Unexplainable Weight Gain and GI Symptoms with Hashimoto's

Posted by fishe276 @fishe276, Oct 4, 2023

After 10 years of struggling to find answers for my GI symptoms and sudden consistent weight gain (100+ lbs), my Dr and I have run out of ideas to explore...

Personal Info:
22 year old female. Currently taking 125 Mcg levothyroxine (Hashimoto's) , 100 mg Zoloft (Anxiety)

Medical Background:
At age 1 I was diagnosed with several severe food allergies (peanuts, tree nuts, bees, dairy, barley) and eventually outgrew all but the peanut and tree nut allergies. Diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease at age 10. Started Synthroid . Have always had irregular menstrual cycles +/- severe cramping and heavy bleeding, in 6th grade was diagnosed with PCOS (at age 16 I was undiagnosed with PCOS by a different Dr.). Around 6th grade severe GI issues began to emerge leading to cramping and severe diarrhea after meals, sometimes not even allowing me to finish eating. I absolutely cannot "hold it". At age 17 I had a colonoscopy and biopsies taken which revealed no obvious causes for the GI symptoms. During college (sophomore-senior year) I gained over 100 lbs even while maintaining an active lifestyle walking/biking and working a manual labor type farm job and occasionally going to the gym. This weight gain was initially blamed on starting antidepressant medication (Prozac) but did not subside when medication was switched and/or no longer used. 2 nutritionists stated my diet was not to blame for the weight gain either. In addition, GI symptoms are now even more prominent and include frequent heartburn. I have gone through several elimination diets to narrow down possible food causes of these symptoms, none so far have brought much (if any) relief. So far I have avoided gluten, dairy, cane sugar, processed sugars with no success. I have been tested several times for Cushing's (negative results) and my thyroid panel is within my normal range.

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novakp52 | @novakp52 | Jun 30, 2024

Soy was the first eliminated because it was in my candy’s that I have eaten forever. It was the in all of them. Soy lithium is a preservative and found in a lot of processed foods.
Then a waitress in New Mexico ask if I had Hashimoto when I told her I was soy and gluten sensitivity. Made sense after looking into it.
It was not easy finding it out. A lot was try, reaction, eliminate it. It is a struggle finding out.
Night shadow foods can also have reactions sometimes. Check that out. It is hard to figure out but you are your best detective in finding the base problem. It is not easy but will help. When you find it you will know and fill so much better. Harder to enjoy but you can adapt. Restaurant are getting best in the Midwest. While if out west it is great on how they are more aware of what is happening.

fluffy56 | @fluffy56 | Jun 30, 2024

I have diabetes insipidis.. Had many tests but nothing has arisen as to a cause. Anyone else experiencing this..?

gigi4 | @gigi4 | Jun 30, 2024

I have Hashimoto's and it can cause GI issues from what I've learned. I am also on Liothyronine (cytomel) along my Levothyroxine.
However, there are many CAUSES for GI symptoms. Have you been tested for SIBO - small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a fungus, parasites, yeast, and mold? It is highly important to look for the CAUSE of your symptoms, not just treat the symptoms. Find a doctor that can test you for these.
It has been a game changer for me.
Best to you.

marquis113 | @marquis113 | Jun 30, 2024

In reply to @becsbuddy "@novakp52 you certainly have something going on, but I don’t know if it’s Hashimoto’s. Your doctors..." + (show)

Tested for thyroperoxidase AB? That is how I found I had hashimotos. This was high but the and free T4 were normal. The fatigue was better but weight will not go down on synthroid

sommerreign | @sommerreign | Jul 5, 2024

In reply to @fluffy56 "I have diabetes insipidis.. Had many tests but nothing has arisen as to a cause. Anyone..." + (show)

I have it too.
It’s not the kidney kind, it’s central inciptius.
Don’t know about you, but I’m in a constant state of dehydration, no matter how much water I drink, that was a symptom that led to the diagnosis.
But the last test at Mayo, was going to be a Water Depravation test, which is done in the hospital overnight. That way they can take blood intermittently & see how high or low your sodium. Potassium calcium etc go & how the kidneys are working without water intake. You are ten given a little water to see if it’s absorbed or dumped right out. That could be the reason one must visit the restroom every 1/2 hour to hour, 24 hours a day.
But….I couldn’t imagine not having water. I have water with me 24/7 to take sips but having no water for hours, would be horrible, I told the MD figure out another way.
I do have DI and take Desmopressin to stop the chronic thirst & gives me a few hours between restroom breaks, so. now I can sleep !

sommerreign | @sommerreign | Jul 5, 2024

In reply to @sommerreign "I have it too. It’s not the kidney kind, it’s central inciptius. Don’t know about you,..." + (show)

The cause was not enough vasopressin made in my body to hold water or my body can’t regulate the vasopressin hormone & that’s why I have excessive thirst & bathroom visits are or were 1/2 to 1 hour apart until I started taking the Dessmopressin !
To sleep through the night without a bathroom break hourly is a God send!

sommerreign | @sommerreign | Jul 5, 2024

In reply to @sommerreign "The cause was not enough vasopressin made in my body to hold water or my body..." + (show)

At least that’s how I understand it ~

marshalg | @marshalg | May 22 11:13am

In reply to @astaingegerdm "@fishe276 Welcome to Mayo Connect! I’m sorry to hear what you have been through since age..." + (show)

I got diagnosed with Hypothyroid in 1998, My meds has been changed so much with brands and dosages. No other test was done till 2024 and I was told I have Hashimoto's, My weight has gone from 174 to 215 at 5ft tall, I then had Gastro Sleeve surgery 6 years ago got down to 165 Yeahhhh and kept the weight off, The I decided to do Liposuction to my Hips and Thighs (weight has not return to these areas) , Weight gain again Errrrr, I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago now I am at 198. Plus I was only see a regular doctor not a specialist. Now I have a Endocrinology but still wont help me figure out what is causing so much weight gain. I watch what I eat, make sure I eat small amounts, Dont eat late at night nothing past 6pm most of the time and defiantly nothing after 7pm. I also have GI issues No gallbladder doesn't help but once I had colon issues I now have a and Gastroenterology specialist. I have problems when I eat and it doesnt matter what I eat I either have to run to bathroom or pain or indigestion really bad. I asked for help but I get you need to watch what you eat, exercise blahhh blahhh blahh, I do all of this and I am still gaining. What else can I do???? Lost and I do get depressed over it.

marshalg | @marshalg | May 22 11:21am

In reply to @marshalg "I got diagnosed with Hypothyroid in 1998, My meds has been changed so much with brands..." + (show)

I forgot to put I have been on Levothyroxine for a long time.

marshalg | @marshalg | May 22 11:30am

In reply to @marshalg "I forgot to put I have been on Levothyroxine for a long time." + (show)

Here is something else I forgot to add that I have thyroid nodules, I lose lots of hair, Thankfully I have thick hair. Dry Skin, Always drinking and dont feel like its not enough at times. I have this lump on my neck that swells sometimes, They did test but dont seem to be concerned.