Taking Thyriod and HRT effects on lean muscle gains and fat loss

[Krunchmonster]

Hi,
I am not new to body building and diet but it has been about 15 years since I have been serious about training. So much has changed including myself. I am wondering if anyone knows what the effects of hormone replacement and thyroid replacement has on weight loss and lean muscle gains? I need to take about 50-60lbs off and increase my lean muscle mass. When I was training and eating well I was about 145 and 12% bf. Right now I am about 200lbs and NOT at 12%. I have cleaned up my diet but I am concerned that the hormone and thyroid may be issues. I had very low thyroid and almost no estrogen or progesterone. My doc and I are working on getting the levels where they need to be. I am still on the low side of things. I know their is information out there that low estrogen will cause weight gain in the midsection and that too much estrogen will cause weight gain on the hips and thighs. To top it all off. my husband wants me to try a cycle of var to help me add the muscle. What are your thoughts?

Kristie

 

[RottenWillow]

Hi,
I am not new to body building and diet but it has been about 15 years since I have been serious about training. So much has changed including myself. I am wondering if anyone knows what the effects of hormone replacement and thyroid replacement has on weight loss and lean muscle gains? I need to take about 50-60lbs off and increase my lean muscle mass. When I was training and eating well I was about 145 and 12% bf. Right now I am about 200lbs and NOT at 12%. I have cleaned up my diet but I am concerned that the hormone and thyroid may be issues. I had very low thyroid and almost no estrogen or progesterone. My doc and I are working on getting the levels where they need to be. I am still on the low side of things. I know their is information out there that low estrogen will cause weight gain in the midsection and that too much estrogen will cause weight gain on the hips and thighs. To top it all off. my husband wants me to try a cycle of var to help me add the muscle. What are your thoughts?

Kristie

Kristie, read this thread first. I compiled this a year ago. It answers some of your questions.

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/w...g-training/thyroid-hormones-101-a-706231.html


and no you absolutely do not need steroids to meet your goals.

 

[Krunchmonster]

Thank you Willow,
right now I am taking a very high dose of Thyroid (180mg).... where the ratio of T4 to T3 is 4.22: 1 although I haven't determined if that is per mg or per grain. I am way better off it is per grain as I am taking 3 grains. Do you have any idea if the estrogen and progesterone will interfere with weight loss or muscle building? I guess I want to know what obstacles I am facing rather than spinning my wheels in frustration.
Kristie

 

[RottenWillow]

Thank you Willow,
right now I am taking a very high dose of Thyroid (180mg).... where the ratio of T4 to T3 is 4.22: 1 although I haven't determined if that is per mg or per grain. I am way better off it is per grain as I am taking 3 grains. Do you have any idea if the estrogen and progesterone will interfere with weight loss or muscle building? I guess I want to know what obstacles I am facing rather than spinning my wheels in frustration.
Kristie

Kristie, very low estrogen can make LBM gains somewhat more difficult as appropriate levels of estrogen do support muscle acquisition. I'm not sure about the effect of pathologically low E on fat loss though. If E is too high it becomes very difficult to get dry and lean.

Definitely do not take AAS. Some actually suppress estrogen and that is the last thing you want. Also, as your E levels are very low right now I believe you'd be more likely to suffer virilizing effects from androgens, ie. mustache, voice drop, etc.

 

[Power Chews]

Hi,
I am not new to body building and diet but it has been about 15 years since I have been serious about training. So much has changed including myself. I am wondering if anyone knows what the effects of hormone replacement and thyroid replacement has on weight loss and lean muscle gains? I need to take about 50-60lbs off and increase my lean muscle mass. When I was training and eating well I was about 145 and 12% bf. Right now I am about 200lbs and NOT at 12%. I have cleaned up my diet but I am concerned that the hormone and thyroid may be issues. I had very low thyroid and almost no estrogen or progesterone. My doc and I are working on getting the levels where they need to be. I am still on the low side of things. I know their is information out there that low estrogen will cause weight gain in the midsection and that too much estrogen will cause weight gain on the hips and thighs. To top it all off. my husband wants me to try a cycle of var to help me add the muscle. What are your thoughts?

Kristie

I have done extensive research into the Thyroid Gland.
What is your TSH level currently?
What TSH level is your doctor recommending?
What type of replacement therapy are you currently on?