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350 Side Effects posted for Synthroid

November 5th
2009
8:42 AM

Thank you, Jesus! I am so glad I googled this am. I have gained about 10 pounds since I started taking this -about 3 months ago. I feel anxious, sleep like crap, and I am just as lethargic as before!!!!!!- Anyhow, I want to know if most of you went off of the synthroid cold turkey or weaned off over a couple of weeks time? I am going to checkout this armour supplement. Thanks to all who shared- rn in az

-- By rninaz | Reply | Private Message me

November 2th
2009
7:08 AM

Reading this has been really comforting. I am extremely sensitive to medication. I went in to see my doctor and even though my blood tests were normal, he believed I had hypothyroidism and put me on 25 mcg of the generic version of Synthroid. In the first 5 days I developed feelings of "dread" and I was afraid to go to sleep at night. Right afterward I got hit with some really stressful stuff and I went into full anxiety attacks (something I hadn't experienced in 15 years). Now, after about a week I'm a little better than I was before but I still cannot eat much and scary thoughts race through my mind...I also feel detached from everyone, like I'm in a bubble or something. I emailed a therapist yesterday, but now that I know the synthroid is probably still in my system, I feel a lot better. Thanks to everyone for sharing.

-- By odie | Reply | Private Message me

November 2th
2009
6:59 AM

I am extremely sensitive to medications. That being said, even though my thyroid levels were normal, my doctor believed I had hypothyroidism. He put me on .25 mcg of the generic brand of synthroid. I could only take it for 5 days because during that time I developed feelings of "dread" and I was afraid to go to sleep at night. When I stopped the pills, I started to feel better but I believe the stuff was still in my system. Some stressful things happened right after, and it threw me into panic attacks with scary, racing thoughts, trembling, insomnia, etc. I'm slowly getting better. But after reading this, I feel even better now knowing that I'm not losing it and chances are great that it's the synthroid that's causing it.

-- By odie | Reply | Private Message me

October 26th
2009
7:52 PM

After reading so much about Armour, earlier this year I decided that I would like to try it. I was actually feeling very good on Synthroid but wondered if I could feel even better. I was on Armour for a month and got very ill. Dizzy, legs swelling, hard time walking and standing. I went back to the Synthroid and it has taken me about six months to recover. I had a thyroidectomy about 3 years ago and never gained any weight until I was on the Armour, about 15lbs. My Endo says everyone is different with the meds. I really wanted the Armour to work out for me and will be hesitant to try anything else now because of my terrible experience.

-- By marybunny | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

October 15th
2009
1:21 PM

Where to start!! I was also put on Synthroid and have been on it now for 6 months, before that I could hardly get around and thought I was lazy. It has been changed 4 times and now I am on 88. My legs ache all the time, cant sit for long periods of time, they drive me nuts. I take Xanax at night so I can sleep but I wake up 3-4 times a night and cannot hardly walk they are so stiff. Does anyone know what the heck is wrong? I am on 12 different meds for COPD and an aspirin every day from a Heart Attack and Bypass, truly a bummer. I was so active before all this and could think on my feet, now I am just completely forgetting everything.

-- By chris78872 | Reply | Private Message me

September 2th
2009
10:19 AM

I feel bloated and hungry all the time since taking generic and switching to Synthroid for about a month now. I can hardly think as well. I am foggy brained and unenergetic physically and mentally. I am going to an herbalist who uses Nature's Sunshine products and said it is very simple to get back on track with sea kelp and black walnut. She is very experienced and has helped others.

-- By mom24girls | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

August 29th
2009
8:40 PM

I've had a fever come and go for over 6 months. I was trying to find out why, and then I came across this weight gain which was by chance. I was put on synthroid in 2004 because of unexplained weight gain they found I had this thyroid problem. Since then, I have gained 60 lbs, even through battling renal cell carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) , and lap band surgery. I can't believe all my complaining, and not one doctor told me this pill causes weight gain. This makes me quite angry. D.

-- By hamidian | Reply | Private Message me

August 26th
2009
7:20 PM

also everyone on here are describing symptoms of hypothyroid if your having symptoms you might not be on enough.

-- By moodyjulz | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me

August 16th
2009
12:17 PM

Since on 0.175mcg of synthyroid after thyroidectomy and neck dissection two years ago, I have started to feel great fatigue? I can go to sleep at anytime during the afternoon. I also have a lethargy and malaise of the mind! If you mention this to the G.P., nurse or consultant you get vague looks!! Can anyone help?

-- By paulburn | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

August 1th
2009
11:38 PM

Does anyone here ever had any tingling issues? I had total thyroidectomy in Feb. 2009. Felt good the first month or two and have gone down from there! Some days are good, some are bad. Never know from day to day how Im going to feel! I started out for about a month and a 1/2 on 125 levothyroxin.....then my doc lowered it to 100.......as of July 14th, Im now taking .88. The tingling Im getting is all over my body, different places, here and there. Ive had some heart rate issues for a couple of months now too and finally had my regular doc send to me see a heart doctor.
Thought maybe the tingling could be from low calcium.....it was normal, CBC was normal, ECHO was normal.....waiting on the holter test results right now. The heart doc gave me a prescription for Toprol. I told him I wasn't going to take it cuz sometimes my heart feels like its barely beating and Im afraid it will make it worse. Im glad I didn't get it! Ive read of too many side effects.
Palpitations, kinda fast heart beat with pounding.....sometimes it feels likes its barely beating! Most of this occurs when first laying down......every now and then while sitting, etc. I do not exercise.....and should but just don't find the time. I switched jobs around the time I found out I had several nodes on each side of my thyroid. I was getting tired a lot and just thought i worked too much. I went from a physical job to a sit down, 12 hour, graveyard shift. Since the surgery, Ive felt it more. Im tired of feeling like crap all the time......I was already going thru some perimenopause stuff before all of this! Before I ever found out about my thyroid, I did have real light pounding of heart when laying down and tingling every blue moon, but very mild as well.
Now with no thyroid.......and medicines with all the side effects......IM GOING NUTS!!! Right now the moodiness and tingling are whats bothering me the most. Some days Im really tired, others Im ok. My body gets hot off and on, no fever. The past 3 days my calves, feet, and ankles have started to swell........never before! Plus I get some throbs and pains in my legs and arms and under my arms here and there. I probably need a new doc and I change of medicine......but Im afraid.
For one, Ive decided to go back to a physical job........and hopefully it wont screw with my heart rate even more. Ive read up on tingling........Im guessing maybe its from all the damn stress since my calcium was normal. Does anyone here have any suggestions?????

-- By lubblady38 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me

July 28th
2009
6:21 PM

I've had numerous side effects from Synthroid, but the ones that finally scared me off the drug were the thoughts of death, dying and suicide.

These thoughts came as casually as thoughts of what I'll wear tomorrow, which was more frightening. They also came unbidden. First, I was thinking about death generally. About a month later, I began thinking about dying, and the whole process of dying. Then, when I started thinking about just walking in front of a train, I got on the Internet and did some research.

Synthroid was the only medication I take daily, so I stopped taking it at once. And about a week later, the thoughts of death, dying and suicide stopped. My doctor refuses to prescribe natural thyroid, so I'm out of luck until I find a doctor who will help me.

-- By kittywellington | Reply | (6) replies | Private Message me

July 24th
2009
2:56 AM

Hi I have been on syn for about 5 years now and it's made my life a living hell. I had so much hair shed it was insane. I finally saw a hormone therapist and she put me on synthetic t3s it worked ok but I started breaking out and I was still very tired and hair was still shedding. So now I'm going to finally go on armour and pray this is the final and last med that will help me and my hair. Can I switch from syn straight to armour right away?? Or do I have to let the syn get out of my system. Do you know why the synthetic T3's didn't work?? Please email me at ******

Also wanted to add that those on syn have to take iodine too

-- By rebekah246 | Reply | Private Message me

July 22th
2009
4:17 PM

Foot pain, to the extent that I cannot touch the bones in my feet. I had moderate heel spur pain which became extreme when I tried to resume the synthroid, even a minor 25mcg dose of synthroid. Bone and joint pain in the past made me stop taking the synthroid, especially shoulder and upper arm weakness on one occasion, and leg weakness and foot pain on the second occasion. This third time was related to heel, ankle and the bones in my feet. These problems went away within 5 days of not taking this medication.

-- By carolet44 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

July 15th
2009
9:48 PM

jesus its really comforting to explore the possibility that all this unnecessary havoc is the synthroid! i have wasted the last four years in complete confusion, and utter weirdness .and frankly feel old as hell ..
ive always felt up until 5th grade, the times would never be so jolly, but the last four have been dead since my diagnosis at .75 mg; i feel like a numb, lifeless, terrified kid trying to feel something, if anything at all. I have experienced many of the symptoms below, hair loss, anxiety, extreme bipolar moods, and depression. I want to cry for keeping my mouth shut for so long and i constantly fret and worry that age twenty is killing me faster than other people for no apparent reason- im done and would be thrilled to cash in my manic depressive cynicism for a sleepy and happy soul. now i have to figure what to do next...any suggestions other than throwing the shits in a fire?

-- By wormholeworthy | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

July 15th
2009
9:02 PM

this is insane! I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and have been taking the synthroid for four years; starting at sixteen after gaining weight and losing energy- which probably resulted in teenage move- and introduction to alcohol and reefer for social acceptance. I noticed the synthroid helped with my sleepiness, but now im crying bc ive realized ive been slowly killing myself by doing what ive been told and keeping my mouth shut. I used to be more outgoing, and embraced my creativity when alone, now to find myself in a never ending cycle of anxiety, and depression triggered when solo and am def. more of a sociophobic hermit with drunk friends i see once every 2 weeks. I have noticed the hair loss, and have been getting progressively worse over the years and feel ancient. After reading this i am willing to sacrifice my energy for any extra feeling i can get out of this numb lifeless being ive digressed into to- i need to find a more natural solution for this hypothyroidism- any suggestions- we need a revolution on this, fuck synthroid!

-- By wormholeworthy | Reply | Private Message me

July 7th
2009
3:57 PM

My main side effect was because they had me on too high of a dose at first: I had severe abdominal cramping to the point of needing to go to the ER and needing a muscle relaxant (bellatal - sp?). My endocrinologist said that was not possible, but the second he put me on the right dose, it went away. Many people have idiosyncratic (personal to them and abnormal) reactions to medicines.

All I can say is that some experts believe that the synthetic hormones can give false results on the blood tests, making everything look fine, so I have opted for real thyroid hormone and take Armour Thyroid. My thyroid problem symptoms all completely went away within 6 months (many by 2 months) after starting the Armour Thyroid. I spoke with at least a hundred women online before switching who all had the same experience: doing much better on Armour Thyroid. Some doctors are hesitant to prescribe it because there is some bad press in the AMA that some doctor's buy into about it, but it's all misrepresented and untrue.

-- By isamused | Reply | Private Message me

June 18th
2009
4:39 PM

I've had my thyroid removed in 2006 and since then I've been on medication, i was ok first and i thought i was ok until now. i had leg pains that woke me up from my sleep and i went to doctor and couldn't figure out why i was having this pain, i thought i had restless leg syndrome or sciatic but doctor said no. now i'm reading all your side effects and I'm in shock, i had no idea that it can cause to leg pain. also I've change my medication to generic (because of insurance issues) since then i guess my itching started. i thought i had allergic reaction to food or bugs or something and i went to allergist of course nothing came out. now I'm reading the side effects of this medication, it can cause hives, rashes, itching and even urticaria which i have right now. i went crazy to find anything in my house to find a bed bug, spider, flea or anything that can make me itch like this. the other side effects that I'm having are hair loss, red/hot face. i can not believe all these symptoms are actually side effects to a medication supposed to make me feel better. whoever says that's they find it weird that this medication has this many side effects, we are not crazy. this effects are real and so many of us has them.

-- By tatacim | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

June 13th
2009
1:43 AM

I was diagnoised with thyroidism 3 months ago and have been on synthroid. My throat is still very sore as it was before I was diagnoised. Why, I thought thyroid meds was supposed to correct the problem??

-- By bobannl9535 | Reply | Private Message me

June 12th
2009
3:56 PM

I'm fed up. About 4 years ago I had a complete thyroidectomy and OMG my life has been a mess ever since, Yes, I needed the gland removed (it was a goiter pressing on my air way and esophagus), it needed to come out but OMG what a nightmare. Synthroid is a drug I can't figure out. I am convinced that this has ruined my life. I have developed chronic/non-stop head pain and pressure. My B.P. has gone up and now I'm on B.P. medicine. (still have severe head pain). It just never leaves me. E.R. visits/hospital stays and on and on. They treat me like I'm a complete lunatic because they can't seem to find anything organically wrong with me. Ummm-it hurts(my head). I am starting with a new Doctor who is a D.O. rather than an M.D. and I am praying that he finds what the **** is causing my pain. I feel like crap. The T.S.H. is in normal range but I have learned that the T.S.H. is not everything (even though my thyroid is gone). The isiots for lack od better description, are just too lazy to go the extra minute to find out what is wrong here. I just want to be able to function and this head pain will not let me do that. It is a nightmare and I have nothing but sympathy and empathy for anyone who suffers with pain on a daily basis.

The only constant is the Synthroid. Maybe I can't take this stuff. It has to be that my body just can't tolerate it and need something else or T3 added (I don't know). I just pray that this new doc can figure it out because I feel so helpless with this. My pain is always there squeezing and pressing. It is horrible. Maybe Synthroid is the culprit. Good luck to everyone.

-- By levels | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me

June 12th
2009
9:24 AM

Hi everyone! Well, I was just diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism..The doctors say it is really bad ..they prescribed 10 mg of Tapazole..I am trying to get as much info - loaded as I can because I already know that I have to fight my own doctors to keep them on their toes...however, I do believe after all I have read so far ..I may be beat before I even start the fight...It appears I may have had this for a little while ...I have been so sick....serious vertigo...My head is not mine at all...I live in virtual unbalance...always floating...and the heat from the sweats is killing me..then there is the freezing although I refuse to let that bother me..I am tired all the time and get the vertigo every time I try to do anything strenuous and even if I just get up from bed or sitting position....I have some nausea..I refuse to let depression set in although It tries real hard...but I laugh at all my sickness as much as possible and just ask Is there anymore..I am sure I haven't got enough..haha....bring it on..I have been really sick before with the Meniers but this is just as bad..Of course I have Meniers disease, Fibromialgia, and am Peremenopausal...among other smaller problems..so it was really hard to discover thyroidism...I think I got it all....My throat was not swelled ..just throbbed and gave me serious headaches all over my face and especially in my ear....It was hurting so bad and was terribly sore to swallow or even turn my neck...but they did the test and I had one more disease to add to my growing list...go figure...why not ..I am thinking...I am very miserable..and don't trust doctors at all...they like to play to many games with peoples lives...what can I do..I am getting lost..I don't want to live like this..I want someone who really cares...Is it really to much to ask..

-- By sipsy | Reply | Private Message me

June 10th
2009
2:44 PM

I have been on Synthroid .2 for 31 years. Recently I had to add 3 half doses to what I already take. About 10 years ago I experienced rapid weight gain, 40 pounds, in two months. The doctor's reply, "I highly doubt that!" I literally got up one day and could not fit into my clothes. I don't know why doctors discount the drug for this symptom and for anxiety. It seems to me the adrenal gland would be affected by these hormones in some way which could cause stress symptoms. I called the manufacturer and they said they have no knowledge of Synthroid causing weight gain. Perhaps we should all contact the company and REPORT our side effects.

-- By jb2mh | Reply | Private Message me

June 10th
2009
2:13 AM

My entire life I've been very sickly many doctors thought thyroid but I guess my numbers always came back normal and test never lie right... My levels were finally abnormal at age 21 and I was diagnoised with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis last week. Just started Synthroid right away and my breathing is better then it has been in a few years. Doctors had no idea why my breathing was so horrible in the first place since I only have mild asthma. They just heard the wheezing in my throat and in my chest and knew something was wrong. They knew I needed an amount of breathing medication that was pretty much killing me and the E.R gave me even more then I'd take at home. Only a week of being on synthroid I'm now only taking what a severe asthmatic would take daily. Thats going to be like 100 vials less then what I was on by the end of the month!!! I don't know if I will stay on Synthroid because of the side effects I'm having that maybe I won't have on another type of medicine. We'll see I guess. But I Thank god for Synthroid without it I wouldn't be here right now. We had no idea it would even do anything for my breathing...I wasn't even prescribed it for that. I've learned now though to do my own research because doctors don't know it all especially General Doctors. Sometimes it's correct to raise the dose to get past the hyper swings of hypo sometimes it's an overdoes causing it....it's crazy. Anyway I wish all others with thyroid problems good luck your not alone.

-- By schlipfy5 | Reply | Private Message me

June 2th
2009
6:14 PM

Has anyone had problems with their eyes on this medication, my have been going blurry and then I get a terrible headache.

-- By hmurphy | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me

May 31th
2009
3:57 PM

Synthroid saved my mental well being and my life. When you first go on this medication, you can absolutely feel out of whack. First of all your body has to increase it's metabolism and is too tired to do it. It takes time for the hormone to be absorbed and then get the body back to functioning. Hair loss was not something that I had. But felt severely depressed after taking it. My doc told me that it was because my body was totally in a stress mode as it was trying to heal itself from being hypo. Went on paxil to ride out the storm, and have been totally find for over 6 years on both meds. My thyroid was so low it ran off the chart. A lot of women when discovering low thyroid are also simultaneously going through menopause or perimenopause. That is why the thyroid craps out. A lot of symptoms described in the other experiences here are menopause as well. Don't blame the synthroid. It will work and the hair loss is very temporary.

-- By chrissyb | Reply | Private Message me

May 26th
2009
11:11 AM

I am 57 years old and have been on synthroid for about 3 1/2 years. I had a nodule on my right side that was removed.I felt great but was told to see the endocrinologist. I felt better for quite a while but NOW I have gained over 25 pounds, out of breathe just going up stairs and feel like I always have a lump in my throat. The weight gain has made my feet, back and knees hurt. I have been exercising and even did Jenny Craig and only lost 10 pounds just to put it back on. I retain fluid in my hands and legs. Sometimes my legs feel like they are going to burst. I am seeing many of the same complaints on this site about synthroid. What is this Armour people are talking about?

-- By doreen7286 | Reply | Private Message me

May 25th
2009
1:22 PM

Hi there I had a total thyroidectomy on April 14th and started synthroid 125 mg daily basically since a week after. I felt great for a few weeks then The past week my tongue has been getting increasing swollen, and sore, because I am biting, it also noticed some jaw clenching, The on call doctor told me to stop it but didn’t think it was an allergy to synthroid I have read several online blogs of other people who experienced the same thing of synthroid what do u think it is? I also tend to burn easily, my skin is extremely sensitive to any chemicals, now as well.
i have also gained 10 lbs, ...

-- By scout2603 | Reply | Private Message me

May 20th
2009
12:55 PM

I thought my fatigue and mild depression symptoms were something separate but after reading these posts, it sounds like they could be linked to taking Synthroid? I've been on it for 2 years now. At first, I felt great. I started feeling tired again & my dr. upped the dosage. I just saw him today & complained of feeling tired, depressed, and getting light-headed and off balance at times. He wrote me a Rx for anti-depressants and changed my blood pressure Rx. I'm thinking about trying a Naturopathic Dr. to see if I can get the results I need without all the side affects. It couldn't hurt to get another opinion.

-- By weezer2647 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

May 15th
2009
2:58 PM

headache immediately after taking synthroid. Taking generic...
I hear that 200mcg of Selenium is a natural treatment. I may try that..I'm not going to cont. taking this crap. I have read it can cause cardiac failure too. Who wants all that crap. I feel bad enough as it is with allergies and hormone imbalance(Perimenopause).

-- By lorihutch13 | Reply | Private Message me

May 12th
2009
6:52 PM

O my!!! Here is my long story short, 2 yrs ago was put on synthroid, after a routine physical. I didn't even know I had a problem, gained 20-25 pounds, tried to diet, NOTHING, started breaking out on my face, actually leaving scares, etc...........10 days ago I ran out of my prescription - no refills - forgot about appt. and I actually have lost 3 pounds without even trying. AND my skin has no new blemished!!! I am staying off to do a trial on myself!! Good luck my friends and goodbye synthroid!!!!

-- By nonie45 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

April 15th
2009
1:12 PM

Sometimes the symptoms of depression, anxiety, headaches, short temper and hot flashes are due to out-of-balance TSH and your medication may need to be adjusted. That's been the case with me in the past and it has worked. Usually the doctor increases the dosage and things go back to normal. However, my last increase has produced opposite results. I am on 0.137 now and I feel very, very anxious, fearful, and get easily upset. I feel hot flashes as I get angry and generally feel quite depressed. I've also gained about 6 pounds in the last two months, which should is bizarre, as higher dosage usually means higher metabolism rate and weight loss. I am confused. Should I go back to my old dosage where I felt better, except for the onset of weight gain.

-- By nevenabentz | Reply | Private Message me

April 13th
2009
10:52 AM

I am not on synthroid, but also feel tired all the time with brain fog. I was actually thinking about getting my thyroid checked. I just read a wonderful book called "Breakthrough" and will be going to one of the recommended doctor's in the book. All of everybody's symptoms, including mine, sounds like the result of out of whack hormones---estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, etc.(guys, you too) You might want to go to a doctor that deals with bio-identical hormone replacement---not your OB/GYN. They also have a better thyroid hormone replacement---a natural one made from, um, here it comes--pig--which is supposedly better than the synthetic stuff everyone is taking. Also, every single doctor interviewed in the book raved about the fact that diet sodas are poison--the artificial sweeteners are killing us--so if you're downing those, you might want to stop for a while to see if you feel better. Good luck and God bless you all---hope this helps you and I hope the doctor that I'm going to see helps me...I really recommend reading that book---there is a wealth of info in there. Some things I questioned but most things really made sense.

-- By sb1 | Reply | Private Message me

April 7th
2009
2:57 PM

You Can Now Boost Your Thyroid Function,

Eliminating Your Most Troubling Symptoms…

Without A Prescription and Without

Begging Your Doctor!

How? By adding a simple but vital supplement to your diet: Iodine.

Just how important is iodine? Consider this… about 25¢ worth is all that stands between an infant developing normally and one that’ll be severely mentally handicapped the rest of its life.

Iodine is essential to a proper functioning thyroid. But as we grow older, our thyroid starts slowing down. It just can’t metabolize the iodine it needs as efficiently, and that means the hormone produced (also known as thyroid) goes down as well.

There are 2 other reasons why most of us are iodine deficient:

Inadequate dietary intake, and
Exposure to toxic substances that displace iodine.

Iodine is a mineral, but one that is not abundant in the food we eat. Primarily found in very small quantities in seawater, soils are naturally deficient in iodine, especially the further away you get from the ocean.

Iodine is also fairly easily displaced from your body by toxins called toxic halides… fluoride, bromine and chloride.

Fluoride is by far the worst culprit. Found in toothpaste and in your water supply, every time you take a shower, brush your teeth or drink from the tap, your body gets a little exposure to fluoride, leeching out good iodine. And contrary to popular belief, fluoridated water is actually rather poor at preventing tooth decay.

Why is it in our water supply then? Poor science combined with corporate greed and political ignorance paved the way. Basically a toxic by-product of aluminum production, fluoridation was sold as a way to prevent cavities because some areas with natural fluoride in the water also had lower instances of tooth decay. Based upon that spurious observation, fluoridation began.

If You’re Human, You’re Most Certainly Iodine Deficient!

Because of these factors, 96% of all people tested are iodine deficient! This according to a study of 4000 patients conducted by Dr. David Brownstein, Medical Director for The Center of Holistic Medicine, and renowned author of several books on hormones, iodine and hypothyroidism.

The World Health Organization also concurs, estimating that 72% of the world’s population is being affected by iodine deficiency.

This trend is worsening. Over the last 30 years, the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I) shows iodine levels have dropped 50% in the U.S.A. alone.

-- By fernando111 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

March 21th
2009
5:23 PM

Everyone out there, try Armour Thyroid!!! I was changed to Synthroid (because my endo only believed in it) a few years ago, and put on 15 pounds and lost half of my hair. I work out at least 6 days a week, run 3-4 miles a day, and live on salad. I asked my regular MD to switch me to Armour, and in three weeks, my hair stopped falling out, and I'm losing weight. I was losing, yes, I counted, at least 45 hairs a day when I combed my hair after my shower (and I'm not counting the clumps that came out in the shower). Now, maybe when I wring my hair out in the shower, only one will come out and less than 15 in my comb. Ask you doctor to just try it, and if it doesn't work, you can always go back. I swear by it. I'm happy all the time again, where I have just been monotone for the last few years, and I'm thrilled. Good luck!!!

-- By marina217 | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me

March 19th
2009
3:53 PM

Someone PLEASE help or offer assistance! I have been on 50mcg Synthroid for about 1.5 yrs now and have gained about 25 pounds!! I am a very, very active triathlete, not just your 30 mins on the treadmill kind of girl. How about running 5-6 miles, riding my bike 40-50 miles, and swimming all about 3 times per week!! How can a human being continue to gain weight at this activity level? I am considering just stop taking it, cold turkey. Has anyone tried any of the supplements for thyroid support, or natural meds? If you've got any suggestions, I am open to just about anything at this point!!

-- By trigirl | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me

March 19th
2009
8:14 AM

lol im 22, ive been on this drug since i was 7-8ish I find this really interesting as I never have had any side effects.As a teen I even stopped taking the drug for weeks at a time, though my doctor advised me not to because he said my body would be all wacked out... i was a teen it was bound to happen. And there was no change in me, lol. Im so surprised you guys say you had this many side effects!!!!

-- By kaylyn1234 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

March 18th
2009
10:10 AM

edrogers, sorry to hear about all your difficulties. Hair loss is a hallmark of Synthroid and any doc that tells you it isn't, is simply incompetent! I too am 110 and can't gain weight. After years of having tests, incl thyroid (I figured I had Graves), tests always came back normal. A year ago I had a large goiter that turned out to be non-cancerous but I had to have half my thyroid removed. I ended up on 50 mcg and now 75 mcg of Synthroid. Since the dosage increased 2 mos ago, I have had SEVERE leg and foot cramps that wake me up several times during the night. Plus when I wake up, I feel an aching in my legs and wonder if that is not "restless leg syndrome". I am not sure if that syndrome is related to thyroid disease or Synthroid. I have not read about that one anywhere so far. I hate the idea of being on this med from what I have read and am considering Armour.

Two things I have learned though are: 1. If you have thyroid disease, you MUST have your adrenal levels checked. Even the drug info states this must be done before any thyroid treatment and 2. if your doc doesn't listen to you, find a new one. The best article I have read for thyroid disease is Gail's Thyroid Tips. it is a real eye opener.

-- By violet713 | Reply | Private Message me

March 16th
2009
12:28 PM

I have only been on Synthroid for 2 months, but my appetite is out of control. I read that gaining weight might be a side effect of Synthroid. You would think that you would lose weight with it since it makes your thyroid run more efficiently. My TSH is 4.3, still normal, so I don't guess I really need it yet. I am going off of it and going to the health food store and take Thyroid support.

-- By lyndy27 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

March 10th
2009
1:32 AM

I have been taking Synthroid 25 mcg for a year now, and here is a list of side effects that I have experienced. Appetite has gone nuts, Gained 15 lbs, ringing in my ears has gotten louder, here is some scary stuff-constant visual disturbances, and now moderate to severe vertigo of which I have never had before the medicine!

-- By petedillard | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

March 9th
2009
6:20 AM

I think the key is perseverance. Find a good endocrinologist who is willing to treat you. A Dr. who realizes that normal blood tests may not be normal for everyone. A Dr. that knows which blood tests to order. It doesn't end there. You hold the keys to the answer. Simply keep a journal of how you feel, along with blood test results and medication levels. You and your Dr. will learn so much more about what you take and how you feel and can work together to find your "normal." I am still in search of my "normal," which I found about 6 months ago but seem to have misplaced after a recent increase in dosage of synthroid. Called the Dr., described my symptoms and he ordered blood tests which I had 2 days ago. I am looking forward to the results and a call from my Dr. this week. I am confident that he will work with me on the dosage and that I will find my "normal."

Our "normals" are out there...keep a journal, find a great endocrinologist and persevere!

-- By cbaccoli | Reply | Private Message me

March 6th
2009
10:54 AM

I have been on synthyroid for at least 7 years, and I still constantly battle fatigue and mood swings. All the doctors thought it was in my head and the last one suggested anti-depressants which I wouldn't go for. I feel depressed because I wake up tired almost every day or at least after 2 hours of being awake I can still just lie down and sleep! It's awful when just the thought of having to walk a block takes huge effort. I used to go to the gym every day but now it takes so much effort to do the smallest thing. I finally have a new doctor who has started to additionally give me Liothyronine (T3) which has given me new hope. I seem to feel better. We are still tweaking the dosage, first it was too low, now too high, but I am hopeful with the right "combo" we can get it right, if not I am considering going to a homeopathic doctor or just going off the stuff entirely, except I am not sure whether that will be worse.....If anyone has any advice or comments, please reply!!!!

-- By anniegirl | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

March 6th
2009
9:31 AM

I have been on Synthroid for about five months. I started out on a relatively small dosage- 50 mcg. My Doctor upped me 50 mcg every month after he checked my TSH levels. They started out at 150, and right now they're at a 10. I hate this medication. Im now on a 250 mcg, and my side effects keep getting worse. I have probably lost about a third of my hair. I started to loose weigh, but i don't feel like i really am anymore. I am very moody, and also emotional. I lash out for absolutely NO reason whatsoever. Im hot, cold, but can never find a comfortable temperature. Im always tired, No matter if i just wake up, or if its time to go to bed. He's put me on Celexa, he said i was just depressed. But its not depression. Three months ago i wouldn't have lashed out for something as small as the mail didn't come. I hate to be this way, and i wish i didn't have to take this medication for the rest of my life.

-- By ericaxnicolex09 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

February 24th
2009
5:04 PM

I also gained weight, work out 4-5 days a week and havent lost a pound. I am now having a vibrating or shaking feeling through out my body that is worse at night. I tried to stop taking it but that was worse.

-- By kernan77 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

February 18th
2009
10:33 AM

I have been taking Synthroid for less than 6 months - My joints ache and my tongue and teeth hurt - Could this be Synthroid symptoms

-- By amo10 | Reply | Private Message me

February 17th
2009
5:04 PM

I have always had and currently have the side of effect of extreme fatigue associated with the use of synthroid and now Armour thyroid replacement as well.
Whenever my tsh reaches normal levels I become increasingly fatigued. Now I an hardly stay out of the bed and yet my levels are normal.
I have Hashimoto's Disease and am menopausal with severe insomnia to cloud the issue. But the fatigue associated with thyroid replacement is longstanding and has occurred for about 15 yrs. For many years, I would stop taking the medication because of it. My doctors do not believe that the fatigue is related to Synthroid which I find utterly frustrating. Will be looking for another endocrinologist soon. Has anyone out there experienced this side effect of extreme fatigue?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

-- By shoprite | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

February 7th
2009
1:12 PM

I have been on Snythroid for 20 years. I had radiation treatment. I have experienced weight gain and most recently I think my hair is thinning. I take 1 0.15mg everyday except Sunday.I was reading a book that said the medication can cause loss of bone mass. I have been taking 1000 mg of Calcium a day. If you don't get those levels checked you will feel terrible! Take it from me! Thanks for sharing snythroid family

-- By rmhaley | Reply | Private Message me

February 4th
2009
10:17 PM

I started taking synthroid in November and have experienced severe muscle and joint pain. I took myself off of it! I can't wait to see my new endocrinologist on March 3rd. By the way, I haven't taken it for two weeks and I still feel absolutely awful.

-- By divasupreme | Reply | Private Message me

February 1th
2009
6:36 PM

I had my thyroid removed because of cancer. I was 18 years old. At that time, I was put on Armour thyroid because that was the only thing available. I am now 56. Somewhere along the line they figured out how to make chemical thyroid and of course I was put on it - for the next 35 years. Blood checked so many times I can't remember, dosages changed. Always a runny nose, hot and cold always a problem. I drink something hot and I start sweating, I drink something with ice and I get the chills. Back on Armour now - not the absolute best - but certainly much better than synthroid! Still what do you do when you have no thyroid? Also to let you all know, after the thyroid was removed I was treated with Radioactive Iodine, and told that I probably could not have children. Well, I am stubborn - I have three boys - had them at ages 23, 25 and 37! Many, many problems through the years ( oh yeah, the radiation treatment that I had at 1 month old fried my thymus as well as starting the cancer - it took 17 years for the cancer to develop. It was only after all this that they began to find out the you really did need a thymus too. Oh well, I could go on and on. So find me a solution to my thyroid that is gone. Can we regrow it like they are regrowing ears, fingers, etc?? Something to look into for the medical profession...

-- By herblady88 | Reply | Private Message me

February 1th
2009
6:05 PM

runny nose - took synthroid for years and never knew why my nose was always running. Went in for a blood test last year and the lady taking my blood mentioned that she too took synthroid and had a horrible runny nose. She switched to Armour Thyroid and no more nose problems. I then switched to Armour Thyroid and my runny nose went away! There must be something in the filler indgredents that causes the constant runny nose.

-- By herblady88 | Reply | Private Message me

January 28th
2009
11:48 AM

As most of you, my TSH always came back normal/border line as well. However, due to all of my symptoms - every single one for Hypothyroid - they went ahead and did an ultrasound. I had a nodule 15mm x 5mm on the left lobe and 5mm x 4mm on the right. Because I had the constant "turtleneck" feeling around my throat, it was getting hard to swallow and sounded like I was an 11 year old boy gowing through puberty again, because of the hoarseness, I had Total Thyroidectomy last week. My surgeon put me on 150mg of Synthroid. So far so good with the side effects, granted it's only been 6 days. I actually have more energy, and a decrease in appetite. I've already lost 5 lbs. Not real sure if my energy level has gone up because I no longer have a thyroid to bring it down or if it is from the medication. Either way I hope my side effects stay as they are, I could stand to lose another 50 lbs - haha

-- By vancil | Reply | Private Message me

January 26th
2009
4:49 PM

I was prescribed this drug in hopes of keeping thyroid nodules and goiter from growing larger. My TSH levels have always been in the normal range throughout my life, so the theory that "normal TSH' means a working, normal thyroid is absolutely untrue. I am a prime example of a person who's numbers have always remained normal and yet their thyroid does not work properly. I have decided to discontinue this drug after 3 months of use. The weight is packing on faster than I can diet and exercise it off. My face is puffy, my stomach bloated and looking pregnant, and now retaining water. Anyone who does not believe that Synthroid causes weight gain, I welcome you to try this drug. It does the exact thing it claims it is combating. I am not hypo with levels of 1.07 and yet something odd is occurring within my body with this synthroid. I'm praying that if I stop the drug I might return to some form of normalcy soon.

-- By debs661 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me


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