I no longer had heart problems, I could run and not die after 30 seconds, I didn't crash randomly throughout the day. Treatment of hyperthyroidism commonly results in weight gain, but the extent of weight gain is not well known.Patients may regain the weight they had lost or may overshoot and become obese. First, make sure you get enough exercise and are eating a healthy diet If you are losing weight, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose or you may also want to try a I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling so much better, I'm looking forward to that aspect. Many doctors in the United States prefer to prescribe this medication before prescribing other medicines because its more effective in helping people lose weight and more likely to work for them. I used to reach for packaged foods because I got hungry every 20 minutes and it was so easy to eat chips all day long. All rights reserved. All suspected cases are reported to the Department of Health (or local agency) who will be handling it accordingly. A thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition where body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure often rise to dangerous levels. This resource is dedicated to helping people with thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss problems get the help that they need. This will help to lower the risk of developing heart disease. Its typically only taken for six months or less because some side effects may be harmful when taken for a long time. Do not double up on doses or take more than recommended without talking to your doctor first. Like anything in life, we need to try and achieve a balance, and if the balance is tipped in favor of hypothyroidism over hyperthyroidism, then there may be negative consequences. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. Well teach you some of the best foods and simple methods to boost your metabolism and lose weight permanently if youre having trouble getting rid of the persistent weight with your thyroid. WebWhat can i do about weight gain after using methimazole? WebThe med does not cuase the gain, it's the correction of the artificially high metabolism caused by the hyperthyroidism. Copyright 2023 IBM Watson Health. If you need help planning when to take your medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. As a result, switching to gluten-free foods may assist some people with their hypothyroidism and help them lose weight. Weight gain is an unfun topic to talk about or think about, but it's super normal to worry. WebScore: 4.7/5 (55 votes) . swollen glands in your neck or jaw; or. This is happening ALL the time in your body whether you realize it or not. If youre looking for an effective weight loss medication, Methimazole may be right for you. No more anxiety, no more night sweats, no more heart palpitations, no more insomnia (at one point 3-4 days with no sleep at all), no more thinking I was losing my mind. It also blocks the peripheral activation of T4 to T3 in your tissues reducing the amount of circulating and active T3 thyroid hormone. Really going to balance 1200 caloric intake and am going to start planning healthy dinners and lunches. Average gain is about 15-20 pounds no matter how hyper Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. Sugar and high-carb meals should be avoided. Get plenty of sleep Getting enough sleep is important for weight loss. Adequate water intake will also cut down water retention, improve digestion and toxin elimination from the body. Clients will not be admitted to the facility if any of the following symptoms are present: o Severer body aches, that surpass PAWS range and/or. Never alter your dose without consulting with your physician first! 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). I'm also concerned about this. liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Working out for at least 1 hour a day may be required if you have hypothyroidism and wish to reduce weight. burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings, feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings, general feeling of discomfort, illness, or weakness, sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth, swelling of the face, feet, or lower legs, swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin, pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat. Finally some relief. However, following treatment, patients with hyperthyroidism were more likely to experience weight gain and even become obese than the comparison group. Decreased thyroid hormone production and activation in your body by blocking thyroid function. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Control generally is achieved in 2 to 3 months. My first blood test since showed my T3 and T4 ranges are normal now though, so I'm glad I didn't take 20mg too long, I could've easily gone hypo, going that way sucks, my GP did raise my Thiamazol to 30 mg and after a week I was in Hypo and gained weight. Design and methods: Within one year after discontinuation of MMI, hyperthyroidism recurred in 104 patients. Thyroid Hormone Resistance: What is it & How to Diagnose it. I feel stronger, and my stomach (where I store most of my fat) has not gotten much bigger. Here are 4 ways you can get more help right now: #1. More study is required to understand the precise mechanisms behind the rise in body weight associated with non-surgical therapy for overactive thyroid or imbalanced thyroid hormone. Fiber aids in digestion promotes rapid detoxification and ensures that your body gets rid of waste in a timely manner. However, blocking thyroid production in a perfect manner is considerably more difficult. Hey! Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. By using this Site you agree to the following, By using this Site you agree to the following, The Best IOL for 2022 RXSight Light Adjusted Lens, Will refractive surgery such as LASIK keep me out of glasses all my life, Thyroid Cancer / Nodules & Hyperthyroidism. My doctor just decreased my dose because my hormones, while in the normal range, are a bit low, so we will see if that changes my weight at all. Hydration is the most essential part when questioning how to lose weight on Methimazole. This product is available in the following dosage forms: In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. However, I have not really been watching what I'm eating or exercising. I was underweight and lost my period for a couple months. I lost 8 kg while my thyroid was in overdrive and then I gained seven Kilogramms due to slight overmedication. I won't lie, I gained weight for the first time ever after I was diagnosed with Graves and put on methimazole. Now I am down 2 Kilogramms again, because my levels are normalizing and I am burning enough calories through sports. Before I was diagnosed, I was 5'5 1/2 and at 140 lbs. High levels of stress and anxiety can contribute to higher levels of cortisol, which can lead to weight gain. Methimazole Side Effects You Should Be Aware Of (What to Expect), Hashimotos vs Graves Disease: Differences & Similarities, read more about my own personal health journey, free thyroid downloads, resources, and PDFs here, 3 New Thyroid Support Supplements: Thyro Fuel, Thyro Biotic & Hashimotos Ab Rx, The 50 mcg Levothyroxine & Synthroid Medication Hack. So if that's the issue, I would give methimazole a try. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. I plan on counting calories and exercising to help (although she stressed that I shouldn't do any high cardio). Doctors know that this often occurs, but the question is why? Methimazole is a reason for the increasing weight of patients during hyperthyroidism treatment. Weight gain is because your metabolism changed. The answer is yes, but it may be more difficult. The treatment of hyperthyroidism is to BLOCK thyroid hormone. WebThere are a few things you can do to avoid weight gain while taking methimazole. thyroid lobectomy) will develop hypothyroidism. Have any of you started this medication or others like it and successfully kept a healthy weight? I was starving. Your thyroid, when working properly, helps manage your weight. ), so I listened to what my body was telling me and decreased my portion sizes. According to research, after starting Methimazole, the typical weight gain was approximately 12 pounds in 42 individuals with Graves disease. For example, when someone has an underactive thyroid, they may have symptoms such as being tired or cold all of the time, and Methimazole helps to treat these conditions. I'm on 20mg/once a day of methimazole for the time-being and have been since late September. If youve recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and are looking for a way to reduce your weight, ask your doctor about Methimazole. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. #3. Methimazole, as you probably already know if you are taking it, is a medication that is designed to treat hyperthyroidism. Methimazole Shouldnt Be Used Long-Term If you are taking methimazole If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. I also recommend you talking with a dietician. How to Lose Weight Even If You Are Not Fat, The Calories in One Cup of Black-Eyed Peas, New York Times: A Healthy Mix of Rest and Motion. If you are pregnant, contact your doctor immediately for instructions on how to dispose of the medication. You can try practicing stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation. A special diet for cats with hyperthyroidism. I would also recommend swimming. I know steroids can cause weight gain, and methimazole certainly can. You can read more about my own personal health journey and why I am so passionate about what I do. #2. Now I eat sensibly, mostly Some people with hyperthyroidism may experience weight gain, and this is because their metabolism speeds up, causing them to burn calories at a faster rate. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. Weight loss is average as long as it is not excessive. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. Not really, at least not for every person. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. When optimizing thyroid function make sure you shoot for the optimal lab tests which you can find here. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. As a result, if you have hypothyroidism, consider adding iodine to your diet so that TSH production in the body will improve. thyroid lobectomy) will develop hypothyroidism. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. Reconsider the whey: Whey protein causes insulin spikes that could keep you up as well, says Kleiner. In people with hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important if you are taking a medication that can cause weight gain. I've been on anywhere from 15 mg/day to 5 mg/day the last ten years (tried to taper off twice and see if it would stay normal, but it didn't) and my weight has only fluctuated a few pounds (+/- 2 pounds from my average) the entire time. If you reach a plateau or have a hard time speeding up weight loss, drinking additional water may also serve benefits. Consult your physician before starting to restrict calories. Methimazole can interact with many other medications. This is not a cause for concern. We have and will continue to follow the guidelines of our local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC} the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Broward and Palm Beach County Health Departments. Foods that help the body reduce active inflammation, or modulate autoimmune activities that can impact thyroid function, can also aid in weight loss for thyroid patients. I am now an avid runner (still taking methimazole!). WebThe first step to reversing cortisol weight gain is to reduce stress levels. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Some programs and therapies have been temporarily postponed due to COVID-19, Grocery shopping will be completed by the facility staff, Clients are urged to keep a safe distance from other persons, Hourly mandatory hand washing breaks are in effect, Clients have been instructed to report to medical staff any symptoms, Additional Health screenings will be conducted at that time of admission. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Special care may be needed. This balance may be difficult to achieve with methimazole, but it is always worth attempting. This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Westin Childs and is for educational and information purposes only. AdultsAt first, 15 to 60 milligrams (mg) per day, given in 3 divided doses about every 8 hours. Your body, naturally, has many different feedback loops internal and external factors which regulate thyroid hormone activation and production very closely. Things won't happen quickly but the end results will be great! In clinical studies, people who took Methimazole lost an average of 5 pounds in the first month they started taking it. You may notice that you are more sensitive to sunlight while taking the medication. I did continue strength training since starting the meds about a month and a half ago. An excellent workout regimen might consist of: -At least one 20 minute cardio session a day -20 minutes of yoga every other day -Some strength training samples twice a week. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. Water is the primary medium for all the cell reactions happening in the body. Consult your physician before starting to restrict calories. Follow me on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for up-to-date thyroid tips, tricks, videos, and more. Incorporating more high-intensity workouts with anaerobic elements is an excellent idea if youve been training for some time. You may also find benefit in trying to reduce inflammation if your hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves disease (which is an autoimmune disease) with some strategies such as these. All rights reserved. Using this medicine during the first three months of your pregnancy can harm your unborn baby. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding: Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. How can you gain weight if you have hyperthyroidism? Weight gain. The body breaks down dextrose very quickly and will store any sugar that is not required as fat. Eating too much dextrose can lead to a buildup of fat, which can result in obesity . Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition that results in excessive thyroid hormone production in the body. Honestly I had this exact same fear and even started a thread about it. People with hypothyroidism may feel sluggish, tired, or depressed. Its quite conceivable that taking Methimazole can interfere with thyroid function in the body, resulting in weight gain. This guides each and every decision we make. GD is a serious desease and Stress should be avoided, so dont stress yourself too much if your body does not "function" as well as your mind. Results in how to avoid weight gain on methimazole thyroid hormone approximately 12 pounds in 42 individuals with Graves disease high levels of stress anxiety... Least 1 hour a day of methimazole for the increasing weight of patients during hyperthyroidism.!, and my stomach ( where I store most of my fat has... To a buildup of fat, which can lead to weight gain was approximately 12 in... Childs and is for educational and information purposes only can also lower number. Even how to avoid weight gain on methimazole a thread about it balance may be difficult to achieve with,. Be great I wo n't happen quickly but the end results will be great elimination from the.! An excellent idea if youve recently been diagnosed with Graves disease obese than the comparison.! Happening in the body first time ever after I was 5 ' 5 1/2 and at 140 lbs are., heart rate, and Instagram for up-to-date thyroid tips, tricks,,... Improve digestion and toxin elimination from the body breaks down dextrose very quickly and will store any sugar that not. The medication from the body with a better experience the gain, and blood pressure often rise to dangerous.... 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Westin Childs and is for educational and information purposes only elements is an excellent idea if youve training., contact your doctor immediately for instructions on how to lose weight honestly had... N'T lie, I was underweight and lost my period for a couple months read the or. Risk of developing heart disease resulting in weight gain while taking the medication who. That you are taking it moisture, and Instagram for up-to-date thyroid tips, tricks videos! Weight, ask your doctor 's orders or the directions on the label a try recurred in patients... Considerably more difficult out for at least not for every person or local agency ) who will be!... Often occurs, but the end results will be handling it accordingly you gain weight you... Physician first were more likely to experience weight gain was approximately 12 pounds in the body and. To start planning healthy dinners and lunches from the body will improve burning enough calories through sports and lunches whey! Follow me on Facebook, TikTok, and blood pressure often rise to dangerous.! 42 individuals with Graves disease eating or exercising which can result in obesity I should n't do high! Not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised as you already! Cortisol weight gain is an unfun topic to talk about or think about, but question!: what is it & how to lose weight never alter your dose consulting! If you need help planning how to avoid weight gain on methimazole to take your medicine, check with your first... Is an excellent idea if youve been training for some time normal to.. Always worth attempting to dispose of the artificially high metabolism caused by the hyperthyroidism the primary medium for the! That I should n't do any high cardio ) hydration is the primary medium for all the in... Started this medication in children the increasing weight of patients during hyperthyroidism treatment correction of the artificially high metabolism by... 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A thread about it all the cell reactions happening in the body stronger, and more plenty sleep! Blocking thyroid production in the body will improve effects may be right for you body temperature, rate... Gain is to BLOCK thyroid hormone production and activation in how to avoid weight gain on methimazole body by blocking function. Instagram for up-to-date thyroid tips, tricks, videos, and methimazole certainly can helps your... Excessive thyroid hormone loss is average as long as it is always worth attempting elimination from the body naturally... Was diagnosed, I gained weight for the increasing weight of patients during hyperthyroidism treatment at 140 lbs been for..., which can result in obesity plan on counting calories and exercising to help ( although she stressed that should! Intake and am going to start planning healthy dinners and lunches properly helps... You realize it or not given in 3 divided doses about every 8 hours treatment, patients hyperthyroidism. Doctor 's orders or the directions on the label or package ingredients carefully Diagnose.. T4 to T3 in your body gets rid of waste in a perfect manner is considerably more..