the steps above I would also recommend you find a doctor willing to work with you and look into potentially changing your medication.

      Reply
  21. My wife had a thyroidectomy almost 5 years ago. Since then, she has gained about 45 pounds and cannot lose the weight. She is currently on 137mcg of Synthroid. As I’m reading through the comments above, I see that this is a T4 medication. Do you have a recommendation for a good T3 medication? She just had her levels checked and her TSH level is at .8. She is really discouraged by the fact that her doctor keeps pushing calories and exercise. She has tried just about everything and just continues to struggle with losing even a pound.

    Reply
    • Hey Eric,

      NDT or Liothyronine both might work. It’s more about finding a doctor willing to prescribe the medication and treat in high enough doses to make an impact and not based off of the TSH.

      Reply
  22. Hello Dr,

    I had total thyroidectomy 2 months ago. Since then I gained 8 lbs even though I am eating like before.After testing my blood my Doctor said my medicine is fine( I am taking 150 mg of levothyroxine) I am over weight anyway and I don’t want to gain any more weight. On my next appointment with my family doctor I will mention what you have suggested. Thanks a lot, though I hope that my doctor will listen to me. I really appreciate your time.

    Reply
  23. I’m 24 y/o and I had a had a total thyroidectomy in Feb 2015 and even before the surgy I had gained weight but was never clearly diagnosed until 2015. I was told when I was 18 that’s I had antibodies in my thyroid and when i got a blood test done my DR. At the time said I had hypothyroidism but never started me on any medication. It wasn’t until I moved and meet with an Endocronologist 4 years later that I had Graves’ Disease and long story short, I eventually had surgery. Was put on Levo, then synthroid, and now I have been on armour for almost year.

    After the surgery almost 2 years later, I went from being 150lbs to 184lbs and the weight just seems to keep on coming. I have tried appitite suppressants, I’ve tried working out, and even counting calories. Nothing works. I currently see my primary care DR. to do all my testing and such and unfortunately I still feel the frustration of being ignored when it comes to my weight loss. He tells me I need to “exercise and eat right/healthy” and I honestly just want to punch him in the face.

    He did a complete blood panel work up on me and said everything was coming back saying I was healthly and even my cholesterol was I never perfect range yet it still made no sense to me why I was continuing on gaining weight.

    I am on birth control as well. I switched from the depo shot to mierena IUD hoping that might help but, still no luck. Can’t even loose 5lbs . What else could help me?! I’m honestly considering “extreme measures” like lap band or liposuction! My primary care dr did also suggest to me gastric bypass surgery. Crazy I know, I wouldnt consider myself that’s “fat” but what if it would help? I don’t want it to get to that point.

    If you have any suggestions please let me know know.

    Reply
  24. Dr. Westin Childs,

    I am so glad I found this website as I am in desperate need of help.

    I underwent 10 millicuries of RAI to treat a “severe” case of Graved disease in June of 2013.

    I have not been the same since.

    Pre RAI – I was a vibrant healthy, active individual who enjoyed all types of exercise. I was 37 at the time of RAI, and up until that point maintained the same weight since high school. Diet and nutrition had always been important to me. Pre Graves disease and RAI, I felt bright and enjoyed being social.

    Post RAI – My life has been a living hell.

    I have been prescribes synthroid – the max dose we have gone up to was .175
    I felt no better

    We then moved to Armour for about a year. NO change, felt worse.

    Last, and where we are today, we moved to Cytomel (only) at 90.
    (we weaned of Synthroid and built up the Cytomel)

    My doctor’s claim “All my hormones are at normal levels and the thyroid hormone levels are at the high end of normal”

    They have checked and rechecked ALL HORMONES.

    YET

    I am steadily gaining weight (25 pounds in total) despite my rigorous exercise routine. (Cardio 2x a week, Personal weight trainer 2x a week and Yoga 1x a week)

    I have BRAIN FOG THAT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A ZOMBIE

    My doctor’s now say, there is nothing more they can do for me. I should consider taking an anti depressant. I should also consider checking myself into the MAYO Clinic

    I have been living with this for 3 years. So true, I am depressed. But how will an anti depressant fix my hormonal imbalance and metabolism? Funny that my doctor’s can no answer that.

    I am living a nightmare. I want to get back to my old self again. My personal trainer suggests a raw / vegan diet. I’d rather do that than take anti depressants.

    Can you help?

    Reply
    • Hey Lori,

      You are right – taking an antidepressant likely won’t help with your hormones at all. You need to find someone to help figure out the hormonal imbalances causing your issues and go from there.

      Reply
  25. Hello,
    I am 52 years old and just had a total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer May 2016. I was also dually diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Several difficulties I am experiencing right now:
    1) mmovable weight– I am 30 pounds overweight, had trouble before the thyroidectomy after menopause but now nothing works. Removed gluten from my diet with not much difference- eat fairly healthy- very few processed foods, lots of salad and vegetables, natural dressings.
    2) Extreme joint pain- feet, hands, – there are days I can’t walk straight. Don’t know if the weight is effecting my bones. Rheumatologist thinks it might be muscle related- I think it is inflammation related.
    3) Rash on face- this appeared before thyroidectomy (a few months) like a butterfly rash on my face, and despite plaquenil for sardoidosis, has not subsided.
    4() elevated liver enzymes AST, ALT, and CO2
    5) High cholesterol, that responded to statins but liver enzymes went up.

    I am at a loss of what to do, but desperately want to get my body in balance and back to some kind of normal. Very disheartened. My oncologist was not happy with my TSH levels (2.4), last test. I am on 125 mcg every day of Synthroid. When I ask about T3, he feels there is no need to test for it but I worry due to

    Reply
  26. Hi Dr Childs,

    Firstly, can I say, what an informative video! My partner had a total Thyroidectomy over 6 years ago. He has a chronic sweet tooth, and it isn’t helped by the fact that we are both emotional eaters and can sabotage each other’s healthy eating attempts when we have had a bad day. I am emailing as my partner has battled with extra pounds for years, but did successfully lose a large amount of weight after gaining a substantial amount post surgery. He is now no longer obese,but or a 6’2″ guy, he weighs 210 lbs.He has started to go back to the gym, however, what you were saying about HIIT is very interesting as he will slog it out, in the moderate exercise category and get disheartened as he feels he has to be in the gym or 40 – 60 mins (at least). His medication is liquid T4 and tablet T3 (levels I so no have to hand). He has regular TSH level blood tests but I am intrigued about the Insulin and Leptin tests as a possible cause of slowed weight loss and increased weight gain. He just has to look at a cake or processed food at it gets stored! I have my thyroid and it is functioning well, so I feel bad as I forget that the treats and junk I occasionally eat don’t seem to have such an effect on me as it does on him. He is desperate to lose some weight, and did when he went Vegan for 3 months in Africa. But all his meals were being cooked for him, ad life back in the UK makes it harder to sustain a Vegan diet. He has ‘old fat’ on the front of his chest, but has a strong back. He can’t seem to lose the weight on this chest and stomach and it does look like it is left over from when he was larger, but it’s not lose skin. His skin is normal. The fat seems very lose and movable (if that makes sense?) He has an active job – he is a gardener and is on his feet most of the day. He complains about never feeling full and cannot stop eating when he knows food is available (like he lacks a ‘I’m full button in his brain). I’m thinking of advising him to follow your advice and listen to your videos. I think I will listen to the improving your metabolism video as well.

    Any advice for a 37 years old, moderately active man who is struggling with his diet and to lose the weight?

    Kind regards,

    James

    Reply
    • Hey James,

      Thanks for reaching out. One thing I would consider in your partner is low testosterone. Men with visceral/abdominal fat may have low testosterone which would also make weight loss difficult due to issues with inability to gain muscle mass after work outs/etc.

      You can check free and total testosterone to determine if his levels are high enough.

      Reply
  27. 30 years ago, 75% thyroid removal and synthyroid medicine. 5 years ago, complete thyroid removal along with parathyroid cancer removal (1 removed) with cells found to have very slow “growth” factor. My labs are fine. Some bile reflux that improves with LOTS of chewing and no eating/alcohol after 6 PM. IF I could have more than 1/2 eyebrows and constant cold hands/feet – would be appreciated. And IF I could find a way of losing weight (10 pounds would help), life would be perfect. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thank you for your video!

    Reply
  28. Wow. This is the best article I have read post thyroidectomy and weight gain. I had a thyroidectomy 18 months ago and still feel like crap. It was a total thyroidectomy and it was due to papillary thyroid cancer stage two.but parathyroids were damaged in the process. I now suffer from hypothyroidism and hypocalciumia. I have intense fatigue and brain fog and sometimes joint pain and headaches.and also trouble with weight gain. I was eating healthy to begin with but have since tried to have a gluten free diet. And consume more fruits vegetables proteins and super food. As far as activity Ive had a super physically demanding job and a am a mom to a toddler.i take synthyroid 175 mcg and d3 and calcium. But i know now i should be taking T3 as well. And also did not know about the other hormones affected. Good to know I’m not crazy. Also fpr reference I’m 22yrs old but feel alot older

    Reply
  29. Hello Dr. Childs,

    My Endocrinologist is unwilling to work with my weight issue after my Thyroidectomy (which I just had 2 months ago). Recently, I just did a blood test and my T4 is in range of 1.6; however, I noticed that my T3 is low in 1.7 with reference range of 2.0-4.8. Since my T3 was almost able to reach the normal range, do you think taking Zinc and B6 can help my T4 conversion to T3? With the boost of conversion, is it possible that I might be able to start losing weight? It is really difficult to find a MD to work with me to prescribe the T3 medication.

    Thank you.
    Tianna

    Reply
    • Hey Tianna,

      Maybe, but most likely not. This would be true if you just had hypothyroidism, but post thyroidectomy patients are different.

      Reply
  30. At age 26 I was diagnosed with follicular thyroid cancer which of course resulted in a thyroidectomy. I’ve always struggled with weight, but after surgery it was an even bigger struggle. I felt miserable; suffering from all of the typical symptoms of hypothyroidism. About a year and a half ago a friend introduced me to the Whole 30 program and it absolutely changed everything. I’m now 40 and since I began following this eating plan I have lost 90 pounds, I have more energy than I have ever had, and I am able to sleep though the night and wake up actually feeling rested. I would recommend this program for anyone, especially people who suffer with thyroid issues.

    Reply
    • Hey Lacy,

      Really any whole food diet is a great starting point, but you will find that many patients have problems despite eating a whole food diet like whole 30 and this blog is mostly dedicated to those people.

      Reply
  31. I am 38, and was born without a Thyroid. I was put on synthroid at 6 weeks old, and continued that for 32 yrs, until I found a Dr. willing to let me try armour. I switched and was able to lose that stubborn 50 lbs! Unfortunately that was short lived, lasted only about 4 yrs, the ” regain” was gradual, but I have gained it all back. I also notice I have symptoms of early menopause, or pcos, or my progesterone is super high. My anxiety is back with a vengeance as well. I was also born with hip dysplasia, and have developed AVN. orthopedic Drs. Have told me only treatment is replacement, but I am too young, so I languish in pain, with loss of mobility. I am ready to give up. Being born w/o a thyroid is very rare, hard to find advice on the subject.

    Reply
    • Hey Gwen,

      Being born without a thyroid is rare, but treatment is very similar to those post thyroidectomy and I’m sure many of your problems stems from under treatment with too little T3 (if any) in your regimen.

      Reply
  32. I just had a thyroidectomy almost 4 months ago, right after the surgery I started losing weight and I wasn’t doing anything I actually had no energy to do anything, but I had lost 15 lbs and I was shocked, so I thought if I started working out I would lose more weight and faster, but now that I started working out I can’t lose a pound, why is that??? I mean all my Dr did was up my medication 25 mcg and now I have energy but can’t lose anymore weight.

    Reply
    • Hey Stephanie,

      Some thyroidectomy patients actually lose weight after they have their thyroid removed because they were likely hypothyroid before the operation but just weren’t properly treatment.

      In regards to your weight, your total weight is a combination of hormone imbalances. Your thyroid may be contributing 20 pounds, your insulin may be contributing 20 pounds, etc. So if you fix one problem, you will lose the weight associated with only that hormone imbalance.

      Reply
      • So what medications would be best for me to take to take care of all of them?? Cause the only medication I’ve been on was/is levothyroxine and I have no clue what that took care of for me to have lost 15 lbs. Thank you

        Reply
      • So what medications would be best for me to take to take care of all of them?? Cause the only medication I’ve been on was/is levothyroxine and I have no clue what that took care of for me to have lost just the 15 lbs, I mean I don’t have a clue about any of this t3, t4, tsh and what nots, all I know is I have a thyroid problem and Drs I see who are suppose to be specialist in this matter, who haven’t gotten me anywhere and I have Medicaid so I can’t be to picky cause not all thyroid Drs take Medicaid, so that’s why I’m asking you for help and suggestions. Thank you

        Reply
        • Hey Stephanie,

          The truth is that your standard medicaid/insurance based Doctors really won’t be able to help you, which is why you need to look to specialists outside of the insurance model. All so-called “specialists” including endocrinologists and PCP’s will all treat you the exact same way (they are all trained the same), so changing doctors is mostly futile.

          Reply
          • So what kind of medication do you recommend I take to take care of the insulin, thyroid etc.???? Cause obviously levothyroxine isn’t working for me, I mean it’s not like I can go buy the medication you recommend, but I can always ask my thyroid Dr if she thinks the medication you do
            recommend will work for me or not

  33. This information is so valuable. Thank you. Presently I am in consult with doctors with regard to nodules on my thyroid that are pressing in on my esophagus. I had a fine needle biopsy which revealed cells that could be malignant. The doctor i am seeing now wants to do a molecular study on the specimen to determine if it is cancer. Once we get through that we will see what to do. I have been taking 30 mcg of Armor for 4 years, and prior to that I had taken Synthroid, but stopped because of pain and other symptoms. The prospect of having my thyroid out is terrifying. I deal with depression, joint pain and other issues. I am a personal trainer and fitness instructor, so the prospect of being lethargic, more depression and weight gain just makes me even more anxios. I will share your findings with my doctor to get a jump on all this. Thank you for helping us to understand a little better and dignifying us. We aren’t lazy, aren’t crazy. We need to be our own advocates in our health and find doctors that will partner with us in this journey.

    Reply
  34. I just got a call from my Dr to stop taking levothyroxine and to start taking armour thyroid, so do you think armour thyroid has enough T3 and T4 for me to feel better and lose the weight a lot easier/faster? Cause I have been eating like a rabbit and exercising 1 to 2 times a day and seeing nothing but my hair fall out, please help, thank you

    Reply
  35. Hi there,
    Seems to me I’m not the only one with this issue. I had a total thyroid removal back in December 2015. All was good, I lost a bunch of weight after the surgery. I have now gained most of it back. I’ve tried exercising, gluten free, weight watchers, all that and I can not lose a pound. My doctor assured me that if I kept up the healthy eating and exercise, all would be fine. Well, that’s not the case. My blood levels seem to be within normal range. If I get the Armour Thyroid, can I take that with the Levothyroxine? I feel like everything I eat puts weight on me…I have to do something soon before this gets more out of control than it already is. Thanks!

    Reply
  36. July of 2015 I got a total thyroidectomy. I was 173lbs. I’m 5’7” and “larger framed” so i looked great. I love food but more so I love cooking. I eat well. Always have. Healthy. Natural. Etc within six months of my surgery I gained 20 pounds and have been stuck at 193 for a year now. Last year at my appt with my endocrinologist I told him my struggles. He told me to exercise more. So. I did. I work out 4x a week. I do weight training. And jogging. I still eat great and cook. I have yet to lose a single pound. And I can’t take it anymore. I have never worked so hard at losing weight. And I’m continuously disappointed. After more and more blood tests my Dr told me my levels are fine I just need to see a nutritionist. It’s like I’m screaming so loud yet no one can hear me. It’s so frustrating. No one that exercises like I do and eats whole like I do should weigh this much. I don’t know what to do. I hope this website can help me at my next appt with my Dr. Thank you I am desperate.

    Reply
    • Hey Mercedes,

      You most likely will not get the help you are looking for by seeing your endocrinologist. They aren’t trained to evaluate the thyroid in the way I am describing here which will just lead to frustration on your part. You will most likely have to look outside of the insurance model for proper help.

      Reply
  37. I had a partial thyroidectomy in 1999 and two weeks later had the rest removed. I have been on MANY doses of Synthroid and my levels seem as if they change every few months so I am always being changed to a different dosage. I do blood work every three months to regulate the Synthroid, however no matter how hard I try, I never feel “right”. At one point I was given Cytomel with the Synthroid and felt amazing for about a year, until a new doctor said it wasn’t needed and took me off of it. Now I’m up to 200 of Synthroid and although I work out EVERY day, I cannot lose a bit of weight. I have been so unhappy for the longest time because of my issues and then she put my on an anxiety/depression medication which I didn’t even bother to take. Are there some type of “over-the-counter” supplements that I can take that may have some of the benefits of Cytomel?

    Reply
  38. I had a TT Nov 2015. My endo has changed my meds every 6 weeks, lowering them each time. After being put on 50 Tirosint and 10 cytomel my TSH WENT FROM .07 to 6.24 and T3 and T4 were in range but are now 2.2 and .58. I had been on 90 Triosint and 20 cytomel previously. For over a year, I was eating high protein, very limited carbs, no sugar and walking 20-30 miles a week and was loosing less than 5 lbs a month. I gained 15 lbs in 5 weeks after she changed my meds. I loved your article and will be sharing if it with my doctor. I will ask for all of the tests you recommended. I have changed my diet to include only 20% protein. I am going to the health food store today to get the supplements you listed. I appreciate the work you are doing and hope to learn more from you. Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Hey Tasha,

      I wouldn’t recommend you get store bought versions of the supplements I listed, those type of supplements are notoriously low quality and contain inactive fillers/etc, that reduce potency.

      Reply
  39. Thank you for providing a lot of useful information. I do have a question regarding the diet guidelines that you stated would be listed below in the article, but I did not see this. Can you assist me in finding that? Also, under the Free T3 and Free T4 levels, you stated the levels should be 1/3 of the reference range, can you give an example please? I am not sure exactly what you mean by that. For example if a reference range is 2.0-4.4 for a free T3, what do you mean by 1/3 of this reference range? I have gained 30 pounds post TT and my doctors are not helpful. They talk about the calories in vs calories out and exercise. I actually eat very healthy and exercise at least 1 to 1.5 hours per day and can’t lose a pound. I have even kept track by measuring my food and tracking it. I had always been thin and fit but now I am overweight and depressed. I go nowhere unless I have to. My thyroid levels are within normal range. I am on 112 mug of synthroid and 5 mcg of cytomel. I am going to try the supplements and ask my other levels be drawn. My lipid panel was awful recently and 6 months before, it was ok. I wish I never had my thyroid out.

    Shelly

    Reply
  40. I had a subtotal thyroidectomy 12 years ago and a completion a month ago. For years I was on levothyroxine alone and gained so much weight, I’m twice what I was before! Then I read about T3 and convinced my endo to give it a try. He reduced my T4 from 175 to 125 and added 15 T3. After completion the weight has been piling on again and I feel exhausted to say the least. He’s now increased my T4 to 150 but maintained my T3 at 15. Does the combination make sense to you? I feel like I need more T3. I take my doses as 10mg in the morning and the remaining 5 in early afternoon. I run out of energy by 1300. Thanks for any advice. I really want my life back!

    Reply
    • Hey Ruth,

      You should have your free T3/reverse T3 ratio checked to see if this is contributing to your fatigue.

      Reply
  41. I had my thyroid removed over 6 years ago. Since then I have steadily gained weight every year. I have been been doing crossfit for over 3 years, consistently working out 5-6 days a week with 2 a days 3 x / week. I have seen nutritionist after nutritionist. While I can see some small visual changes in my body, my weight has not decreased at all!! Very frustrating. I am 30 pounds over weight still and can’t lose it for anything. I currently take levothyroixe and liothyronine. Small dosage of T3 though. I feel my doctor would listen with other recommendations. I have transformed my diet, no dairy , Whole Foods, minimally processed. What else can I do?

    Reply
  42. Hi I had a total thyroidectomy done in September 2016 since then I have felt very low in energy, weight gain, skin has broken out, mood is awful and I can’t stop eating. Another symptom which is affecting my everyday life is the constant sweating it’s horrible, so I recently got my thyroid level checked and it came back low 0.03 I am due to see a local doctor next but have no appointment through from the consultant who performed my operation as yet, which is 3 months overdue. So against the consultants advice I have to get my doctor to alter my dose of levothyroxine ( which is currently 100mcg daily) cause it’s having such a dramatic affect on my everyday life I can’t wait for my consultant

    Reply
  43. Hi Dr. I had a right thyroidectomy in 2001 and have not been found to need synthroid medication as of yet. I have put on weight, mostly due to having two kids. During the past couple of months I have been exercising daily and have changed my diet to high protein/lower calorie, but have not seen ANY weight loss. Can thyroid levels change at any time? I have annual ultrasounds and blood work to check my levels, but am not due again for a few months. in your opinion, should I ask my doctor to move up my tests? Or could it typically take a few months to see any weight loss?

    Reply
  44. I had a total thyroidectomy in late 2009. I was on Synthroid only for the first year or two, then the doctor added Cytomel to my prescriptions. My weight was stable and balanced until I was taken off of Cytomel almost a year ago, due to arrhythmia issues with it. However, I remain on Synthroid 88 Mcg pretty much throughout the last eight years. Only in the last six or eight months, since going off Cytomel, has my weight gone up significantly. This in spite of regular exercise, and healthy eating habits unchanged. Although, without the Cytomel, I feel way more normal overall, I am still concerned about this weight gain. I am concerned about going on anything like Cytomel, because of a possible effect with my heart or blood pressure or other. Any advice as to other prescriptive options to Cytomel? I am in Canada.

    Reply
  45. I came up one this website and I’m glad I did. I had a total thyroidectomy in 2004. Since then my life has changed drastically. I have been struggling to lose weight for years. I have been on diets galore and they seem to work initially and then I end up gaining weight. I am a very active 36 year old and I am on a 1790 cal diet currently but despite that I continue to gain weight. I am on 125mcg of synthroid and this article has motivated to talk to my doctor about changing me to a desicated thyroid hormone or adding cytomel to my current meds. Has anyone had experience/success with either regiment? Any further recommendations/ articles are appreciated as my PCP sometimes isn’t willing to work with me on thyroid stuff.

    Reply
  46. Dr. Westin, I had a thyroidectomy May 3rd, 2016 and since then I have done nothing but gain weight despite me eating less and working out more. Every time I go to the Doctor they change my medication, it never seems to be right. Right now they have me on:
    1. Levothyroxine Tab 0.125mg
    2. Liothyronine Tab 5MCG
    3. Phentermine Hcl 37.5mg Tab

    Plus I take medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol:
    1. Nifedipine Tab 60mg
    2. Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg
    3. Atorvastatin tab 10mg

    I am also on medication for arthritis:
    1. Meloxicam
    2. Ibuprofen 800mg

    I also take several vitamins including Multi vitamin, Vit C, Fish Oil, potassium,
    Vit D3, Cal-Mag, Vit E.

    I am also on Estradiol Transdermal Patch twice a month. As you can see I take a lot of pills in one day. I just want to get healthy, lose weight and feel better. Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi Luana,

      It’s very difficult for patients to lose weight post thyroidectomy and basically everything needs to be as optimized as possible – your diet will also have to be pristine. I would try to find someone local who discusses what I talk about here to help you, it’s possible but difficult.

      Reply
  47. Dr. Westin, I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer about 10 hours ago. I found your site while doing research and had a few questions. It looks like I will be having a thyroidectomy here in the very near future. I want to get a head start on what I need to do to lose weight. I know it will have a great deal to do with my levels so how often should I have them checked? I will also be on some type of thyroid replacement therapy, is one better than the other. Can I take Armour while on the replacement meds? I am basically looking for any good advise….

    Reply
  48. Excellent site, tho the stories are heartbreaking. Here’s another one. Niece about to have a partial, possibly total thyroidectomy. She will not listen to anyone but her doctor. One family, her cousin, had a total thyroidectomy and his health issues have been bad to worse to horrible. Another family member studied studied studied and was able to shrink thyroid nodules after being told she was probably headed to a thyroidectomy herself. Her complaints are lethargy, weight gain, beginnings of fibromyalgia type pain, and more… and this is before she even has the procedure. She has a goiter, likely nodule or nodules, but she does not even know what she has been told. The reason I am articulating all this is if there is any way to encourage her to put the brakes on removal after the biopsy, am just trying to get her to hit the pause button, to make biopsy and surgical removal two separate events instead of what the doctor is stating which is to perform the pathology on the spot, and then proceed.

    So aside from the frustration of encouraging to pause, my core question is… how does a partial thyroid function, as in if 1/2 of the thyroid is removed, can things still function enough? Am trying to learn anything that might get through to her enough to have her hit the pause button.

    Reply
    • Hi David,

      My experience suggests that patients can survive with half a functioning thyroid gland, but I’ve never seen anyone thriving under such conditions without the need for replacement hormone.

      Reply
  49. I am wondering if all of this is true with just a partial thyroidectomy? I had my left side removed after follicular adenoma was seen. All blood wrk for function has come back “normal”. I was on Lipton injuections for 4 months do to a watermelon size fibroid that was removed 5 months before thyroid was removed. I am moody/ gaining weight and tired all the time. I eat well exercise and walk my dog everyday… I have no idea what kind of doctor to go to now or how to help myself feel better.

    Reply
  50. Hello Dr Childs,
    I have focused much of my effort on dietary changes as it relates to PCOS and the related insulin resistance. I recently decided to change my approach and started reading up about thyroidectomy specific diet and so came across this post.
    I am now convinced that this should be my focus for weightloss and I’m guessing that it would improve my other conditions as well. I believe thyroid disease has been a problem for much longer than I realized and it’s a shame it had to be removed due to cancer.
    My question is, as someone who has been diagnosed with Hoshimoto’s and has no thyroid, I read that synthetic hormone replacement is recommended over natural because the nature of autoimmune disease is such that the body will attack the natural hormone replacement more readily than the synthetic. And that I need synthetic for consistency and cancer repression. Is this true?
    I am on Tirosint 112 mcg Mon through Sat, and 125 mcg Sundays. My bloodwork always looks great. Dr. just says that I need to eat less and exercise more….
    I could prob reign in my eating a bit, but is it pretty good/clean. I was powerlifting and bootcamp training for 1.5 years. My weight hovered about the same throughout that time and I’m up about 5 lbs since starting that. More distressing, my waist size as not decreased at all. I saw a decent body recomposition of muscle and gained strength but my waist did not change at all. My coach was dumbfounded. I gained about 15 after surgery in 2011 and was about 10 or 15 overweight going in. So where I sit, I’m about 30 over at the moment, and I’m sidelined due to a foot injury as well. 5′ 3′, 165 lbs, heavy boned somewhat larger framed.
    I feel generally good and am capable physically, at least compared to other thyroid sufferers. But I’m approaching my 40s and my weight is creeping up no matter what I’m doing.
    Other info, besides the Tirosint
    100 mg of prometrium daily for PMDD and PCOS
    Bcomplex
    Omega 3
    Curcumin
    Vit D 5000
    Probiotics
    collagen protein
    500 magnesium at night when I remember
    ACV water several times a week
    very little gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy, peanuts, sugar
    NO artificial sweeteners. I do well at eliminating above foods for several weeks at a time but have been unsuccessful at long term elimination.
    ANY insight you could offer would be greatly appreciated. And if you can recommend anyone in the Pittsburgh, Pa area, I could look them up. Sorry for the long post, and thanks.

    Reply
  51. I’ve had a total thyroidectomy more than ten years ago, since then my weight has climbed. I am post menopause and my weight since last year has increased by more than ten pounds. I’ve complained to my endo doc and he just put it off to age, I’m 59. I don’t look overly heavy but have gained about 50 pounds since my thyroidectomy. I changed doctors recently and he’s given me phentermine which helped with not being hungry, lost 1Lb, probably because I didn’t eat lunch! I told him about the T3, so he changed my medicine to nature throid. I have hopes this will help. I do walk a fair amount, about 2-3 miles a day. I have also done almased for four weeks with little weight loss. HELP! I’m going to be 200 pounds if my weight keeps increasing. I was taking 175mg Synthroid, 5mg Cytomel, now I’m taking 94.5 nature throid.

    Reply
  52. Hi,
    I had thyroid cancer 10 years ago and have been on Armour Thyroid and now Nature Thyroid. My energy is great, I eat low carb and (mostly) avoid sugar. I run/walk every day. My thyroidectomy and radiation treatment forced me into early menopause. All labs are fine, but I can’t get rid of these last 15 pounds.

    I started adding Selenium recently but nothing has changed. I was waiting needing if you had any thoughts on new strategies I could try?

    I got more from your article than I have from numerous docs, so thank you!

    Reply
  53. Hi
    I had my thyroidectomy over 6 years ago and I have gained about 60lbs. I have always struggled with my weight but since my surgery it has gotten worse.. No matter what I do. I eat healthy low carb diet with regular exercise and it seems that I gain weight instead of losing which has been a very depressing journey to say the least. I have been to 2 endocrinologist since my surgery in regards to my weight gain and I get the same story .. You need to eat less and exercise more. Which believe me I get! I went to my family Dr yesterday for a skin tag removal and was discussing how I have gained so much weight and my frustrations for my hard work of eating right and exercising with no results. She asked me why I was not prescribed T3? I said I had no idea I should be on this.. SO I have started taking T3 once a day to start. I take 200mcg of Synthroid is the T3 going to be effective with some weight loss relief? Any suggestions of what else I can do to lose the excessive weight?

    Reply
  54. Please Dr, I am scheduled to have thyroidectomy today. I am so worried about my weight changes after the surgery. I am already obese. Pls I really need your help. I don’t want to gain any more pound rather I want to lose weight after the surgery

    Reply
  55. Hello Dr. Childs,

    I just found your website and was hoping for a recommendation. I had a total thyroidectomy in Match 2016 due to thyroid cancer. This was a year after my son was born and I had already gotten below my prepregnancy weight. Following the thyroidectomy I continued to get in better shape and felt really good. My doctor was happy to work with me and prescribed Armour. I moved in August 2016 and my new doctor refuses to concen himself with anything other than my lab work. When I became pregnant a second time he took me off Armour and has continued to reduce my synthroid from 175 to 112 in just 7 months. I feel miserable. I’m 8 weeks postpartum, I cannot lose any weight, I feel awful, my milk supply is drying up. All of these symptoms followed within a week of my last dosage decrease. My first few postpartum weeks went really well. The weight was dropping, my milk supply was great, and my baby is a great sleeper. I get 7-9 hours of sleep a night. He says it’s due to postpartum and beyond ordering labwork he refuses to see me. How can I find a doctor willing to treat me, a human being dependent on these meds for my quality of life and not just read the results of two lab reports? Thank you for your time!

    Reply
  56. Hi, I’m in the UK and 3 weeks ago had a total thyroidectomy on suspicion of thyroid cancer. The jury is out on the cancer but prior to going for the op, I had lost about 30lbs (from super heavy 420lb to 390lb). During the week after the op, I put 14lb back on even though I was largely in hospital and eating uk hospital food which is naff. I came out and got straight back on the diet, but have seen really slow loss in week 1 and a plateau in week 2. This is really unusual for me as I can drop weight quickly when I put my mind to it (have tried many times, and get good success, but then fall off the wagon). My concern is that the Levothyroxine I am taking (175mg) is preventing my body dropping the weight. I am taking a multivitamin (a good one) to try and keep my minerals up and also have just started taking another supplement containing Green coffee extrct, caffeine, cinnamon, chlorine bitartrate, bioperine, chromium picolinate, slelenium methonine (55mcg). Going back to see consultant and will raise concerns with him (again) next week, but is there anything else I can take or do to help?

    Reply
  57. Hi, I also had a complete thyroidecdomy and have changed Endroconologisrt’s 3 times for not listening to my concerns. I am out of options for Dr’s. Please can you recommend someone in Tx that has similar beliefs and open mindedness when it comes to needs like ours. At my wits end. Have gained over 50 lbs, moody, depressed and mind fog. All levels are good. Levothyroxine 100 mg. please help me

    Reply
    • Hi Dora,

      I am training a physician who will be accepting patients in Texas soon, but I don’t have an exact date for you. We will let our email list know when that happens.

      Reply
  58. I had a total thyroidectomy in 2015. Finally found a Doctor who heard my complaints. After over 10 years of arguing with doctors, knowing I had a multi nidglar thyroud. But I was “normal” I just needed to “eat less and exercise more.” Well it turned out I had mestatic papillary thyroid cancer.
    I am finally dropping fat. I demanded t4 and t3 meds. And knowing I gluten and lactose intolerant, I knew I had to be diligent with my diet. I literally became vegetarian after my RAI tx. Because my body no longer tolerates flesh. I’m good with that.
    My fruit intake increased, I’m feeling much better.still struggling to find that right dose as most doctors fear the medical malpractice crap. And I’m treated by tsh, kept suppressed but “it would be medical malpractice to keep you that high.”
    Enough with the numbers! What about how I feel?
    And what about the other numbers??? I finally found an internal med doc who is willing to manage my care. I fired my endocrinologist. Whom lowered my meds so low I had to quit my job and ended up bleeding fir 57 days causing a total hysterectomy.
    Today I’m good.

    Reply
  59. I just had the RAI about 1.5wks ago. I am so scared of gaining any weight as I have gained for the past 6mths. I do have a lapband but due to other issues I had to have it loosened about 9mths ago (liver issue).
    They said there is a 60% chance the RAI would kill the entire thyroid. I am trying to figure out what all I can do to stop or try and stop any additional weight gain.

    Reply
  60. I persuaded my Md to prescribe liothyronine 5mcg along with the 125 mcg levo. My tsh went from 1.51 to .34, so she told me to cut the lio in half. I don’t feel that is the right approach.what do ypu think? BTW, 1 yr since complete thryoidectomy.

    Reply
  61. I had a tyroidectomy 7 years ago and weight has creeped up by 30#’s. For the past year I have been eating clean and 99% sugar free. I fuel cycle my meals and have successfully lost 8 #’s. I have even thrown exercise in the mix. I have a whole slew of symptoms that I have been complaining about for years. The last Dr who is an endocronologist listened and ran a test to find out I was post menopausal. The gynocologist decides to throw some estrogen in the mix, and says if this dose doesn’t help symptoms you can take two pills. Well, needless to say, that didn’t help do I stopped that all together. So levythyroxine is the only pill I’m taking. Everything I’ve read today hits the nail on the head. So happy to finally find out I’m not a crazy “fat” lady crying about not being able to lose weight no matter what I do. My first step has been to try to find a functional medicine Dr in the area. I am going to have to travel 150 miles to fin d one according to your functional medicine website. Next I am calling my endocrinologist this morning to beg to have these tests run. If he refuses, i will find another Dr.that will run the tests. My endo said he would prescribe armour thyroid but doesn’t like to on patients without thyroid as it is harder to monitor. Wish me luck!

    Reply
  62. De Weston. I’m 47yrs old and I have my thyroid leveled with snthyroid but I can’t seem to lose weight. What extra supplements to take and foods to eat

    Reply
  63. I had a thyroidectomy 3 years ago.
    I gained 40 pounds after.

    I have finally stopped gaining because I take Nature Throid. Which has helped so much. I take 3 granules per day. But I take it 4 different times of the day. That has been the key to me having enough energy to make it thru the day. And to sleeping well at night.

    I think to actually lose weight I need to clean up my eating some summer has been bad on my diet. I also need to add zinc and selenium. Along with being more committed to probiotics, I have them I just forget some days to take them.

    Thank you for this information. It is so hard being a post thyroid removal patient.
    I have an amazing doctor who I work with along with a Pharmacist who I actually meet with and discuss symptoms and how I am feeling. He is excellent at knowing when I should do labs and reading them and understanding how my medicine affects me. And making sure I am taking the correct supplements like Vitamin D3 and reacted Iron to keep those levels where they need to be to keep me healthy.

    Thank you for your information, keep up the great work! This is something science needs to do better with.

    Reply
  64. I am a 57 year old woman. I had a complete thyroidectomy nine years ago due to a goiter and hoshimotos. I had unexplained weight gain for five years before being diagnosed. I had a complete hysterectomy four years ago with no hormone replacement because of breast cancer in my sisters. I have gained 75 pounds over the past ten years. They he k my thyroid levels every three months and they change my meds every time from being too low or too high. They can’t regulate it. Can you help me please?

    Reply
    • Hi Cheryl,

      The best thing you can do is seek out a physician who is knowledgeable and understands what I discuss in this blog post. After that amount of time and weight gain you will now most likely have many other issues that need to be addressed beyond your thyroid.

      Reply
  65. I had a total thyroidectomy several years ago and am taking T4 meds only and live in the UK. I would like to find a doctor in the UK who has assisted patients with no thyroid to take natural desiccated thyroid hormone but can’t seem to find one. Any ideas or information on finding this illusive help. Thanks for any help or advice available

    Reply
  66. First article I have found truly helpful. I had thyroidectomy about 5 years ago. My Dr. checks levels about every 6 months. I’m not sure why she even has me go in the office, she only cares that T4 is in range and she won’t listen st all to how I feel if it is in range. She doesn’t even test T3 and when I question she says it’s very different when it’s a cancer situation and that she wants levels different because of that. She’s put enough fear in me that makes me worried to mess with or really seek another Dr. (not that I have many options)
    In your experience if it was thyroid cancer does that change what you do following thyroid removal?

    For awhile I was eating very clean and exercising and felt better than I have in years and was in the best shape of my life. Once I fell off that a little bit and has been next to impossible to get back. Right now I’m experiencing close to what I would say I felt when I was off all medication before radioactive iodine. Brain fog,blurred vision, no energy, weight gain, feeling down.
    She has me right now on Synthroid 112 during the week and 100 Saturday and Sunday.
    I’m getting ultrasound and lab work (t4) done next week.

    Sounds like your advice might just be to find another Dr.
    Do you have any thoughts on cancer related Thyroidectimy?
    Appreciate your study’s and what you do. Would love to get consult with you.

    Reply
    • Hi Beverly,

      As you suggest it’s generally a better use of your time to find a new physician rather than try and convince them to treat you differently. In regards to your other question – I tend to focus on the management of thyroid function postoperatively, I don’t necessarily focus on cancer itself.

      Reply
  67. In 2010 I had 130 and now 192lbs, I gaining weight no matter what I do, I take Synthroid from 2011 for hypothyroidism in June 137 because thyroidectomy. I am 55, to be short I have a tumor in the pituitary and severe adrenal insufficiency because I have taken 5mg prednisone for 36 years because my kidney transplant. I’ve have had 4 endocrinologists whom do not try to help, just want me to diet. I have low levels of ACTH, cortisol, sometimes T3, PTH, and high A1C, LH, FSH. I need energy and feel well for that I just but yours T3 Booster and Thyroid adrenal Reset, please tell me what you recommended.

    Reply
  68. Hello Dr. I am active duty in the US. Military. In March I had a total thyroidectomy and after I did the radioactive Iodine treatment. I have never had an issue with my weight and since I have gained 30 lbs. I have lost about 10 lbs. of that since having a very strict diet. I keep asking my Endocrinologist to give me T3 but he will not. since I’m in the military I cant just switch providers either. I also don’t feel right nowhere close to the amount of energy I used to have and a lack of interest and excitement in almost everything. If you can please direct me in what I need to do it would be great. Thank you for your help.

    Reply
  69. When my thyroid mass got out of control in Oct. 2016, I gained 15 pounds in a month. Had a total thyroidectomy in April 2017. I am six months out with stable levels at 137 mcg Synthroid. I have a lot of energy and feel better. My weight has remained the same since surgery, though lately I notice it’s going up a pound or two. I am 39 yo, was slender before surgery and still at a healthy BMI. That said, I am very concerned that my working out (approx 6 hours/week) and low carb diet is not working at all. I can’t budge the weight and I feel physically uncomfortable. My doc reviewed my diet and exercise and said keep it up, don’t trim calories or add exercise. Can you please tell me what I should ask him to change from a hormonal perspective? What is the question: (1) should I be on Armour; or (2) should I be on a T3 med? I am concerned about a long-term approach as I enter my 40s. Thanks!!

    Reply
  70. Hello! I’m very excited that I found your website. I’m 22 years old and 3 years post thyroidectomy, and of course I was told that as long as I took my levothyroxine I’d be fine… 3 years and 30 pounds later, here I am. I actually was able to lose around 15 of the 30 pounds that I gained from being very strict about eating a healthy diet and now I’m in a rut. I’m in the process of getting my labs checked now, not as comprehensive as you suggest but it’s a start. I struggle with mourning my thyroid since I’m no longer sure that my surgery was necessary and I know that my body will never be like it was, but seeing your before and afters have given me hope. I’ll update when I get the ball rolling with new meds, etc. Thanks for what you do. There’s such a paucity of (correct) info for post-thyroidectomy patients.

    Reply
  71. Hi
    Having my thyroid removed Jan. 3rd and after reading all of the comments, I’m confused and terrified. I’m hoping to lose a quarter of me with determination. Now… Not so much!

    Reply
    • I don’t want to scare you, but I would avoid having your thyroid removed if at all possible. Get second opinions, preferably from a functional/naturopathic doctor, not a traditional endocrinologist. If you’re having it removed because of a goiter you can often live with that. There’s an underlying cause to whatever is going on with your thyroid… Removing it doesn’t fix that cause. I don’t know your specific case, so maybe you really have no other choice but to remove it, but because I wish I had gotten a second opinion before having mine removed I feel the need to tell you this. Don’t be afraid though! You’ll be okay either way, but life is just easier with a thyroid. Good luck 🙂

      Reply
  72. My wife had a total thyroidectomy earlier this year. We are very active and typically eat pretty clean. I have a question about your comment about snacking. Many people believe having a healthy snack every 2-3 hours helps feed the metabolism. Is this different for those without a thyroid? Can you please explain?
    This is a great article and I hope will help my wife drop the few pounds she is anxious about.

    Reply
    • Hi Todd,

      The philosophy behind snacking to boost metabolism doesn’t have scientific backing. On the contrary there is a case to be made that constant snacking results in an increase in total food intake and promotes insulin resistance. Snacking may be good for certain people, but many do great on 2-3 meals per day and forced snacking may be counter productive for these people.

      Reply
  73. I am Scheduled to have a total thyroidectomy because of some throat and cough issues ive had for over a year.
    Do you have any advice for someone going into to this!

    Reply
  74. Hi Dr.Childs. I had a thyroidectomy in 2001, a Tetany attack the day after. Since the surgery I have gained 60 pounds and have not at all been able to lose a single pound. My doctor, of course, is very “careful” in changing my meds. I have never been the same level since the surgery, which is very frustrating. Your blog and information is incredible, thank you so very much. Since I have also been on antidepressants since then it is even harder to try losing weight. The Tetany attack caused severe anxiety and panic attacks back then. With the medications it is under control, but my head won’t let go of the experience, so I can’t get off the antidepressant. Any thoughts on how to control the fear of ever having another attack. I am on a daily calcium regiment, but I am always worried.

    Reply
    • Hi Marie,

      You will most likely be on calcium indefinitely because your surgeon probably accidentally took out your parathyroids along with your thyroid gland and it is your parathyroid glands which help control calcium levels. You might consider looking into Wellbutrin as an alternative anti-depressant to SSRI’s which may actually help with weight loss: https://www.restartmed.com/wellbutrin-weight-loss/

      Reply
  75. Hello. I had my thyroid removed in 2008 due to medullary thyroid cancer and have gained weight steadily since then. Breastfeeding and increasing T3 are the only factors that have contributed to weight loss, temporarily, as the weight always returns. I am currently on 150 MCGs of Tirosint and 30 MCGs of generic Cytomel. I feel great every time we increase the T3, but the effects seem to last only temporarily. It’s as if my body has developed a resistance to T3. I am within range for Free T3 and Free T4 and cortisol is slightly elevated (per 24 hour urine test). Reverse T3 is normal. I am very grateful to have had my calcitonin levels undetectable for a decade, but have had low self-esteem for a decade due to being overweight (40 lbs weight gain). I never had a weight problem before my thyroid was removed. I have seen different endocrinologists, naturopaths, counted calories, reduced carbs and nothing is working. Any suggestions that you may have would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  76. I have the opposite problem. I can’t gain weight. Total thyroidectomy in 1999. I am on 2 grain NT. I work with FM doctor, but still no clear answer why I am underweight. Did you see this problem?

    Reply
  77. Dr.Childs,
    I am on the cusp of 4 years post-total thyroidectomy, I was 29 when diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma. I’ve entrusted my care to the only endocrinologist in the area, and I’m extremely dissatisfied with the treatment I’ve been receiving the past 4 years. She only treats my lab values, doesn’t listen to my symptoms, and has continuously dropped my Levothyroxine dose ever since. I’ve been on 112mcg for over a year now, yet she states my labs are hyper and is wanting to drop my doseage even further despite increased fatigue, lack of energy and clarity, and steady weight gain even though I’ve maintained a decent low-carb diet over the years. She added the lowest doesage of Cytomel for 6 months, and then took it off the table, stating it made no difference so it wasn’t worth continuing. I’m a single mother of a 5 year old daughter, have a full-time job, and am pursuing my first degree… and can barely stay alert enough to get my daughter tucked into bed at night, let alone have the energy to actually play with her and be an active part of her life.
    Dr.Childs, like many others, I am frustrated and exhausted. This endocrinologist isn’t listening, she isn’t treating me as a person… all that matters to her are the lab numbers. Even when I had the cancer before my thyroidectomy, my numbers were “normal” so it is hard to believe that this is all I’m left with. I don’t know what else to do.

    Reply
  78. I WOULD LOVE SOME HELP…PLEASE! You might be the only one that can help or shed light. I wish you were closer. LOL. I am 46 years old. I had a complete thyroidectomy on November 2, 2017. I have always had to work on my weight, but I exercised and dieted. I had the complete and was immediately on 100 mg of Synthroid by the Thyroid Surgeon. I felt pretty good. I actually lost a little weight..not a lot. I thought well, ok this was better than I thought. Well, 6 weeks later the Endocrinologist decided to move me down to 88 mg of Synthroid. WELL WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF HELL!! It has been a nightmare every since. Anxiety, depression, severe weight gain (even though I drink a lot of water and really don’t eat a lot), not sleeping, grouchy, skin complexion is poor, hair is thinning, severe stomach bloating, swelling, abnormal periods of 3 weeks of non stop heaving bleeding to weeks of no period, my hands and feet get cold and my face feels like I got a huge sunburn and bright red in color, etc. I have spoken with my Endocrinologist and my regular doctor. I just always get “Well, it takes time! Your body has to adjust. This is normal until we get your levels right.” Well, then I go back 6 weeks after that and they lower it again to 75 mg. Well, I have been steadily gaining weight which is causing more anxiety, depression, etc. I have spoken with my Endocrinologists about the Cytomel and she says no until my levels are steady. My TSH on 88mg Synthroid was 0.03 (which normal is supposed to be (.3-.5) and they said the tested T3 and T4 levels weren’t bad. WHAT? I was explained that the TSH levels were controlled by the brain. When you are missing levels/hormones on the thyroid, the brain is sending signals to compensate for the thyroid being gone.?????? I am so down right now, I don’t know how much longer I can continue this way. I can’t get a doctor to listen and understand when I tell them this is not a normal way to live and I am drowning. All I keep getting told is that it could take up to a year to get this resolved. My regular doctor even tested other hormones to see if I was in early menopause because of my symptoms and age. Until this procedure, I never took more than an Advil and daily vitamin. I seriously can’t handle a year of this. I don’t know what to do, what to take, etc. Can you help shed some light on someone who can’t take much more? I am almost at the point of just not taking the Synthroid at all.

    Reply
  79. I had my thyroid removed on 9/1/17; which was cancerous. I have gained approximately 30 lbs. while watching my intake and exercising on a regular basis. I have gone back to my endocrinologist and general practitioner for assistance with my medication. I am currently on Levothyroxine 112mcg. I am constantly exhausted, walking around in a daze, no energy or desire to do anything. I have asked them to put me on an additional T3 after reading your materials and they will not do it. The blood tests that they run are only looking for TSH and T4 levels. I am very frustrated and am considering trying to get an appointment with Johns Hopkins. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi Ellen,

      It doesn’t really matter if you go to Johns Hopkins or not as they will give you the same advice. All physicians who are conventionally trained will give you the same answers because they use the same approach.

      Your best bet is to find a provider who fits the criteria listed in this post: https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-doctor/

      Reply
  80. 13 yrs ago I had thyroid removed a lobectomy of entire thyroid. This was because I had several huge lumps growing there, and then it was noticed entire thyroid was covered in non cancer tumors. When tumors were noticed I was pregnant and I had gained around 100 pounds which were not normal, this was my 6th pregnancy. After the surgery I asked for the Synthroid I was told I was getting and the doctor told me he looked over my charts and saw meth addiction in my past, and he decided he was not going to give it to me. I wanted to attack him! I was scared, angry and insulted! I said..so what can I do! Please help me!! He said we could look at doing gastric bypass. I said what about later..i will just gain it all back..he said well we could do gastric bypass every time I needed it. I was horrified ! This was NOT the last time I had this same thing told to me. I don’t understand how because of my past I’m no longer worthy of medication or anything that could very much help me with quality of life? I should still have right to same treatments as anyone else. It just so happens my husband’s mother had passed away from Gastric bypass complications not even 3 yrs before this. Anyways here I am much older and still dealing with ignorant fools who think I deserve to suffer instead of helping me. I’m tired of it and honestly, wonder if I could just find Synthroid on street to buy? I don’t eat much but I’m creeping back up the scale and I’m ready to give up on myself. Please help.

    Reply
  81. Hi Dr!

    I just had my thyroid removed last 2016 because of cancer. I am 28. I’m taking levothyroxine 100mcg. After 8 months I gained 15 kilos. I thought it was just normal. I’ve read taking levothyroxine makes you lose weight but after another 12 months I gained another 15lbs. I’m dieting, restricting calories, do some excercise but nothing is working. It makes me depressed and stressed. Until I saw your posts. I believe my doctor won’t let me change my medication, or add the T3. Can i just buy T3 myself with just a small dosage? My aunt is working in a drug store I think I can just ask her to buy liothyronine for me. Thanks for your help.

    Reply
    • Hi Laurie,

      I generally recommend against purchasing and using thyroid medication without physician supervision as it can be dangerous if dosing gets too high. It would be better to try and seek out a physician who is knowledgeable in your area because it’s never as easy as just adding a small dose of T3 and losing weight. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  82. I am 32 and have been living without a thyroid for 5 years (cancer). I have visited 3 different naturopathic type doctors who claimed to know about thyroid issues and they have all failed me. I am thankful I found your website and SO wish you were closer. It’s so depressing to know I have to deal with these issues for the rest of my life and have yet to find a doctor that understands so I have to try and figure everything out myself. If you know of a doctor in or around the Sacramento area please let me know 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Sandy,

      I don’t know anyone to refer you to but I do believe that this type of practice and information will grow over the next 5-10 years and it will be much easier to find a knowledgeable thyroid doctor.

      Reply
  83. Hello Dr. Childs,

    I was searching online today for just this topic and found your you tube video. I am 46 years old, and 10 months post thyroidectomy along with removal of metastatic papillary follicular thyroid cancer into a central neck lymph node. It has been quite a journey. I had radioactive iodine treatment this past November. My doc has me only on Synthroid .125, Last year before my surgery I had lost a lot of weight and now it is gradually climbing back up and I am just sick about it. Before the cancer diagnosis I was on naturethroid and I was doing great. But now because of the cancer factor, I was told I always have to be on synthroid. So far they haven’t added any t3 and I just don’t know how to ask. My doc isn’t the most receptive person. I know my body and I know something isn’t right. The other factor is perimenopause and my body is just wacky all together, so I don’t know what is what. I just know my body can’t tolerate the weight gain and it is slowing my down. I eat pretty healthy, I have my moments. I am hoping that with some of your info posted on your site I can figure this out but its just a real downer not knowing how to manage with a doctor who doesn’t test t3 at all and dismisses feelings of fatique, joint pain etc, saying none of it is related. How do you get your doctor to order the tests you want? Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It’s a great help!

    Reply
    • Hi Amy,

      It’s very difficult (read impossible) to get your Doctor to order tests if they don’t understand how to use them or what they mean, you are much better off seeking a second opinion with someone who understands hormone dysfunction.

      Reply
  84. I am on 150 mcg t4 six days a week and 75 one day a week which averages about 140 a day but I’m only taking 10 mcg t3. Another dr said to take 15 mcg t3 but endo said 10. I don’t feel I’m getting enough. Can I up it myself?

    Reply
    • Hi Kathy,

      I wouldn’t recommend making any changes to your thyroid medication without consulting your physician. You may cause more harm than good by doing so.

      Reply
  85. Finally. A doctor who “gets it”. I was never told that I would gain so much weight after my thyroidectomy. Since I started gaining weight after surgery, while still having the same symptoms I had prior to surgery. I only wish I had done the research before my surgery. All of the information you have provided has taken me years to learn! I am now on NP Thyroid – after begging my Endo for years to change me since a symptom of my synthroid seemed to be arthritic pain. How would it be possible to find a doctor who is trained in Functional Medicine in my area? I’m in Mississippi.

    Reply
  86. I have a more complex question. I had thyroidectomy in 1994, was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1999 and a hysterectomy in 2002. I have gained a total of 95 lbs since this has started….not counting what I lost and found again. I am in a physically demanding job and I can’t lose an ounce. After 25 years on synthroid I finally got on armor. Currently at 120mg. I have to admit I did better with it all five- eight years ago before coming off estrogen and supplements but I am really struggling now. I just turned 50 and I feel I can’t balance out. I am at the end of my rope. Where would you suggest I start? I have a GP who will refer me to any specialist I need to see.

    Reply
  87. I had a full thyroidectomy in August. I gained 10 lbs within the first month. Then I went hyper, heart palpitations, extreme anxiety and depression. My doctor has pulled me off thyroid meds for the past 11 days, and plans to keep me off of it for another 7 days -this makes me very nervous. Is this okay?

    Also, the depression and anxiety are debilitating. I have had therapy sessions and set up an appointment with a psychiatrist (I am already on anti-depressant that worked great until I got sick). Any suggestions in regards to this? My endo seems pretty clueless when it comes to the mental health aspect, and doesn’t seem concerned about the fact I’m totally off thyroid meds -and has asked me not to call for 7 days, as that’s when he gives results.

    Reply
  88. I have found your wonderful and comprehensive advice to my problems with hair thinning and serious loss as well as loss of energy and gaining weight after partial thyroidectomy in October 2009. I think I will begin looking for a functional medicine doctor because my doctors do not want to work with me. When I have noticed in recent (2014, 2016 & 2018)lab tests that T4 did not convert to T3, I became concerned. I have a good low carb diet but I love my coffee or herbal teas. I am also having my sessions on cross-trainer: 3x weekly but it does not seem to be working. I am hypoglycaemic so I need to watch what I eat or drink. Usual visits to standard care of dieticians doesn’t help either. Of course, my concerns were brushed off or denied. That got me thinking. Once again, big thank you for your down to the earth clarifications so I can go ahead after analysing my lab results since then.

    Reply
  89. I had my thyroid removed 5 years ago and in the first year managed to lose some weight and keep it off, however after having a baby almost two years ago and having tried different diets, etc, I am still the same weight and struggling. My memory has also worsened. I am currently on a dose of 200mg levothyroxine one day and 175mg the next. My oncologist has advised that because my thyroid was removed due to it being cancerous I would need a high-level dosage but have noticed I never required this much previously. Please, can you help??

    Reply
  90. I am curious if the getting off of antidepressants also applies for TT patients or just hypo. I had a TT in 2017 due to cancer and became severely depressed. I have been on 2 antidepressants since. Does this block the T4 to T3 conversion for TT patients as well?

    Reply
    • Hi Rachel,

      Yes, the medication blocks the conversion of T4 to T3 period. So it doesn’t matter if you have a thyroid producing your own T4 or if you are taking T4 medication by mouth (as in those who don’t have a thyroid). This is just the mechanism of the medication and how it impacts thyroid hormone metabolism.

      Reply
  91. Hello, I find your information fascinating, and the clearest in my research. But as you have said, each person is different. I was slight hypo for 7 years on 25mg T4. In August 2018 I started to have shaky hands, and I had my yearly nodes ultrasound and turns out I went hyper and developed antibodies for Hashimotos and Graves. I did not want to go on the meds for Graves so I had my thyroid removed, and at that time off all meds. (nodes had enlarged as well and I did not have cancer). I have had 8 blood tests since the end of November and my TSH has been .01 every single time. Yet I had the worst hypo symptoms post surgery. I discussed your T3 research and she agreed to add that. So I am taking 125t4, and 20 t3. I just had tests and now my ft3 shows 6.17, t4 is 14.2 and TSH .01. I am so confused as to what I should do. I am living in Germany, and scheduling an appt with an Endo (been going to Nuclear Medicine as they call it) in hopes to test all these hormones etc. I am also turning 50 this year, so have pre-meno. ANY advice?? 🙂 Do you do consulting over email or video? I will be in the states in April, but not AZ. thanks!!! Jen
    PS: Maybe TMI but had the Merina IUD inserted in June 2018, could that have caused or changed anything? My doc here says no… and love how it took away my heavy periods and anemia.

    Reply
    • Hi Jennifer,

      I’m not accepting patients but I do have a limited number of phone calls that I can do, but those work best only for those who have doctors willing to work with them.

      Reply
  92. Hello,

    I’m sure it has already been asked, but there are so many questions to read through… why is it bad to eat every 2-3 hours? I’ve been on a weight loss program called Optavia and they promote eating every 2-3 hours for boosting your metabolism. I lost about 35 pounds so far but have completely plateaued. Could this be why? Or could it also be the 80g of carbs in their food?

    Reply
    • Hi Kimberly,

      Eating 3 hours can be bad in some instances as it may perpetuate insulin resistance. There are several reasons why you may have plateaued in your weight loss but I doubt that the eating every few hours is the main issue.

      Reply
      • Thank you for your quick reply! Your article has loads of information that I’m excited to dive into. I’ve currently asked my endo to order some tests and check my hormone levels. Hopefully she will be willing since she also has no thyroid and understands the difficulties. If not, your link to finding a doctor will be helpful. Thank you for giving hope to those of us who don’t feel right even though all our numbers show that we are “normal.”

        Reply
  93. Hello. I had a total thyroidectomy almost 6 years ago. In January I fell and knocked my head (no serious concussion) and broke a vertebra. I’m fine now, but I had my thyroid hormones checked (I’m on a version of Synthroid) and my TSH was reduced to the lowest level of “normal.” My endocrinologist says this is due to the fall and reduced further my daily dose, but immediately after the accident, my GP had given me ALCAR 500 mg daily for sciatica which helps greatly with the pain which got worse after the fall and I’m wondering if this isn’t suppressing my TSH levels. Can you give me your thoughts? I can find nothing on the internet about this. My endocrinologist also won’t give me T3 as he says I’m too old – 70 – and risk osteoporosis (I have osteopenia) and other problems – I had had an adenoma and a parathyroidectomy before having my thyroid out. Thank you.

    Reply
  94. I gained 10kg after thyroidectomy until my right dose was established. The doctor went too low,I think it choose the wrong calculation formula.
    With fasting I lost about 5kg and I stay there. Not enough T3.
    The article has a lot of good information but also a possible fatal mistake. T4 is a source of T3. 25mg cytomel can be too strong, your heart may not resist to the strong cramps it may induce and you will snap often and swich moods. Read about the side effects of cytomel on Pfizer site and read about too much T3 effects. From my experience too much T4 or T3 will have some of known effects and in buzzare combinations. For example more bowel movements,tiredness but no weight gain. You could have heart palpitations and fluctuating blood pressure and mood swings. But not necessarily all symptoms.
    You produce T3 from T4. So it is better to investigate why your body does not do the conversion. Eventually take T3 but start with the lowest dose and monitor your heart and test results
    I took 25mg Cytomel and had strong cramps at heart, then 10 mg and had all kind of stings to the heart 2-3 hours after taking the pill. Now I am at 5 and plan to get off despite knowing I will be tired again. But I have another plan: I am celiac and despite the gluten free diet I have poor conversion from T4 to T3. Perhaps missing selenium,zinc and other important minerals to assist the conversion. So I will concentrate on conversion and monitor reverse T3 and other indicators of poor conversion. With cytomel I confirmed that low T3 was a cause for my fatigue and I know now what I have to imptove to get off T3 and be on Synthroid only. That’s why it is difficult to diagnose and treat,it depends on every individual, they can’t grasp it an generalise it. You must check you favorite foods,missong minerals and vitamins,control the hours when you take your pill and know it may interact with everyting you et or drink 2 hours before and until 4 hours after you take your medication. That does not mean everybody is so. Some will have good cinversion and take it with food. Others,like me for instance, can take it at night to have a lot of time before and after food and still not achieve good T3 levels and cytomel will not solve it. So you need to find what makes you not have right levels – food? Stress(cortisol), a digestive sickness, the liver? You have to find it and fix it by changing lifesyle and appropiate foods.

    Reply
  95. I wonder if you can help me understand how to calculate conversions between meds.

    I was taking 125 Synthroid + 2 grains Naturethroid for the past 2 years. Despite my energy levels being ok (or maybe I just adapted) I was stuck with this awful 30 lbs of weight gain and weightloss resistance.

    I started reading your blog and was thinking, hmm, maybe I should go back to the 4 grains of naturethroid I was on before the T4/NDT combo.

    So I switched. And 3 weeks later I was crashed in bed in the afternoons unable to make it through the day. I thought I had calculated it pretty well? Obviously not.

    I asked my doc to write me a script for 5mcg cytomel so I could start small and titrate up to where I feel energized to not want to hide in bed.

    First day 1 took 1 pill. I did not nap, felt a little zooted but it was a relief to be honest to fire on all cylinders. 2nd day I took 2 and did not get tired after eating, and actually had an appetite.

    Question is… 4 grains seems like a lot if I am adding the cytomel.
    Would it be better to just take t4 sy,throid /t3 cytomel or take all 3 with NDT, given I dont have a thyroid and with NDT I would be getting what ever ancillary T1-5’s from the piggy.

    Reply
  96. I am new to all of this, so please forgive my naivete. I am a 50yo female in excellent condition, who has no thyroid issues. Upon yearly physical, my physician stated that my neck looked a tad bigger on one side. Being a slim, petite woman, I suppose it was abnormal to her. After a sonogram found two nodules on either side of my neck, a biopsy was performed. One side came back negative and the other indeterminant. Upon genetic testing, it was reported that the indeterminant nodule was BRAF positive. Add that to my Mother having hypothyroidism and my Grandmother have a thyroidectomy (for unknow reasons) and I have been advised to have a total thyroidectomy. Additionally, I was advised by the surgeon and endocrinologist that if I did not have surgery, I should have a biopsy every six months.
    Any insight as to if I should go through with the surgery?
    Thank you………

    Reply
    • Hi Kristine,

      It would be a good idea to take the next 6-12 months to change up your lifestyle and do everything you can to try and avoid a thyroidectomy. You can then recheck the nodule with another biopsy and go from there.

      Reply
  97. I am 48 year old female that had several Papillary Carcinomas on Thyroid. I also had a Hysterectomy 2 years ago from Fybroid issues and also Open Heart Surgery for a congenital Heart disease issue 3 years ago. Also I started into Perimenopause 2 years ago. I have had a total Thyroidectomy a month ago and find I feel sick, tired, insomnia and headaches daily. My hot flushes are worse as well. My Doctor put me on Thyroxine 100mg and doesn’t want to test me til the 3 month mark to see if I need medication changes. I don’t want to keep going like this for another 2 months. I eat well and exercise daily. There definitely is so many confusing and conflicting information out there.

    Reply
  98. Hello Dr. Childs,

    I had a partial thyroidectomy after my doctor found a nodule that turned out to be a papillary carcinoma. I am on Synthroid 0.05 mg. I am just wondering if your information also pertains to partial thyroidectomies? I have noticed my weight creeping up since my surgery 5 years ago. I am 49 and premenopausal.

    Reply
  99. Hi Dr Childs
    Are you taking new patients?!
    I’ve had a tt at the end of last year and am now on 125 Tirosint having fought really hard to get it – I have MCS and actually felt suicidal.
    It suits me far better than the generics and Armour but I feel lardy despite not changing my diet etc.
    If I can’t see you, is there anyone you’d recommend I see in the UK who won’t leave me bankrupt?
    Thank you

    Reply
  100. Hello my name is Janelle. I had my thyroid completely removed 14 years ago because I had Graves Disease and a goiter. Because of the surgery I have problems with my calcium levels which are always low and now I have a vitamin D deficiency. I am on 150 mcg Levothyroxine and 5cg Liothyronine. My labs come back normal but I always feel horrible. I am in constant pain from my feet to my thighs and my weight will not drop. I always stayed at 160-170 pounds but after I turned 40 I am at 219. I work out and eat very little I even fasted a few times and all I could get to was 210 pounds. It is almost like my body refuses to loose any more weight. I have no idea what to try next. I am constantly constipated and the only time I felt normal was hen I was taking Ali diet pill which made me regular feel better and I could loose more weight. My doctor told me not to take it anymore but wont listen to me when I say I feel bad everyday. Is there any other vitamins I can take for the leg and feet pain? I am also scared to eat more because I feel like my body wont burn it.

    Reply
  101. Hi Dr Childs
    Thanks again for your articles. Would you recommend intermittent fasting of any sort for thyroidectomy patients on NDT?
    Many thanks

    Reply
  102. Hello Dr. Childs,

    I had a total thyroidectomy in April 2022 and gained about 15 pounds till today (June 2023). After the surgery I felt fatigue and less energetic but I still tried to remain exercise about 3 times a week (I played 3 hours of badminton once a week which is really tiring and very sweaty after the games). I tried to eat less but the weight still gained over time and I felt really frustrated. I am in Taiwan so no T3 medication is available here at hospital or clinic. I wonder if I order “raw thyroid” supplement online and take it with my sinthyroid medication, will it help me with my weight gain? Any other suggestions will be highly appreciated, thank you. 🙂

    Reply
  103. I noticed the swelling on my neck about twelve years ago. It was tested by an ear, nose, throat doctor and it was not cancerous. I am now 82, the swelling is larger, but no sign of cancer through ultra sounds. My doctor has suggested surgery. I do not want the weight gain at this age – would it be a good choice to skip the surgery? At this point, I have not been taking any medication, and at my age, I’m thinking I might do best to skip surgery and carry on with my life, which is out-going. Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Hi Virginia,

      I would get some more information from your doctor and ask why they think thyroid removal is necessary. If their reason isn’t sufficiently convincing then you may be able to hold off and try natural therapies to see if they can improve your situation.

      Reply

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