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Suggest Treatment For Loss Of Appetite And Weight Loss
Question: Hi I am a 78 yr old woman. I have been steadily losing weight in the last few yrs without even trying. in the last four months I lost 8 lbs.. I have little appetite but do try to eat regularly, just am eating much less. a few years ago I weighed as much as169 lbs and started to lose lbs. I now weigh 139 lbs and my doctor says I have hypothyroid and has put me on low dose of synthroid (generic). do you have an opinion abouthis treatment?
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying. An underactive thyroid such as the type diagnosed by your doctor is typically associated with weight gain, although it does not always do so. The way to classically diagnose 'hypothyroidism' is to check for blood levels of TSH and free T4. The TSH tends to be above normal while the free T4 is either below normal or on the lower side of normal. The treatment for this is Synthroid, provided a correct diagnosis has been made. Unintentional weight loss warrants further testing.
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying. An underactive thyroid such as the type diagnosed by your doctor is typically associated with weight gain, although it does not always do so. The way to classically diagnose 'hypothyroidism' is to check for blood levels of TSH and free T4. The TSH tends to be above normal while the free T4 is either below normal or on the lower side of normal. The treatment for this is Synthroid, provided a correct diagnosis has been made. Unintentional weight loss warrants further testing.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
what follow up testing do you recommend to establish why I am steadily losing weight. its been going on for 2 or 3 years. down from size 16 to 12 in pants. also my skin has gotten wrinkly and sagging. I know I am aging but I always had soft smooth skin, I am of Italian lineage both sides and skin was always good.Thanks for your help. Sincerely, Grace
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I understand your point.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination:
CBC
CMP
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
Lipid panel
HbA1c
TSH
Free T4
Anti TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) antibodies
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
Losing weight significantly without even trying always merits a systematic evaluation such as X ray chest for example.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I understand your point.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination:
CBC
CMP
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
Lipid panel
HbA1c
TSH
Free T4
Anti TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) antibodies
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
Losing weight significantly without even trying always merits a systematic evaluation such as X ray chest for example.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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