Did you know that the thyroid has a relationship with your digestion? When the thyroid gland is imbalanced it can result in digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), among other things.
Weight gain
Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.
The thyroid gland may be painful and swollen for weeks or, in rare cases, months.
How much weight can I expect to lose once the hypothyroidism is treated? Since much of the weight gain in hypothyroidism is accumulation in salt and water, when the hypothyroidism is treated one can expect a small (usually less than 10% of body weight) weight loss.
Generally, people begin to notice weight loss about three to six months after hitting a therapeutic dose of their medication. People lose about five to ten pounds on thyroid medication or less than 10% of their body weight.
When you start taking thyroid medication like levothyroxine, don't expect instant weight loss. The first barrier is getting the right dose of thyroid medication. Once you have reached your ideal dose, you may notice some weight loss after around three to six months of continuous use.
The FDA currently has set recommended daily allowance for iodine at 150 micrograms, which is efficient enough to eliminate goiters that are prevalent in iodine-deficient areas. Foods high in iodine include seaweed, yogurt, baked potatoes and cranberries. You can also look into iodine supplements.
Thyroid hormone medication (L-thyroxine)
This synthetic form of thyroid hormone can help to shrink an enlarged thyroid and treat an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroid symptoms usually start to improve within the first week of starting the medication, and disappear within a few months.
Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, which both help decrease inflammation. Bake salmon, cod, sea bass, haddock, or perch for lunch or dinner to get a healthy dose of Omega-3s and selenium. Dairy products like yogurt, ice cream, and milk contain iodine.
The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. If you get a bloated stomach after eating, it may be a digestive issue. It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up.
An overactive thyroid can also cause the following physical signs including: a swelling in your neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) an irregular and/or unusually fast heart rate (palpitations) twitching or tremor.
If hypothyroidism is not treated, it can lead to various complications, such as : Goiter: The lack of thyroid hormone causes constant stimulation of the thyroid gland that eventually leads to its enlargement. This is called a goiter. Goiter can cause cosmetic concerns and affect breathing and swallowing.
Treatment is usually bed rest and aspirin to reduce inflammation of a sore thyroid. Occasionally prednisone (a steroid, which reduces inflammation) and thyroid hormone (to “rest” the thyroid gland) may be used in prolonged cases.
Although most thyroid nodules are noncancerous and don't cause problems, ask your doctor to evaluate any unusual swelling in your neck, especially if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. It's important to evaluate the possibility of cancer.
Many people do not take the right dosage of levothyroxine, and both undertreatment and overtreatment can have an effect on weight. Levothyroxine weight gain may be tied to undertreatment, according to the ATA.
Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism, making it more difficult to lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy body weight.
Thyroid hormones, including levothyroxine, should not be used for weight loss or to treat obesity. Taking doses that are higher than recommended can lead to serious or even life threatening effects.
In most cases, levothyroxine causes some weight loss. According to the American Thyroid Association, when this medication is started, you may lose up to 10% of your weight. This weight is mainly water weight, since being hypothyroid makes you retain water. Levothyroxine is a medication to treat hypothyroidism.
As with most medications, if you've gained or lost weight, you may need to adjust the dose of your thyroid medication. Your provider will calculate how much to add or take away based on your weight change and monitor how well you do with the new dosage.
You should start to feel better a few days after you begin taking medicine. But it may take a few months for your thyroid hormone levels to get back to normal. If your levels get better, but you still have symptoms like fatigue and weight gain, your doctor may need to change your treatment.