Question:
Can bioidentical hormones cause weight gain?

I had RNY surgery in 2008. Lost 85 lb. Hypo thyroid, went on synthroid. Menopausal symptoms began, started testosterone implants and 75 ml progesterone caps for hot flashes and severe night sweats. I've been doing this for 7 months. I'm hungry, tired and gained 20lb. do I need to get off the progesterone? TSH is 2.?. I am soo disgusted with the weight gain!    — Spirit13 (posted on May 2, 2011)

May 2, 2011
research getting off synthroid and getting on Armour or the Canadian version - Erfa; I'm in Texas and my doc RX's Erfa for me and it's cheaper than Armour. You can find some great info from some of the Yahoo groups that deal with Armour. Synthroid is being pushed by Big Pharma so you have to hunt for a doctor that will work with you. start here: http://thyroid.about.com/ and learn as much as you can. Many folks gain weight on synthroid. If the meds are working correct you will not gain weight when you are hypo. Your tsh needs to be closer to 1 or below...not a 2! Cheers
   — texastreat

May 2, 2011
I guess the simple answer is the medication alone doesn't but the side effects of hunger can. As far as the synthroid, I don't know what to tell you, but for the hot flashes, I take a natural hormone replacement called estradiol, it is not as harsh on the body as the one you are on. You still need a prescription for it, but after my hysterectomy, I was thrown into menopause and this worked wonderfully for me, and no weight gain. So Yes, I would talk to your Doc about switching from Progesterone to Estradial, and give it a try. Don't give up. Your tool is with you from now on. It will work for you. If your tired, bump up that protein and water, and make yourself move. Also, have your blood levels checked just to make sure your not anemic, which can cause major fatique. Good luck to ya!!
   — lesleigh07

May 3, 2011
I insisted that I switch from synthroid to armour thyroid meds and then it got to where the pharmacy couldn't get them, so had to switch back to synthroid. I'd go to an internist and have everything checked out. All this sounds like low thyroid to me - are you also cold? Have chipped nails? losing eyebrow hairs? rough skin?
   — Betty Todd