The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that can have a big impact on weight and overall health when it is not working properly. It regulates metabolism by releasing hormones called triiodothyronine and thyroxine, or T3 and T4, which travel throughout the body. When thyroid levels are too low, symptoms include brittle, dry hair and nails, fatigue, depression, heavy periods, sensitivity to cold and weight gain. Having your thyroid checked is an important step toward meeting your weight-loss goals.
Step 1
Keep a journal and record your weight, food intake, sleep schedule and energy level. Hypothyroidism can affect any or all of these and cause unintended weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Think about whether your symptoms have another explanation, since many signs of hypothyroidism can be caused by other problems including depression, poor sleep or poor eating habits. Bring this information to your doctor.
Step 2
Ask your doctor to check your thyroid. She may use a blood test called a free T4 test to determine how much thyroxine is available in your blood. There are many other blood tests available that measure total T4 or T3 levels, as well as tests that measure how much thyroid stimulating hormone your pituitary gland is producing. Each of these give your doctor different information. A low level of free T4 is an indication of hypothyroidism or another chronic disorder.
Step 3
Discuss the thyroid test results with your doctor. The normal range for free T4 is between 1.0 and 2.0 nanograms per deciliter, or ng/dL, with an average of 1.5. Results below this can indicate hypothyroidism, and results higher than normal can indicate hypothyroidism.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about any factors that might affect your thyroid levels. Some medications can affect thyroid lab results, including aspirin, birth control pills and other sources of estrogen.
Step 5
Learn how to take your medication for optimal results. Follow the directions on the label if your doctor prescribes thyroid hormone medication. According to Abbott Laboratories, maker of a common thyroid medication, you should take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. You also should avoid some foods, including walnuts, infant formula containing soy, foods with high fiber content and cotton seed meal. Taking thyroid medication with these foods or iron or calcium supplements can interfere with absorption and make the medication less effective.
Step 6
Monitor your symptoms and weight after beginning treatment for hypothyroidism. The American Thyroid Association's brochure "Thyroid and Weight" reports that 5 to 10 lbs. of weight gain can be attributed to hypothyroidism in most cases. Most of this weight consists of water and salt retention. Thyroid medication alone is unlikely to lead to significant weight loss if weight gain is your only symptom of hypothyroidism.
Step 7
Re-evaluate your diet and exercise plan. Hypothyroidism can cause increased appetite and decreased energy and metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. Once your thyroid levels are normal, your energy and tolerance for activity should increase, allowing you to get more exercise. Remember that you did not gain weight instantly and that you can't lose it instantly now that your thyroid function is normal.
Step 8
Plan for gradual, healthy weight loss. Although a high thyroid level can increase the rate of weight loss, the weight usually comes back when levels are returned to normal, according to "Thyroid and Weight" by the American Thyroid Association. Weight loss caused by high thyroid levels can result in the loss of muscle along with the loss of fat, so it is best to keep your thyroid at normal levels and rely on other methods for weight loss.
Step 9
Follow up with your doctor. He will order repeat blood work to monitor your thyroid function and medication levels. Your needs for thyroid hormone may change due to physical conditions including age, body weight, pregnancy, or interactions with birth control or other medication. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or nephrotic syndrome may cause problems absorbing thyroid hormone and result in low levels.
Things You'll Need
- Journal
- Pen
- Scale
- Primary care doctor
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