... seems to know about it. I have had no results for years! Exercise like crazy, balanced diet & I'm always worn out, depressed & can't lose weight. So I'm hoping this new 200 mcg they gave me will work
Is it true dosage for synthroid based on weight? Will I finally get results finally since this Dr?
Question posted by pupmom on 2 Aug 2013
Last updated on 21 May 2015
Added 4 Aug 2013:
I was puzzled because the Dr had pulled out a calculator and explained that a formula was used with my weight & a number from the lab. That was how they figured it. Just wanted to cladify .
5 Answers
DemoninDC
13 Aug 2013
Yes. The initial amount of synthroid to take per day is calculated by your weight and how many times a day your doctor want you to take the drug. Typically you only take a pill every 24 hours. Adjustments are typically made every 4-6 weeks in 25 mcg increments if you are not responding (you feel cold all the time) or your tests come back low.
kaismama
13 Aug 2013
Where are you getting the expertise to say that. The fact that someone is overweight can mean they are hypothyroid but it does not determine dosing of synthroid.
jramonell
13 Aug 2013
That's not at all how my endocrinologist determined my dose. He started me at a low dose (taken every morning, at least 30 min prior to food). He adjusted my dose based on TSH and Free T4. He ran the labs every other week at first, then every 6 weeks, now every 6 months. Again, my weight may have been a factor at first but all following adjustments were made strictly on lab results. My cold intolerance went away when he found the right dose but the dose was ultimately determined by labs.
pupmom
24 Aug 2013
Ok was curious. I have been to a dietitian with my husband (he's diabetic) and discussed diet. My caloric intake and diet was actually one of the better she'd seen. Thanks for your input!
pupmom
24 Aug 2013
Ok was curious. I have been to a dietitian with my husband (he's diabetic) and discussed diet. My caloric intake and diet was actually one of the better she'd seen. Thanks for your input!
endlessPred
4 Aug 2013
Metabolism is about weight not the thyroid medication. As Kaismama said, it is about TSH to determine what to take.
Weight will be gained if one is too hyper and hungry and using energy too fast. We eat too much. It can do the exact opposite for weight gain for another person who becomes too hyper and bust to eat. Weight will be gained if lethargic. Some over eat, some don't bother to eat.
Even with medications that say there may be weight gain, they are not saying one will gain fifty pounds or more. They are saying five to fifteen max, which is generally water weight.
It is how our mind works and our habits which dictate weight. Too many want to blame something. Not saying you are, by the way. Diet is the culprit. Just like with diabetes, if one is careful and goes by the rules, no weight gain. If ignored and sugars aren't controlled, weight gain. Think through what you do. There will be an answer.
I would suggest that you see a dietician and take a look at your diet. By tweaking it a bit you will be able to shave something out that will get you going again. We all need a bit of help and it is quite an eye opener to go through their education. I believe you can be fine and readjust your metabolism.
jramonell
5 Aug 2013
Well said. I was able to lose 25 pounds when I worked at it. It's all about getting on the correct path. Don't let anyone tell you that weight loss is impossible with this disease but do follow the advice of professionals. If you're not able to get through the "laziness" you might also consider being evaluated for depression. I know several people who went through it after diagnosis. It's quite common.
Jan5
11 Aug 2013
If I were you I would want to test every month to make sure the right Amt is in body. After 3-4 months you should be stable & weight can begin to be worked on.
angilalana
27 Dec 2013
There's a big difference between weight loss and fat loss.
The best way to lose weight is really quite simple - combine a fat loss nutrition plan with a fat loss exercise routine best way to lose weight
Jbabycake
21 May 2015
I have battled all my life with a hypothyroid , even though I watch what I eat and I put in tremendous time at the gym it does nothing for my weight at all and it really never has when my thyroid is struggling to be normal , I've been on an off medications throughout the late 17 years and I've always had trouble now matter how active I am. Right now I get up at 5 am and do the gym for an hour an a half 3 + times a week, I make sure my step count is at least 10,000 daily and that's not including the gym. And I eat a well balanced well rounded diet with calorie counting most days . So sometimes it is really a thyroid issue!
jramonell
4 Aug 2013
I'm sure weight is a factor but your lab results are by far the biggest factor. Be careful not to take more than your recommended dosage. It will just damage your heart and put you at higher risk for losing your thyroid.
I've had a lot of fatigue and difficulty loosing weight since my thyroid problems began, too. I'm 5'8 and easily maintained 125 lbs until I developed hashimoto's with hypothyroidism. I now weigh much more. I eat 1200-1300 calories/day and workout (swim) 4-5 days/week just to maintain this awful weight. You CAN loose weight, though. I've found that a diet of 1000-1100 calories/day (with exercise) takes off a couple of pounds a week. Good luck!!
kaismama
3 Aug 2013
The dosage is determined by lab studies, mostly your TSH.
smileyhappy
3 Aug 2013
Hi pupmom,
Yes, weight has a factor in it. But I have had no weight loss since I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and also had cancer and had my thyroid out now. So that is worse with no thyroid. It controls your metabolism so it is hard to get weight off for some of us. By the way if you start to feel like you are getting anxiety and racing heart it is because the mcg is too high for you.
Good luck,
Related topics
synthroid, hashimoto's disease, hypothyroidism, weight, dosage, diet, exercise
Further information
- Synthroid uses and safety info
- Synthroid prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Synthroid (detailed)
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