Does hypothyroidism make weight loss difficult?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 51 years old woman and I have trouble losing weight. I have more cellulite and constantly get tired. I have a busy, hectic work life, but I do try to exercise. I also have a lot of water retention and lots of bloating. I have flatulence with stomach swelling. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, but the medicine Synthroid 80 mg does not help. I eat a balanced meal but do not sleep enough (very light sleeper). Water retention worsens close to periods but is still present all the time. Currently, I am taking Synthroid 75 mg, Cytimel 5 mcg, Fluoxetine 10 mg, and Vyvanse 10 mg.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

First, the thyroid condition you have may cause the symptoms. Second, water retention and the symptoms can be a part of taking the medication Fluoxetine. Therefore, I recommend stopping the medicine. Abdominal distension, if associated with nausea and related to food intake, may suggest severe gastritis.

Water retention could be due to the following:

Cardiac problem.
Heart problem.
Lack of blood protein.
Too much stress.
Lack of sleep (cause of weight gain).

So, I recommend the following investigations:

1. Testing the thyroid profile again, along with thyroglobulin.

2. Vitamin D test.

3. Getting an endoscopy.

4. Kidney function test with albumin and protein.

5. Echocardiography.

My advice:

1. Take a tablet of Pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily on an empty stomach after consulting your specialist doctor.

2. Practice yoga and meditation.

3. Listen to some soft music before sleeping.

4. Continue thyroid medications for the time being.

Kindly revert back with the test reports.

Thank you.