Is Thyroid Disorder One Of The Reasons For Weight Gain?

Posted on Mon, 2 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 Dec 2013 Answered on

Thu, 26 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a historecktomy?? in 2005 and never used any hormone replacement and now I am having problems with weight gain. My mother was obese and I am scared that I am heading in the same direction. My mother also had thyroid disorder. I was told to look into a endocrinologist. I am always tired and just have no energy.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Check thyroid Detailed Answer: Please get the following tests done: CBC CMP TSH Free T4 TPO antibodies Thyroglobulin antibodies This will help rule out a thyroid condition. If the tests reveal an under active thyroid, it could explain your weight gain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (8 minutes later)

Are any of these tests to check my hormones?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: TSH and free T4 will ascertain your thyroid status. IGF1 and midnight salivary cortisol are two more hormonal tests to see if you have endocrine causes of weight gain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (17 hours later)

What should the results be for the tests that you are suggesting? I heard that there are new numbers for the thyroid test but need to hear it from you what they should be. Thank you so much!!

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Thyroid Detailed Answer: TSH 0.4 to 3.5 Free T4 depending on the particular lab range However, this is a very complex field and considerable expertise is required to interpret the values. It is not just a matter of numbers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar