I've been taking 50 mg. daily (and conscientiously) for several y...

I've been taking 50 mg. daily (and conscientiously) for several years. I've been taking thyroid supplements (synthroid and similar) for 35+ years. For 15 years, I've been struggling with the gradual weight gain commonly associated with menopause and stopping smoking cigarettes (after 30 years of 1+ packs daily). HOWEVER, It was about six years ago that the problem became a 50 lb. overweight and BMI in the waist-over-35" serious problem. I was always strong, quick to build muscle, and enjoyed being active. Swam .5 mi daily or walked 3 miles (or both) frequently until about menopause time. But then: about four years ago, I started having some pretty serious trouble breathing associated with exertion. Body aches and pains that I've described as arthritic, may also be involved here! Hence decreasing exercise and real worry about engaging in exercise. I've also been taking Lipitor and Avandia. Frankly, I'm feeling that all my meds except Synthroid can cause me to gain weight - the catch 22 being that my elevated blood pressure and early type-2 diabetes are also negatively affected by overweight!! Now what???? Dr. appt, very soon, folks!