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What Causes Rapid Weight Gain And Lethargy?
Question: I am a female, 63 years old, 65" tall, weight 157. I had throid tests done 10 days ago. I have a TSH of .2, free T4 of 1.05 and T3 free of 4.8. Can't lose weight...have gained 30 lbs in 3 years (am 5'5" and weigh 157 lbs, 63 years old). Tired all the time (can take a nap twice a day). On anti-depressants (duloxetine), anti-anxiety (lorazepam 1mg), RLS ropinerole, estrogen gel (TAH at age 28). Have high heart rate (94 to 110). Run around like an ADD kid (can't remember what I walked into a room to do and this goes on all day). Was given .05 Levothyroxine two years ago and have taken it since then. Doesn't help with my lethargy and weight.
Brief Answer:
It's not due to hypothyroidism.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
First of all your symptoms of weight gain, tiredness and lethargy are not related to hypothyroidism as your TSH is now below the normal range and you in fact need to lower the dosage of Levothyroxine.
In fact you already have been consuming Duloxetine and that is a big culprit causing you to gain weight further.
Your symptoms fit into a condition known as Fibromyalgia. You also have associated depression that might be the reason for your weight gain.
You have accept these issues and fight with them instead of implicating hypothyroidism as a cause of your weight gain and lethargy.
I would recommend you to see your doctor and discuss about stopping Duloxetine that is causing you weight gain.
You need to come out of these Anti depressants and estrogen containing medicines if you want to loose weight.
I would highly recommend you Meditation and Yoga for the purpose of mental piece that would immensely help you with Fibromyalgia.
Once you start meditating well then you would yourself be able to live happily without these medicines.
Yes, for a few days in such cases I prefer to use Fluoxetine or Topiramate which are good antidepressants with results in weight loss too.
So Thyroid is not at all the culprit. You need to come out of the web of the medicines you have been taking.
I hope you find the discussion meaning full and may it help you to fight with your issues.
I am open to discuss any further issues or questions in mind you have.
Stay Healthy.
It's not due to hypothyroidism.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
First of all your symptoms of weight gain, tiredness and lethargy are not related to hypothyroidism as your TSH is now below the normal range and you in fact need to lower the dosage of Levothyroxine.
In fact you already have been consuming Duloxetine and that is a big culprit causing you to gain weight further.
Your symptoms fit into a condition known as Fibromyalgia. You also have associated depression that might be the reason for your weight gain.
You have accept these issues and fight with them instead of implicating hypothyroidism as a cause of your weight gain and lethargy.
I would recommend you to see your doctor and discuss about stopping Duloxetine that is causing you weight gain.
You need to come out of these Anti depressants and estrogen containing medicines if you want to loose weight.
I would highly recommend you Meditation and Yoga for the purpose of mental piece that would immensely help you with Fibromyalgia.
Once you start meditating well then you would yourself be able to live happily without these medicines.
Yes, for a few days in such cases I prefer to use Fluoxetine or Topiramate which are good antidepressants with results in weight loss too.
So Thyroid is not at all the culprit. You need to come out of the web of the medicines you have been taking.
I hope you find the discussion meaning full and may it help you to fight with your issues.
I am open to discuss any further issues or questions in mind you have.
Stay Healthy.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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