FREE Thyroid Report & Newsletter

Thyroid and Weight Gain

Some people can gain weight on less than 600 calories per day because their metabolisms are so slow. Weight gain occurs when people take in more calories than they burn. So it’s not just a matter of what people eat, it’s also a matter of how much they’re burning and that can vary tremendously between different people in different circumstances.

Doctors have known for years the connection between thyroid and weight gain, and they have known the connection between thyroid and low body temperature. Unfortunately, few doctors make the obvious and critical connection between temperature and weight gain. The body temperature is probably the most important reading doctors rarely check!

The first thing you can do is to start checking your body temperatures by clicking here: How to measure body temperatures. You can have low body temperatures even if you feel hot all of the time. The best way to check is with a thermometer.

You probably know that the human body has a survival instinct to fight against starvation. During fasting the body’s metabolism slows down as a coping mechanism to starvation. But did you know that the metabolism can remain slow even after the fasting has passed?

Diet after diet, people can find their metabolisms getting slower and slower, often leading them to gain all their weight back and then some! How frustrating!

This appears to happen more easily in patients whose ancestors survived famine, like Irish, American Indian, Scot, Welsh, Russian, and Polish. It’s especially common in people who are part Irish and part American Indian. It makes sense that some people’s metabolisms can slow down in response to starvation more than others. It also makes sense that the people who can slow down the most are the most likely to survive famine. So it’s easy to see why the descendants of famine survivors might be more prone to developing slow metabolisms than others. The more a person’s metabolism can slow down in response to famine, the more easily it can stay slow.

The metabolism is supposed to slow down under conditions of stress (childbirth, divorce, death of a loved one, fasting) but it is supposed to return to normal once the stress has passed but sometimes it doesn’t.

The thyroid system is critical in maintaining a normal metabolic rate. When people have low thyroid gland function their body temperatures drop and their bodies slow down. However, some people’s temperatures can drop even when their thyroid blood tests are completely normal. This is known as Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome. People with Wilsons Temperature Syndrome often recover completely when their temperatures are returned to normal with a special thyroid hormone protocol and their symptoms often remain improved even after the treatment has been discontinued.

Sometimes, people are able to encourage their metabolisms to return to normal with stress reduction, exercise, proper diet, and rest.

There is a vast difference between trying to get to a normal weight with a normal temperature and trying it with a low temperature. With a normal temperature it’s much easier and people are more likely to keep the weight off when they’re finished. With a low temperature people are fighting themselves the whole way and they may actually suppress their temperatures even further which can leave them with a tendency to gain back more than they lost. If it’s a struggle for them to lose weight now, just imagine if it got any worse.

Success Story:

It really is hard to put into words the metamorphosis

[that my husband] Ray has undergone since beginning the [WT3] protocol. He had initially (after months of nagging from me) visited our family doctor with huge weight gain, extreme tiredness, long term fibromyalgia, low body temperature and loss of eye brows, continuous night sweats that soaked the bed, plus grey looking skin and pains all over his body. After doing one set of blood work, she declared he was fine and needed Prozac for “winter blues”. She told him a low body temperature was sometimes normal and nothing to get excited about. He was both dismayed and furious, vowing never to see another mainstream doctor as long as he lived.

But I had been researching on the web about low body temperature and found the Wilson site. It has quite literally saved our lives. My husband is self employed. No work means no pay, no pay means no mortgage payment, and that means homelessness – that simple. We don’t qualify for disability payment or welfare, we are on our own. We were really starting to wonder if we’d have to sell everything.

….[the doctor] prescribed the T3 … and we got started right away. Within 3 days I could see a huge improvement. By the end of the first week, I was falling asleep in the chair at 10 pm and he was still wide awake watching tv – that may sound odd, but I was so used to him falling asleep by 5.30 pm every night, and dozing all evening before going to bed! The other huge change – before starting the protocol he’d been taking OTC painkillers – Motrin, Tylenol etc. all day, every day, for years, just to keep going at work, and drinking pots of coffee just to try and stay awake. One week into the protocol and he’d given up coffee completely and had not needed even one Motrin.

We felt we needed to adhere to the programme with rigid dedication – so we bought a “pill alarm” which proved invaluable, and as the weeks went by the improvements just got better and better. We (or rather I) kept a graph on the computer, plotting his daily temperature reading and what medication levels he was taking that day etc., and we were a bit like excited kids as his temperature climbed nicely to an average of 98.9F. We were nervous to start weaning off, so held the dose for about a week before very slowly coming down, reducing by one pill am/pm every third day.

I see from Ray’s chart we started the meds on 21st February. Its now 10th May. Ray’s weight has dropped from 240+ lbs to just under 210 lbs. He looks wonderful (well I always thought he did but then he is my soul mate) and his eyebrows have started to re-grow. His skin is smooth and soft and glowing. He looks the picture of health, is not grimacing in pain with every movement, he sparkles and has more energy than me! He finished weaning off on 24th April – we did take it very slowly because he was almost terrified he’d slip, and he was worried we might not be able to afford to cycle up all over again. His temperature has hovered around the 98.6 mark, sometimes dipping a little in the morning which causes a bit of a concern, so we’ve just ordered another 200 T3 so he has them as a safety net, just in case.

NO PROZAC REQUIRED, THANK YOU!

I suppose what makes me so angry, and Ray more so, is that he has had to suffer for ten years – ten years of struggling to earn an income, in chronic pain and fatigue, with no idea how to turn things around. We meet many people who say “I’ve got fibromyalgia, I’m on long term disability” and when we direct them to the Wilson’s site, they say nothing can help them. Well I suppose you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink. I just wish our medical doctors would open up their minds and look beyond their pre-set ideas. There are thousands of people who could be leading normal, healthful, productive lives and aren’t because they just don’t know who to turn to or who to believe.

Thanks – a million times over.

Jane H.

The story above shows how achieving a normal body temperature can help people actually feel better while they’re losing weight.

Did you know that a thermometer is actually a molecular speedometer? Temperature is literally a measure of how fast molecules (for example in a liquid or gas) are moving. By definition, the metabolic rate is how fast the molecules in your body are moving and reacting. Quite literally, thermometers measure how fast the molecules in your body are moving. Of course body temperature is important! It’s absolutely critical.

Some people respond well to a prescription T3 medicine protocol (WT3 protocol) to get their temperatures up. You can check our list to see if there is a doctor near you.

You can also the tabs at the top of this page to learn more.

And be sure to sign up for our free weekly newsletter for success stories, news, encouragement, tips, and questions and answers.

About the Author:

Denis Wilson, MD described Wilson 's Temperature Syndrome in 1988 after observing people with symptoms of low thyroid and low body temperature, yet who had normal blood tests. He found that by normalizing their temperatures with T3 (without T4) their symptoms often remained improved even after the treatment was discontinued. He was the first doctor to use sustained-release T3.

65 Comments

  1. lily June 20, 2013 at 10:39 am - Reply

    I am so sorry that I can’t take this product. I would love to do so but I have a goiter and Hashimotos and I am not supposed to take iodine. Is there any way around this,
    Thank you!

    • Dr. Denis Wilson August 9, 2013 at 12:06 pm - Reply

      Yes, not every doctor would agree that you shouldn’t take iodine if you have goiter or hashimoto’s. Iodine can sometimes be helpful for both.

  2. karen sweeney July 11, 2013 at 1:03 am - Reply

    the physician practising in England uses herbs to speed up metabolism…can I use wilsons t3 without physicians input..i have had thyroidectomy due to nodules on thyroid. 1n 1988. I am 61 years old..i have very low temperature constantly ….thank you.

  3. pam thompson October 30, 2013 at 5:29 am - Reply

    I’m confused. It keeps mentioning weight loss and dieting. I wanted to find out about my symptoms relating to my calcified nodules growing in my thyroid gland. I’ve never dieted in my life. I no longer sleep more than 2 hours a night, feel really hot even on a cold winter day which does great stuff for my heating bills. Currently it is 7C outside and I’m in a vest top and summer skirt with no heating in the house. I also have the desk fan on.Is this some kind of advert for diet supplements? If so, I’m off.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson October 30, 2013 at 6:12 am - Reply

      Hi Pam,
      Low body temperature can cause dozens of different symptoms for different people. Some people that feel hot all the time can still have low boy temperatures when measured by mouth. It may be that you’d benefit from an evaluation by a doctor to see where your symptoms are coming from. You might have a “hot nodule” that makes too much thyroid hormone. Your doctor can run a TSH for starters to see if you are hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, or neither.
      Best :)

  4. Carol November 7, 2013 at 8:35 pm - Reply

    I am happy .

  5. Carol November 7, 2013 at 8:48 pm - Reply

    I have low body temperature some time,I am taking synthroid 100 mcg, and dry skin please help.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson November 13, 2013 at 8:05 am - Reply

      Yes, a low temperature can explain dry skin and synthroid doesn’t guarantee a normal body temperature. You may need T3 instead. You can consult with a doctor on our referral list if you wish. Best regards :)

  6. Schatzi November 13, 2013 at 10:25 am - Reply

    I have been overweight my entire life. My “normal” temperature has always ran low, usually around 97.6°. I have even had the lap band which I did okay with. The most weight I loss was the 4 weeks (2 before the band and 2 after the band) of just liquids, which was Crystal Light. During that 4 weeks, I lost 30 pounds. Otherwise, after 4 years, I ended up within 10 pounds of when I had the band placed. My band slipped in December 2011 which almost killed me. I had to have emergency surgery where they removed a portion of my stomach due to necrosis and gangrene. Since that time I am in constant chronic pain. I have been told that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, IBS, TMJ, and do not sleep well. I have gained 60 pounds since that point and yet still eating between 800-1400 calories daily.
    I have kept record of my body temperature for the past 8 days and the highest my temperature has gotten was 97.3° and that was right after a hot shower. It has been keeping between 96.2° – 96.4°. The doctor did a thyroid test via blood and said that it comes back normal. I have been extremely active with a very high pain tolerance my entire life (even at my heaviest). Now it seems like I am in pain ALL the time, I am constantly tired and yet can’t sleep at night.
    Just trying to figure out what is going on… Help….

    • Dr. Denis Wilson November 20, 2013 at 10:16 am - Reply

      Dear Schatzi,

      I’m sorry to hear that you are having such difficulty. A low temperature can explain difficulty losing weight. T3 therapy can often normalize a low temperature. People can have low temperatures that respond well to T3 even when their thyroid tests are normal. Also, I don’t know how much you know about nutrition but have you noticed that obesity is on the rise in our country, and every other country that adopts our eating habits? It can be a little expensive eating organic fruits and vegetables, but it seems preferable to spend money in the grocery store than in the hospital. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds. Exercise. It is true that some people that eat well and exercise still have low temps and trouble losing. On the other hand, lots of people can turn their health around by changing their lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be that expensive either. A $6 back of organic trail mix is enough food to last several days for most people.

  7. LauraE January 21, 2014 at 8:19 pm - Reply

    Diagnosed 4wks ago with hypothyroidism. DR didn’t test temp. , but I’ve always had a low body temp. Is T3 expensive? No insurance. 47 years old and in Alabama. This is all new to me and never heard of Wilsons. Should I ask about it?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson January 29, 2014 at 5:13 am - Reply

      Yes, I’d ask about it. T3 is not the cheapest medicine in the world, but it might be one of the biggest bargains if you think about what it can do for your quality of life.

  8. PamelaF April 3, 2014 at 4:34 pm - Reply

    I have had a “normal” low body temperature 96.8 throughout my adult life, for as long as I can remember anyway. I have pretty much always worked out and watched my weight. I have always had to fight hard to keep my weight down, even to becoming almost anorexic and struggling with bulimia in my late teens and early 20’s. I have always had very little muscle definition (lots of cellulite or ripply skin) even though I work out. About 4-5 years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after experiencing severe chest pains due to muscle spasms (3-4 times per month). I always had aches in my joints and would cringe when someone barely grabbed my arm, knee, etc. The Fibro diagnosis explained this as well. I have been on Amitriptyline since I was diagnosed and though the joint pain and chest pains went away; my weight has been going up, up, up. I have no energy and though I still exercise on occasion, many times I am in pain for days after a workout. I went into early menopause at age 36 and I no longer menstruate. I continue to have hot flashes, but am unsure if that is attributable to the Fibro or the Amitriptyline. I have read that weight gain is common in Fibro as well as in those taking Amitriptyline. I am so depressed and frustrated with my weight but am scared to quit taking the Amitriptyline because the pain will return. What is your advice?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 4, 2014 at 11:05 am - Reply

      I’m sorry, I can’t give you medical advice over the internet. However, I can say that some people diagnosed with fibromyalgia and easy weight gain have low temperatures. Often, those problems can resolve when their temperatures are normalized with T3 therapy. I’ll be happy to discuss your case with your doctor. S/he can call 800 420 5801. Best :)

  9. Deborah Aguirre April 25, 2014 at 11:25 pm - Reply

    Hi! I’m in El Paso, Texas . Do you know a doctor near here?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 28, 2014 at 5:32 pm - Reply

      You can check on the Doctors tab of wilsonssyndrome.com and see if there’s one near you. You can also call medaus.com and ask them.

  10. Emma May 14, 2014 at 8:34 pm - Reply

    Hi! 2 questions –

    My husband was diagnosed with a type of bipolar disorder a few years ago and when the medications didnt work (after trying 8 of them), we ran a CBC and found that his thyroid is very low (but just slightly higher than it should be for medications) and his doctor thought there may be some correlation and suggested he started taking iodine. Have you heard anything about that?

    The other question is about me! I was reading that low temperatures can cause weight gain (among many other things)? My natural temp is low 97s would that be considered “low” temp? Struggling to lose weight and nothing is working!

    • Dr. Denis Wilson May 21, 2014 at 6:38 am - Reply

      Yes, sometimes, adding iodine can increase body temperature. It’s also helpful to consider selenium, zinc, guggul, kelp and other things as well.
      Yes, 97’s are plenty low enough to explain easy weight gain.

  11. Emma May 14, 2014 at 8:36 pm - Reply

    p.s. can i have wilsons if thyroid tests normal?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson May 21, 2014 at 6:34 am - Reply

      Yes, you can have Wilson’s especially if your thyroid tests are normal.

  12. Judith M. Cohen June 6, 2014 at 4:04 pm - Reply

    Hi Dr. Wilson,

    I want to ask you if the health care practitioner who can help me to take the WT3 protocol, has to be an endocrinologist, or if it can be any other doctor, or if it can be a Bachelor in physiotherapy.

    Thanks a lot,

    Judith.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson June 11, 2014 at 12:53 pm - Reply

      It would have to be a practitioner licensed to prescribe medicine but it doesn’t have to be an endocrinologist.

  13. Julie June 12, 2014 at 7:15 am - Reply

    I have always had a lower body temperature. I had been on Levothyroxine and T3 , then about a month ago, started on Westhroid, which made me feel better but still not losing weight. My temperature is still low. If I talked to my doctor about this, would I benefit from taking extra T3 , along with my Westhroid?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson June 18, 2014 at 4:22 am - Reply

      Hi Julie, sometimes adding T3 to desiccated thyroid can be helpful. However, it is often helpful to take T3 instead of desiccated thyroid since T4 can downregulate (suppress) the deiodinase enzyme that converts T4 to T3. If your doctor would like further information about this he can call us at 800 420 5801 for a free consultation on your case.

  14. Brenda July 21, 2014 at 12:15 pm - Reply

    Hello Dr.

    I have been to two endocrinologist and my reg family Doctor. The family dr. says it is just age, which i might say i am not buying it. The two endocrinologists say it isn’t by throid which they have run a number of blood test. I have no eye brows, gained 40lbs and have pain in my body and i do not have bowl movements unless i take laxative bills. I did take my body temp under the arm and it is very low ..like around 95.2 . I was seeing a nutrinist and that is how he said to take the temp. It was coming up alittle BUT so was the weight. With some pills called Xenostat . and he had me taking MaxB for the no energy thing.. I get home from work at 6:00 pm and by 7:30pm i am asleep on the couch for rest of the eve. Can you help me.

  15. Meg July 24, 2014 at 3:04 pm - Reply

    I am nearly 67 years young and need help regulating my thyroid. I’ve had 5 abdominal surgeries in my life:

    1) Removal of tubal pregnancy, age 24
    2) C-section, age 25
    3) C-section, age 29
    4) Appendectomy, age 29 (7 weeks after last C-section)
    5) Total hysterectomy, age 38 (without my consent)

    I have gained nearly 80 pounds in the last 20 years and am only 5’3″ tall. I was recently diagnosed with fatty liver disease, and am so miserable I can hardly stand it. I was taking 3/4 gr Natur-throid for about 2 years, but when my prescription ran out the doctor I had been seeing would not renew my prescription without seeing me. Every time I go to her office she prescribes $300-$350 worth of HER name brand supplements plus the thyroid med, and I cannot afford it. So I have been without my thyroid supplement for over 3 months and am in misery. I’m sweating profusely all the time, I lost nearly 50% of my hair (and had already lost a great deal of it!), I have no energy whatsoever, and I have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep. I used to sleep like a baby and had energy to do whatever I wanted. I am on Medicare and have a Supplemental plan, but I don’t know if they will cover this. Can you please help me? Thank you and bless you for your work, Dr. Wilson!

    • Dr. Denis Wilson July 26, 2014 at 5:13 am - Reply

      We can’t treat people over the internet but you can try finding a doctor here: http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/patients/medical-providers/.
      You can also introduce this information to a doctor of your choosing and he can call 800 420 5801 for a free consultation and training on your case.

  16. Fiona August 30, 2014 at 12:22 am - Reply

    Looking for a practitioner in the uk with patient recommendations

  17. Megan October 3, 2014 at 1:03 pm - Reply

    Hello Dr. Wilson,

    I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease in 2009. After a very exhausting battle with numerous doctors and trying thyriod blockers and RAI, I ended up with a total thyroidectomy in 2011. In the year to follow I gained over 100lbs! I was on 164mcg of Levoxyl. My TSH was in the normal range and I still felt hypothyroid. All of my MD’s told me my levels were good and I would never feel right after my TT and I needed to start working out to lose the weight and eat less. My weight has continually increased at a very steady rate. Finally in late 2013 I met a ND named Dr. David Graves. He told me my body continued to show signs of hypothyroidism. My temp averaged 96.5 most commonly. He put me on NatureThroid, which I continued to take for almost a year. About 3 months ago Dr. Graves had me at 2.5 grain of NatureThroid, which he said wasn’t working properly and told me he believed I had Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome! I am currently on day 14 of WT3. I have noticed an improvement in most of my symptoms and I am feeling better. However, I would like more information on anything I can do to help the WT3 be the most effective.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson October 5, 2014 at 5:42 am - Reply

      Hi Megan! Glad to hear that you are on the mend. You can learn more at wilsonssyndrome.com. There are also two free ebooks, one in the menu dropdown for Patients and one in the menu dropdown for Doctors, not to mention the book “Evidence-based Approach to Restoring Thyroid Health.”

      Good luck :)

  18. Angel Meredith October 5, 2014 at 3:56 pm - Reply

    I found out about Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome through my PT therapist. Before she started PT for my arm I told her I could not tolerate any ice therapy. After several visits and conversations about my weight gain and constant pain she told me about her situation thus introducing me to WTS. She had to take your book to her doctor before they would treat her with T3 therapy. My doctor stated she never heard of it and quickly changed the subject. I stayed on topic and told her all my symptoms matched and she ran thyroid test. It came back normal and she would not adress it again. I see you have supplements. Can they be used to reverse my symptoms or do I need an Rx for treatment? Thank you. Angel.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson October 12, 2014 at 11:37 am - Reply

      Since our supplements are not prescription medicines we can’t legally make claims that they can correct any problem.

  19. paul November 17, 2014 at 3:07 pm - Reply

    So, I just found your website. Lots of good information.

    46 yo male with ALL the symptoms of thyroid problems, but non of the blood work supports it. Have had all the tests, several times over the past 10 years, including pituitary, testosterone, etc. Nobody really seems to put the LOW TEMPERATURE (95.5-97.5 regular) together with weight gain, (COMPLETE inability to lose weight regardless of regime or adherence or length of time), low sex drive, thinning hair, fatigue, insomnia often, low energy etc..

    So, what IS the protocol. Is the T3 something that YOU provide or is the formula something that my doctor would provide? Is the “supplement” something one should TRY FIRST, prior to beginning the more involved protocol? I’m interested really in trying ANYTHING and you could have another wicked success story on your hands. I have an OVERWHELMING amount of long term diet, behavioral, nutrition changes that have been tried, to no effect.

    • Jen Palmer November 18, 2014 at 5:29 pm - Reply

      I’m sorry to hear you have been struggling with your condition for so long. It’s not unusual that standard lab tests don’t identify the problem. The T3 needs to be prescribed by a practitioner because it is a hormone. You can find a practitioner certified in Restorative Medicine and familiar with the WTS protocol with this search tool. http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/patients/medical-providers/ I wish you luck!

  20. Shelby February 11, 2015 at 4:53 am - Reply

    Hi my name is Shelby I’m 41 years old and I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia chronic fatigue syndrome periphel neuropathy diffuse arthalgia chronic regional pain syndrome hypothyroidism chronic anemia depression rheumatoid arthritis inflammatory arthritis osteoarthritis and possible. I had a baby in 2011 my one and only I had a pretty normal pregnancy I weighed 140 when I delivered and she weighed 8.8. I delivered c section and ever since I’ve never been the same. I never got any milk at all to Breast feed which i thought was very strange. My feet and ankles swelled so bad for the last 3 yrs I’ve lost both arches in my feet cnt rotate either one of my ankles or move them up or down I have chronically torn all the ligaments in my right ankle and they are no longer visible. Walking is nearly impossible and running or jogging is impossible. I was told I have Synovial fluid on my right ankle but other than that no doctor knows what has caused this. My weight is the most it’s ever been in my life and I’m miserable I weigh about 160 with a history of both bulimia and anorexia I’m having a reply hard time with this. I take 75mcg of levothyroxine and it has done absolutely nothing. My weight keeps increasing and I don’t know why. I am exhausted all the time but I can’t go to sleep at night either I noticed my hair is turning grey and it’s thinning I have sweating episodes throughout the day that are awful. All of a sudden I noticed I have a spare tire around my waist that is ugly and I want it to go away so bad. I don’t want to leave the house looking like this it’s sad. My ankles and feet hurt so bad and I can’t wear those comfortably cause my ankle bones have started to deform from all this that’s happening I’m a mess. I was told that I need to see a endocrinologist to check my hormones that the wieight gain could be because my hormones are not working properly. Have u heard of anybody hear symptoms before? Please any advice is appreciated I’m struggling wiith this and I just want to be nor again and lose the weight I’ve gained and know hat caused all this in the first place.
    Thank you in advance I hope u can give me some advice

    • Dr. Denis Wilson February 15, 2015 at 4:02 pm - Reply

      Yes, this is a fairly classic story for low body temperatures. The number one cause of Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome is childbirth. Low body temperatures can contribute to fluid retention, musculoskeletal problems, blood sugar imbalances, adrenal issues. In addition, you may need to change your diet (avoiding refined carbohydrates).
      You can find a medical provider on our list on WilsonsSyndrome.com. I can also talk with your doctor for free 800 420 5801.

  21. Jen Pezzotti March 1, 2015 at 4:56 pm - Reply

    Hi,

    I am taking T3 and T4 – recently my weight is going up although I am working out 2 hours or more a day and eating less then 1200 calories. I have been taking my temperature for the past 2 weeks and it has averaged between 94.5 – 96.1 a day. I can’t get it up. I called my thyroid doc and he sent me for lab work again. He called back and said it is only 1/10th off so he wouldn’t up my meds. He said I am probably iron deficient to take iron supplements. My question is what can I do more if I am already on Cytomel for my T3 and it isn’t working?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson March 8, 2015 at 6:30 pm - Reply

      You could talk to your doctor about having you on sustained release T3 only (without T4). T4 and RT3 can downregulate the deiodinase enzyme and contribute to low body temperatures.

  22. Carole March 24, 2015 at 5:57 am - Reply

    Hi, I have been on different types of thyroid meds for more than 20 years, currently on Armour 60MG. I have all the classic symptoms continuously. I fall asleep and am awake 4 hours later, usually sweating. I can not lose weight, which makes me more depressed. Last month, I thought something was wrong with my Armour Thyroid because my hair started falling out in lumps, my nails became brittle and I felt horrible. I could not get warm or think clearly, so I discontinued the thyroid on my own. My temp in the morning is 96 or 97. After I am up and about, I take it with a regular thermometer in the ear and it is 97.7… I need help but see you are not in my area.

  23. Sally May 22, 2015 at 12:23 pm - Reply

    Hi Dr. Wilson,
    I am 64 years old and I have been on Naturethroid for a couple of years now, 1.75 grains. I don’t eat nearly as much as I used to, but I am unable to lose weight. I did lose 30 pounds last year, only because of an emotional issue where I couldn’t eat at all for two months. My hair fell out at the time and it didn’t begin growing back for many months.
    Could you give me any insight into why I am unable to lose weight without starving myself. I eat a Paleo diet and have for years. Even when I count my calories and watch everything that I eat, I am unable to lose weight. And, I do resistant weight training. No aerobics due to plantar fasciitis.
    Any thoughts?
    Thank you.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson May 25, 2015 at 7:26 pm - Reply

      A low temperature can explain difficulty losing weight. It may be that your body is not properly utilizing the thyroid hormone you’re taking. Best :)

  24. Dawn May 25, 2015 at 9:23 pm - Reply

    Hi Dr. Wilson,
    I am 59 yrs. old and been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I also have nodules on my thyroid. My RT3 levels were very high and I was low on iodine and iron. I was prescribed a time release cytomel (3 months), iron, and selenium (200 mcg). I also took 12 mg of iodine increasing up to 48 mg for 3 months then decreasing to now 12 mg. My RT3 levels were back to normal but now that I’m off of the cytomel, my RT3 levels went right back up. I also can not lose weight. I just did a 10 day detox to clean my liver and kidneys. I exercise over an hour daily and eat 1200 calories but the scale doesn’t budge! I am very frustrated on many levels. Questions: Is it the nodules on my thyroid causing all this? Can I get rid of them? If I go back on cytomel, can I stay on that forever? What else can I do to rev up my metabolism? What else do you suggest? Thank you!

    • Dr. Denis Wilson June 2, 2015 at 5:24 am - Reply

      My first thought would not be that your nodules are causing you to have peripheral thyroid hormone conversion issues. Stress is a more likely explanation. Who knows, maybe even your hour of exercise every day is stressing your body, especially, if it’s continuous cardiovascular exercise. You might try four 4 minute intervals aimed at increasing heart rate. You may have heavy metals or some other problem that’s taxing your body. Perhaps gluten intolerance or food allergies. People can be on cytomel forever and tolerate it well (it may be prudent to follow bone mass to make sure no worsening osteoporosis). I can discuss your case with your doctor for free.

  25. Dawn May 26, 2015 at 7:34 am - Reply

    Hello-
    Is 97.5 considered a low body temperature? Could this affect my ability to lose weight? Thank you.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson June 2, 2015 at 5:00 am - Reply

      Absolutely.

  26. Sonam May 29, 2015 at 12:43 am - Reply

    I suffer from migraine as well as thyroid. My thyroid initially was very high but now it is under control since i take 100 mcg of thyroxine daily. But I am very disturbed due to the continuous weight gain. Despite diet control and exercise regime, I am unable to lose weight. What to do?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson June 2, 2015 at 5:06 am - Reply

      Maybe you should consider seeing a doctor listed on wilsonssyndrome.com Since you might be suffering from low body temperatures in spite of normal blood tests.

  27. Sarah July 31, 2015 at 6:00 pm - Reply

    Dr. Wilson,
    I have stumbled upon your information from a Doctor in Heber Springs, Arkansas . I went to see him today and he states I have Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome. He gave me a checklist and needless to say I marked more than 50% of the symptoms. He told me to read up on your study etc. And I don’t have any doctors close to me that offer the T …… I’m from Louisiana …. I have blood test that come back fine. I have had migraines since I was a teenager I’m now 34. With two children , I had a hystro. about 3 years ago and from then on I’ve had trouble from hurting cystic acne around my chin, fatigue, irritability, fluid retention, weight gain I can’t get off even with diet and exercise ! , anxiety, panic attacks, hair loss, low motivation, dry skin, dry hair , plus many many more! So , I was wanting to know how I can get the T treatment ? I believe the closest place to me is more than 5 hours away. Is there any mail options? Are other help? Thank you for your time. Best regards, Sarah C.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson August 2, 2015 at 5:55 pm - Reply

      Hi Sarah :)
      T3 is a prescription medicine so it must be prescribed by a doctor you see in person. If there is not a doctor in your area currently trained, then we can work with the doctor of your choosing for free over the phone. We can help any doctor help you. Your doctor can call 800 420 5801 to make the arrangements. Here are some tips on finding a doctor to work with: http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/patients/recruiting-a-doctor/

  28. Karen August 6, 2015 at 10:04 am - Reply

    Hi Dr Wilson,
    Does this sound like WTS?: despite a decent diet avoiding processed food, sugar, carbs like bread, etc and almost total organic fruits/veggies, I’m overweight by 25 lbs, can’t lose it and slowly gaining more. Oral temp 97.1-97.6 in the morning with almost total exhaustion/lack of energy until late afternoon at which time my temp finally comes up to around 98.1. Then, and only then, can I finally do the basics as far as housework (62 & retired, thank God. Don’t know how I could work now as this has just been getting worse over the years.) Foggy thinking and my hair is getting very thin & fine where it used to be very thick. Now I can see my scalp and it’s depressing me. Rogaine has done nothing. I also have trouble swallowing and am constantly clearing my throat! Of course my HMO MD will not consider treating my thyroid because test results say it’s “within normal limits”, even though T4 is on the low end. He says treating me will cause more harm than good. (?). What does low end T4 mean? I am trying to get in to see a doctor on your list (sent email, her preferred way of setting up an appt) but haven’t heard back as yet if she is taking new patients.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson August 22, 2015 at 2:17 pm - Reply

      Sure, low body temperatures can explain easy weight gain, fatigue, foggy thinking, thin hair. I’m sure by ‘low end T4’ the doctor means that your T4 is on the low end of the normal range. Best :)

  29. Mary August 22, 2015 at 8:51 am - Reply

    The older I get the larger my Belly. I have a hard time getting things to fit. I am 79 Yrs. old in a Size 20. I eat less than any of my friends . I retain fluid feet and legs swell. I am so tired of fighting this. I need help with T3 No Dr. in this part of Tennessee does this.
    Please help me.

    • Dr. Denis Wilson August 22, 2015 at 1:44 pm - Reply

      If your temperature is low then normalizing your low body temperature may help your symptoms. I am happy to consult for free with your very own doctor to help him or her to try to help you recover. S/he can call 800 420 5801 to make the arrangements.

      Best :)

  30. Chere September 28, 2015 at 3:44 pm - Reply

    Hi Dr. Wilson, I just subscribed to your site and I am desperate. I am 47. I’ve had 5 children. I’ve had a partial hysterectomy a few years ago. I had multi-nodular thyroid which ultimately led to a total thyroidectomy a little over a year ago. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia within the last year and I am on a slew of meds. I have consistently gained weight over the last several months. I’m in too much pain to exercise at this time and I have no energy. My last set of thyroid labs were WNL’s except for my total T3, which was 1/10 below normal and my Free T3 was mid-range normal. My PCP and Endocrinologist say I don’t need anymore T3 even though I tried to explain I felt like my metabolism was so slow because I have no energy. I took my temperature this morning, first by mouth and it was 95.5, then under my arm, which was 95.9. I am at wits end and I feel like I am dying. I just downloaded your temperature chart and will start documenting them. I don’t know if I should wait until November when I go to see my endocrinologist or if I should seek out one of your physicians! I’m slowly losing hope that I will ever feel good again.

  31. K March 23, 2016 at 7:20 pm - Reply

    I’m wondering if the consulting phone number still can be used by doctors.

    Also I read about Dr. Lowe saying that he had never found a patient who could stop taking T3. I wonder if you think that’s because he didn’t wean them off slowly?

    My daughter had symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome in Dec/Jan, and had a body temperature as low as 95 degrees, as well as nearly no intestinal movement so she could only eat liquids and still had pain. She had low T3 on a blood test so she did get a dose of 25 units of T3 in early February and has felt significantly better (temperature usually high 97’s now). However now her TSH is on the lower end (0.19) and I’m worried she will be abruptly taken off T3. I’m worried she might never be ready to be off the medication, like Dr. Lowe thought, and worried she will be taken off too quickly if she can go off.

    Also, does the presence of slow digestion mean her problem is not likely to be just Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome?

    • Dr. Denis Wilson April 10, 2016 at 3:31 pm - Reply

      Yes, Doctors can call for a free consultation appointment. WTS is a reversible condition. However, giving T3 is not what corrects the problem. In my experience the T3 must be given in a manner to normalize or “Capture” the temperature. When patients get their temps to normal with T3 and stays normal for a few weeks, that’s when they are more likely to be able to wean off the T3 and remain normal after that.

  32. Mark April 29, 2016 at 11:10 pm - Reply

    Just completed a follow-up thyroid ultrasound which reveals a 2mm calcified nodule which was previously not calcified on prior ultrasounds. Size has remained the same. My doc wants to do a follow up ultrasound in six months and make sure the size is not increase. Obvious concern with respect to increased incidence of malignancy in cases of singular nodule calcification. In addition to continuing 1 grain dessicated thyroid, I take ~ 300mcg supplemental iodine.

    Would like your opinion as to whether further diagnostic procedures (i.e. FNA) and treatment is warranted.

    Question: based on evidence-based literature as well as clinical experience, what are typical cause(s) of nodular calcification?

  33. Josh May 14, 2016 at 11:19 am - Reply

    I really need some help. Research studies show reduced T3 indefinitely for former bulimics as well as significant weight gain above set point.

    In the past 3 months, I’ve gained almost 20 pounds. I always (whether I was bingeing and purging or eating well in treatment or short stints of recovery) hung out at the same weight. Now, and especially now that I’m 10 days into recovery, it’s going up and up and up.

    The studies seem to show the metabolic damage does not resolve itself with recovery. I need help. I will not gain all of that weight. I have been on the verge of death in these 11 years of bulimia and I want recovery. But I cannot accept this unhealthy and rapid weight gain.

    In addition to the weight gain, I am unbelievably fatigued and lethargic. This is consistent with the research that shows that T3 plummets when bulimics STOP bingeing and purging.

    I am begging for help. I need this nightmare to end. I’m nearing the end of an accelerated 2nd Bachelors Nursing program, but will not make it if this keeps up. I have little to no money but am absolutely desperate.

    • Jen Palmer May 17, 2016 at 5:26 am - Reply

      Hello,
      I definitely recommend getting a physician who specializes in bulimia to assist you. I’m sorry I can’t be of help, but I wish you luck in finding help.

  34. Rhonds June 25, 2016 at 11:14 am - Reply

    My doctor has me on cytomel for a lowT3, adrenal extracts and b vitamins and BHRT since April. I feel better but have not lost weight. My question is it counterproductive to take her that purport enhancement of t4 to t3 conversion while on t3? I.e. Gugegulsterones, ashwangda

    • Jen Palmer June 27, 2016 at 10:34 am - Reply

      Hello!
      I think your question is asking if you can take thyroid supportive herbs while on thyroid medication? The answer is yes, it can be very beneficial to support the thyroid and adrenals. I hope that helps- best of luck!

  35. Millie November 7, 2022 at 10:22 am - Reply

    Hello, I had graves after childbirth and later I let the doctors talk me into RAI. The biggest mistake I ever made, now I suffer from hypothyroid and the thing that makes me more mad is that the main factor was heart failure. Well later after the fact I learned being hypo causes muscle weakness, well my heart is a huge muscle so I why did I do this. Anyhow, I have never been the same and suffer from low temperatures, weight gain, swollen, puffy non stop, to say the least. Does it matter that I no longer have a thyroid because they killed it off or will I benefit from this type of treatment. My TSH is always telling these docs that I am over medicated even though I still feel sick and have symptoms. I do feel better adding Cytomel to my Armour, however I do not think it is enough. Suggestions? Help please!!
    Thanks!

Leave A Comment