Underactive thyroid - how long go the drugs to take effect?

[Tricycletops]

My GP started me on 50mcg of thyroxine 2 weeks ago. I feel a bit better in terms of tiredness and misery, but I'm seeing no effect on the weight gain - I've put on 2kg despite eating 1250 kcal a day and exercising - and I was wondering how long anybody else took to get their weight back under control? I suppose it probably depends on how long it takes your thyroid levels to rebuild, but I have no idea how long that might be...

I started on same dose 4 weeks ago. Feel much better in general but no weight loss. Wasn't expecting it tbh. I think it takes a while to have an effect on you metabolism. But I guess the main point is that you feel more active, so you ARE more active...then you lose weight hopefully! Good luck x

I started on 25mcg last sept, and I'm now on 100mcg, but I still think I'm undermedicated. I'm hoping the consultant puts the dose up next time I see him. I feel so much better than I did, but still not myself.

Cheers Crystal, here's hoping! therein, one of my mum's friends' daughters () is on 175mcg so higher doses do exist - I hope you can get it increased.

Takes 6 weeks for levels to stabilise - you might still be under-replaced even if you feel less tired. I take 100mcg a day but felt much better even taking 25mcg when I first started. Insist on blood tests every 6 weeks and increasing dose until TSH under 2.

Didn't lose weight without proper dieting ....

Thanks forever, I've to book a follow-up in about four weeks so hopefully if things haven't improved by then the GP will up the dose. I am proper dieting, but getting a little frustrated with the total lack of results...

9 years after diagnosis, and have still found it impossible to lose weight. Recommended dose according to US research is 1mcg per lb of body weight.

Interesting re dose - I am 120lb and take 100mcg a day.

Although I gained a few pounds when I was diagnosed I don't think the condition for me affects weight loss.

I've been on 25mcg for over 5 years and still feel tired, lethargic etc. I am losing the weight but do have to work harder than others. It is a constant battle!

I'm on 175mcg. I started on 100mcg. I felt better in about a week, but to be honest it never had any effect on my weight. Sorry.

Just read the 1mcg/ilb theory. I should be on loads more then! Surely it depends also on whether your thyroid has packed up completely or is just a bit crap?

I am not sure if taking thyroxine/normal TSH will mean you actually lose weight. Obviously you have put it on because your metabolism was slow. Once you get it stabilised your metabolism should go back to normal, so dieting should be easier. But I think the only way thyroid/thyroxine would equate to loosing weight would be if it was overactive.

However, it does mean it is possible to lose the weight once you get stablised, just need to use the boring traditional methods, and give it a bit longer before you start worrying about it.