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Overdosing on Eltroxin to lose weight
Hi, I am a 37 year old male. My thyriod stopped working about 6 years ago. Only diagnosed after 3 years and 135 KG later. My heart rate is about 120 (resting), my cholesterol is excellent, blood pressure average and i do cage fighting for fitness.
I cannot lose weight (even with prescribed medication), so i decided to overdose on Eltroxin (about double (5 micrograms) my daily dose (2.5 micrograms prescribed by GP).
I haven' t had heart flutters (palpitations) or chest pains & have lost at least 5 kg in 3 months. Lost a total of 13 KG since jan ' 08.
What, if any, are the long term ramifications if i continue on this course of action ?
I cannot lose weight (even with prescribed medication), so i decided to overdose on Eltroxin (about double (5 micrograms) my daily dose (2.5 micrograms prescribed by GP).
I haven' t had heart flutters (palpitations) or chest pains & have lost at least 5 kg in 3 months. Lost a total of 13 KG since jan ' 08.
What, if any, are the long term ramifications if i continue on this course of action ?
Dear Peter T
It is extremely dangerous to overdose on thyroid hormone replacement therapy because the thyroid is the one gland that controls all the body processes. Please for your own sake see an Endocrinologist (a medical dr who has specialised in hormone imbalances) - get your gp to refer you. Tell the Endocrinologist that you struggle to lose weight and that you have increased your Eltroxin to 5 micrograms/day and that this has caused a 13 kg weightloss since January. The dr will have to test what your thyroid hormone levels are doing and then assist you to find the correct dosage which will make your metabolism function properly without causing harm (angina, palpitations, sweating, popping eyes, etc). Once you have seen the Endocrinologist and your correct dosage of Eltroxin has been determined and your thyroid hormone levels have returned to normal (this can take up to 3 months) then I would recommend that you also consult a clinical dietitian (visit the Association for Dietetics in SA Website at: www.adsa.org.za and click on "Find a Dietitian" to find a dietitian in your area) to assist you with a weightloss diet. When and If the Endocrinologist gives permission you can also start doing some regular exercise, but please do NOT exercise until your thyroid levels are normal again (you could cause heart failure).
Get some expert advice before you do irreparable damage to your health.
Take care
DietDoc
It is extremely dangerous to overdose on thyroid hormone replacement therapy because the thyroid is the one gland that controls all the body processes. Please for your own sake see an Endocrinologist (a medical dr who has specialised in hormone imbalances) - get your gp to refer you. Tell the Endocrinologist that you struggle to lose weight and that you have increased your Eltroxin to 5 micrograms/day and that this has caused a 13 kg weightloss since January. The dr will have to test what your thyroid hormone levels are doing and then assist you to find the correct dosage which will make your metabolism function properly without causing harm (angina, palpitations, sweating, popping eyes, etc). Once you have seen the Endocrinologist and your correct dosage of Eltroxin has been determined and your thyroid hormone levels have returned to normal (this can take up to 3 months) then I would recommend that you also consult a clinical dietitian (visit the Association for Dietetics in SA Website at: www.adsa.org.za and click on "Find a Dietitian" to find a dietitian in your area) to assist you with a weightloss diet. When and If the Endocrinologist gives permission you can also start doing some regular exercise, but please do NOT exercise until your thyroid levels are normal again (you could cause heart failure).
Get some expert advice before you do irreparable damage to your health.
Take care
DietDoc
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