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What Does Unintended Weight Loss Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Dec 2016
Question: I have lost almost 50 lbs. in 2 1/2 months. I have had ultrasound, x rays, and a ct scan is pending next week. Have just taken blood test t3 t4 and three others. The x rays and ultra sounds were negative. Dr. wants to make sure its not my thyroid. What do you think?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Elona (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes,hyperthyroidism can be the culpit.

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question.
I can understand your concern

Weight loss is a sign of hyperthyroidism.
When you have hyperthyroidism, your body is producing excessive amounts of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Since these hormones regulate your metabolism (how your body processes and uses energy), having too high a level will cause symptoms related to a high metabolism.

The thyroid tests TSH , T3 , T4 will give important information about the actual thyroid function and will be helpful for the definitive diagnose.

In my opinion, hyperthyroidism is a potential good diagnose that can explain your actual condition.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any doubts then feel free to ask me.
Thank you for using HCM.
Wish you good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Elona (19 days later)
Dr.

Because of my weight loss, 50 lbs. in two months, I have done the ct scans, x-rays, and ultra sounds, and blood testing the t3, t4, and others, all have been negative. I am convinced that anxiety and depression have been the reason for all this. Currently taking medication, for anxiety, which I hate to take, I have lost a lot of muscle weight, but currently started exercising, taking vitamins, eating healthier and I seem to be getting better. I have a long way to go though. I still don't know the root cause. Maybe it was anxiety with depression. May take holistic approach. I really appreciate your personal interest. That means more than you realize, honestly. You care. That's the problem these days, not to many doctors care any more. Your in the office and then your out. This pill will fix it. Very sad! I would really appreciate a response Dr. at this e-mail address. Thank you for your concern! I still weigh 229 lbs. Have lost any or gained.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Elona (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Unexplained weight loss is something that always deserves a doctor's visit.

Detailed Answer:
dear user

There are several factors that cause this weight loss to occur.Thyroid disorders, HIV, some cancers, and diabetes are all potential causes of weight loss.

You have normal thyroid hormon levels,this means that you don't have hyperthyroidism and at the other side the normal results of all investigations you have done inicate that probably you don't have an organic cause for your weight loss.

But weight loss may also be the result of anxiety. Lack of Eating The most likely reason that those with anxiety lose weight is a disinterest in food.
This is very common in those with depression, but plays a role with anxiety as well. When you have intense anxiety you start to lose your appetite.

In fact, inactivity is one of the most common mistakes for those living with anxiety symptoms. Exercise reduces muscle tension, releases neurotransmitters that boost mood, burn away stress hormone, and help your body function properly - all of which are important for living with anxiety. Those that don't exercise become more prone to developing anxiety, which is why many with anxiety have weight management issues.

Treating weight loss isn't necessarily related to anxiety itself. You simply need to make sure you're eating, talk to a doctor to rule out other symptoms, and keep exercising to ensure that you're promoting good health.

My adice is to meet a psychiatrist in your area and discuss with him about the best way(s) to treat your anxiety permanently.

Anyway if you have other doubts ask me a direct question and i will be happy to help.
Hope my information is helpful for you.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Elona (4 hours later)
Dr. my anxiety I'm sure did contribute to my weight loss. the difference is I didn't lose my appetite in fact I still eat 3 times a day. I'm down to 228 but now my weight has stabilized so far. I'm currently going through physical rehab to get me moving again.. Back two months ago I did change my diet to lose weight so I ate better. I still do. Yes I thought cancer was a possibility but everything was negative, yes I thought it was my thyroid but Now I will be getting a colonoscopy and endoscopy next month.My last colonoscopy was about 6 yrs ago. I just think maybe with exercise that I can get some weight back. My counselor has helped also. This case must be hard to diagnose but I don't know what this could be. please I respect your advise Dr. so if you suspect something else, please let me know. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Elona (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The treatement of anxiety will treate even your weight loss.

Detailed Answer:
dear XXXXXXX

Unintentional weight loss could be a sign of serious illness or disease, or it could be something as minor as a stomach virus.
However,you should know that even short-term illnesses such as influenza or the common cold can also cause weight loss due to abdominal discomfort.

Common causes of unintentional weight loss include depression, diarrhea, oral ulcers, and viral infections, such as the common cold, that can affect appetite.
And as we discuss earlier, other conditions like cancer, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), abdominal infection, gastroenteritis, dementia, celiac disease, and HIV or AIDS are potential causes of weight loss.

last think I have to say is that the physical rehab and the healthy diet will help you with your weight issue.
Anyway you are 228 lbs or 103.4 kg,this means that you are overweight and your actual weight loss will help you to reach a healthy weight.

Don't worry,i m sure that the cause of your weight loss is not a life threating condition ,but is the depresion and your actual anxiety And this symptom will disappear with the right treatement of these conditions.

Wish you a very good health.
Regards.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Elona

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 941 Questions

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What Does Unintended Weight Loss Indicate?

Brief Answer: Yes,hyperthyroidism can be the culpit. Detailed Answer: Hi dear, I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern Weight loss is a sign of hyperthyroidism. When you have hyperthyroidism, your body is producing excessive amounts of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Since these hormones regulate your metabolism (how your body processes and uses energy), having too high a level will cause symptoms related to a high metabolism. The thyroid tests TSH , T3 , T4 will give important information about the actual thyroid function and will be helpful for the definitive diagnose. In my opinion, hyperthyroidism is a potential good diagnose that can explain your actual condition. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any doubts then feel free to ask me. Thank you for using HCM. Wish you good health