Synthroid and thyroid

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.

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.

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

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?????

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.

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.

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.

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??

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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!!

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.

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.

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!!!!

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.

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.

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...

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.

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

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.

Hello, I have been on synthroid since 1999. I am hypothyroid with hashimotos. Endr. docs couldn't seem to get any levels right so I went to my Intergretted doctor . and he put me on 1/4 grain armour so I took anywhere from 50mcg to 100mcg of synthroid in the AM and 1 armour at night. It worked but after a short while I felt terrible. Then I had to start taking high blood pressure presc., it was about 170/116 after I had some shots in my back for pain, never had hp. before these shots. In Sept. of this year I stopped the Topralxl because I felt my heart was pounding out of my chest which I was in hospital for they said I was having a heart attack, had anigram, but I didn't have a heart attack and and angigram came out good. Then this summer they put me on 2 Topralxl. My heart was pounding with 4 extra beats so with a ultra sound{echo]of my heart and 24 hour halter it was all good, so I figured it had to be something I am taking. So that lead up to the stop of Topralxl which I researched and took a few things from Health Food store and got my pressure down to 140/80. My heart quit racing and beating so hard, but still felt depressed, puffed up, confused, teeth felt loose, urinated a lot, gained weight, rashy on my neck, tired all day, did not sleep good, eyes were always red and watery, skin and hair dry, blemishes on my face{ I am'56 yrs. old] just didn't feel good and the list goes on. Came across this site and read them all. Realized so much from you all. Sythroid only has T4 which your cells should be able to covert T3 out of that. T4 stores in your body and T3 is used up as the day goes on. But some peoples bodies don't convert the T3. Several people have talked about TSH which is your thyroid stimulating hormone which comes from your Pituitary Gland. When you thyroid or your meds. don't give you enough thyroid of what you need the Pituitary kicks in there to tell your thyroid gland to to produce more. It's not good for your TSH to be high so Docs. put you on a higher dose of Sythroid or whatever you take for the pituitary to stop producing TSH. So I want to say I am not a doc. but have felt so terrible and researching what I could I quit my Synthroid on the 29 of Dec. and started taking my armour thyroid 1 AM, 1 late afternoon and 1 PM on my own cause I figured I am still getting my T4 and T3. I went to my Endr. Doc. yesterday and told him I went off my Synthroid and just taking Armour. and told him I felt so terrible, after stopping the Topral heart felt great but the rest of me felt drugged, I just felt desperate and horrible. So again it had to be something I was taking. Well I have to say that I feel 100% better than I was. I am much more alert with my surroundings and whatever i am doing, sleep so good, teeth feel good, no rash, urinate normal, not confused, face cleared up, eyes not red or watery, pretty much I already feel normal again. Working at my job is not exhausting, my neck, which I didn't mention before quit hurting. In a whole it was the right thing for me but maybe not for everyone. I just felt that it was slowing taking me out. Blood Pressure, Thyroid issues are to be concerned about but seems like a person should feel better not worse with the meds. So this is the information I have learned and I'm sure there is much more. So good luck to you all and listen to your body and talk to your doc.about how you feel. It can be very scary when you are diagnosed with something but we are all different in what our body needs and our side effects.

Oh My Gosh....I cannot believe I just stumbled across this site. Feeling so NOT LIKE MYSELF for quite sometime now made me decide to google Snythroid side effects, wondering if this medication I am on could possibly be the reason I am feeling so badly. I am 50-years old and started taking synthroid (Levythyroxine) about a year ago for hypothyroidism. I have been struggling tremendously with anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, more hot flashes, emotional instability, and sudden weight gain (about 10 lbs) since I started taking it. I never had any weight issues. I have just assumed this was all related to being "menopausal" (and I'm sure some of it is) and stress-related.....but here's the thing....BEFORE I started taking it, I felt "normal" emotionally, I never had a problem with my weight, and never really had any major "pre-menopausal" symptoms....in fact, I think I had A LOT LESS hot flashes and emotional turmoil, BRAIN FOG, etc., BEFORE I went on this stuff. I was technically POST MENOPAUSE two months ago. Okay, so symptoms should be subsiding now. Any menopausal symptoms would/should have been worse during pre-menopause. Again, I never remember having any major symptoms going through "the change" and felt blessed in that respect......so could it be possible that this hell I have been going through COULD be related to this fricken Snythroid????!?!? I want to just stop taking it to see if I feel normal again, but don't know if it's SAFE to go off all of a sudden. What is this Armour?? I cannot believe how many others out there are feeling like me. I hope this is the reason, so I can feel some hope. But now what do I do? I'm sure I still have to get my TSH levels or whatever regulated. Any suggestions out there? I'll try and make a doctor's appt and check levels again and see what my options are...I was told I probably had to stay on this stuff for the rest of my life. Thanks, everyone.

i have a lot of the same symptoms and had a nodule and was told i may be able to get off of my thyroid medicine after it went away, but please be careful and don't just stop taking your medicine. Your body is not making enough of the thyroid hormone that is why you had a swollen gland it was trying hard to make enough but couldn't keep up. Your body has to have that hormone to function without it. If it doesn't have enough it can throw you into toxic shock and a coma. the side affects are terrible and I agree get to your doctor and demand help! But the side affects are nothing compared to what going without your medicine can do to you. i know i tried it and ended up in the er!

I have hypothyroid. Have been taking Synthroid for about a year, 0.075MG a day. Had my levels checked 3 times since on the meds and still have never gotten to normal, but a lot closer. I have gained 20 pounds that I can't get rid of, which for me, is crazy. I have never had a problem dropping weight, and for the past month or so, I have started losing my hair. Not just losing it, but the texture and everything has changed. No matter what I do it looks dry and flat, and even when I condition it and also use a leave in conditioner, it still knots up and tangles. I have NEVER had a problem with tangles. It's coming out in handfuls. Im not taking any other meds, so I imagine it has to be the Synthroid. My problem is..What else can I take? I mean, I have Hypothyroid, so I can,t just leave it untreated, But I have no wish to be fat and bald either. Please...anyone know of others meds without these side effects?

Hash thyriod disease with vitiligo.Synthroid .88mg. 3 yrs on Synthroid.
NONE OF THESE SYMPTOMS I HAVE HAD BEFORE SYNTHROID.
SEVERE knee pain,ovary pain,joint pain, bone pain,muscle aches, fatigue, sleep apnea, weight gain,depression, anxiety, edema, FIBROMYALGIA / LUPUS SYMPTOMS,chronic inflammation, numbness in left foot,numbness in left hand, lower back pain, headaches,elbow pain,abdominal pain, brain fog,HAIR LOSS and greasy hair (always had thick curly drier hair) greasy skin, white pimple-ish areas on arms, itchy breast, lymph breast pain,increased hunger, strong food cravings, irritability,high blood sugars (I am type 1 diabetic) synthroid is known to mess with insulin in a diabetic, all my symptoms have had one test or another ran and all come back normal. I have no diabetic neuropathys..which surprised the doctors when my nerve tests came back normal...he was blaming my diabetes for most symptoms and told me to eat less in regards to weight gain.Still he brushed off my symptoms. I have asked my (endo doctor) to put me on Armour but she refused, she said I would be taking steps into the dark ages.
As if the symptoms are not enough, I am developing more.
NEW SYMPTOMS..Globus sensation (feels like constant lump in throat) eye twiches, eye floaters (not diabetic related).
I did experience twice after a higher dosage was made I felt great for the first two weeks and then like crap again.
I have oddly noticed I have crazy-fast hair growth, although my hair is thinning and not replaced..I have to shave twice a day.

Also I read a comment about one person switching synthroid to evening and said they felt better. I am pretty sure this is because doing it that way the body absorbs less synthroid. And for any one who doesn't know..synthroid takes calcium from the bones over time.
I am sure the avg person on synthroid complains to a dr about symptoms and doctors never get a clue.

I had excruciating muscle spasms in the legs when taking synthroid. My physicians argued that Synthroid or T4 was all that was needed because my body would produce T3. This simply is not accurate information for everyone. The muscle spasms became so severe that I went to the Cleveland Clinic in hopes of resolving this issue. This was a waste of time; the docs could only confirm the presence of muscle spasms in my legs and offered no other options. Finally, while reviewing all my lab reports and the related symptoms, I discovered that the muscle spasms only occurred when I was taking synthroid for hypothyroidism. I switched to Armour thyroid and the muscle spasms ceased. I urge everyone with hypothyroidism to find a doctor that can think outside the box.

When I was first put on this we started at the lowest level and worked up from there, after having labs every 6 weeks for the first few months. I did feel better and had a little more energy, but I had to pee all the time and it smelled god awful, went to my GYN she said it came back fine.....then a G/F who had thyroid cancer told me she takes Armour (a natural ,made from pig liver)...OMG what a difference, I can take less meds, it is cheaper and my urine no longer smells.My energy level is back too!! Armour has T3 and T4 and Synthroid does not. I suggest to those not happy with Synthroid to try Armour thyroid, again it takes about 6-8 weeks to notice but what a great change, and better for your kidneys (which is how synthroid is excreted)

I Had half of my thyroid removed 16 years ago. I was immediately put on synthroid. It made me crazy. I had rage and emotions that I couldn't control. I went through 2 divorces because of synthroid. I did not realize that was what was causing it. My doctors thought that i was crazy when I told them my symtoms. It must be the help of God because I stopped taking synthroid and started doing research and found out that sea weed would help me and do the same thing that synthroid did. Just a flake or two a day has been helping me for almost 2 years now. I feel great without the side effect that I would normally get from synthroid. Two much will make you weak though but the small about I take works just fine for me.

I AM SO GLAD TO KNOW THAT MOST OF YOU HAVE THE SAME SYMPTOMS. I am 25 yrs old and I went from 117-162 in about 4 years. I have been miserable!!!!! I was diag. in Aug. and have been taking SYNTHRIOD ever since when I first started taking it I took the medicine in the morning like the bottle and the doctor recommends, but I felt just like all of you. So I tried taking it in the afternoon for kicks and giggles to see if it would help at all. After about a week taking it at about 2pm I started feeling like a champ so I continued and now a month later I have lost 10 pounds. Just a suggestion......... The one question I do have is that I recently noticed that I have actually been ovulating and I am convinced that I haven;t in years hince why I have no kids I guess... Could your thyroid levels mess you up that bad to where you spend years not ovulating or should I go through the expensive process to see a fertility specialists. This is a question that I asked my doctor and of course they want to do 1000 $$$$$$$ tests to find out. Which I have no problems with in the future if worse comes to worse but I would like some advise from my fellow hypo sufferers and see if anyone was in the same boat as mee before being diag.

After a year and a half of synthroid because of removal of my thyroid for cancer, I feel worse than I have ever felt in my life. Many tests have shown that there is no recurrence of the cancer. I would think I had fibromyalgia if it weren't that I read the blogs from other sufferers like me. I now take 150 mcg on most days. Some days I have to cut it down or skip it because I just cannot bear the body pain, weakness, brain fog, constant awakening in the night, severe cramping knee and leg pain, and muscle aches (there's no word strong enough to describe this pain -- 'aches' just doesn't do it). On the days I don't take synthroid I begin to feel like my old self. But my old self was 40 pounds thinner and losing. My old self walked three miles a day and hiked into the back country with my son. And my old self felt energetic and woke up every day with happy plans. Now I feel like an invalid. Some days I can barely walk. I cannot stand for longer than 5 minutes. I have tried cytomel, unithroid, and armour with varying problems. Synthroid is all that is left. Those of us who are dependent on this drug really need some good research on its effects. And we also need compassionate physicians who do not dismiss our pain and, it is not overdramatic to say, suffering.

I've been feeling dizzy for about a year and half. Recently switched from levothyroxine to Synthroid and upped the dosage slightly. Now I'm feeling worse! My endo seems to think there is nothing he can do for me but get my thyroid under control. Is anyone else experiencing dizziness from the meds? Is there a med that is better for this?

IVE BEEN ON SYNTHROID FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND ITS BEEN HELL. I WAS STARTED OUT ON A 100MCG MY PERIOD STOPPED I HAD MOOD SWINGS HOT FLASHES AND MY IRREGULAR HEART BEAT IM 31 YEARS OLD I GAINED 42 POUNDS IN 1 YEAR MY FAMILY DOCTOR CHANGE MY SYNTHROID TO 125MCG WERE THEN I WAS RECEIVING TO MUCH NOW IM ON 112 WERE I HAVE BEEN IN REAL BAD LEG AND FEET PAIN AND AWAITING A CURE FOR THIS AWFUL ILLNESS IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE EMAIL ME B/C IM ALSO TRYING TO HAVE A BABY PLEASE REPLY ASAP

Hello Ladies....I am 56 and diaged Hashimotos disease 3 years ago.At the moment on 112mcg of synthroid....dosage started off low and have gradually worked up....So angry with drs...was seeing endo, but moved and using family practice...so frustrated with weight gain approx 25lbs since diag. Also does the word sweat ....mmmm perspire for all us ladies, mean anything? I can't even wash dishes without breaking out in to a sweat...mmm beads of perspiration....Dry skin, I own stock in Aveeno....Also....does anyone get "boil type" skin eruptions in the nether region...butt, inner thighs etc? Does anyone or has anyone done any serious research on Iodine? I try to eat as well as I can, was doing Weight Watchers and gained weight do ya hear me? I am questioning my idodine intake or lack of....Presently take mulit vit with 150mcg. Considering uping it and dc ing my synthroid...cuz docs have been useless....eat less, (how much more less?) exercise more...I swim so much I look like a freaking prune....Any comments?

1990 - 2003 synthroid
Major bone loss
Complete hair loss

I am was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism about 2 years ago. I took the radiation treatment and was placed on Synthroid. Every 4 weeks the dosage was adjusted until my Dr doc determined 0.125mcg worked best for me. Well, at the time I was diagnosed I weighted about 150 pounds. Two years later I am at 180. I'm 5'8 so my doctor(s) tell me my weight is in portion to my height. Well, the extra weight is centered around my stomach and hips, I am extremely fatigued and lethargic, I have brain fog and would like to exercise but I'm just too tired. I heard about Armour but from reading some of the other experiences, it doesn't appear to be the 'cure all' solution either.

I don't believe you are experiencing side effects due to Synthroid - I have similar symptoms and just a couple of days ago my doctor and I have discovered that my symptoms may have to do with my PARAthyroid gland. I also have Chronic Kidney disease which also has a correlation to both the Thyroid and Parathyroid.

Ask your doctor to check your Ionized Calcium, PTH (parathyroid hormone), and your Vitamin D-25 - also your cholesterol levels. Also - check out GOITROGENS - certain foods and drugs, including SOY and Milk may affect your body's absorption of your levothyroxine dose (you may not be getting enough)

Why is it OK with the DR. if synthroid makes us gain weight?!!! I've been hyperthroid before and lost weight...why does the med make us GAIN weight...I've tried EVERYTHING....We must demand they do more research..something just isn't right..but what do they care as long as our blood work LOOKS right! We should have the same rights to meds that work as the rest of the population.

I had my thyroid removed 16 months ago. I had nodules and biopsies, but the biopsies couldn't tell if the nodules were cancerous or not---so I had the whole thyroid removed at my doctor's advice. I have been taking Synthroid and increasing the dosage---now up to 200---and I have gained 37 pounds!! I can't stand myself any more, none of my clothes fit,and I am so unhappy. I had gastric bypass surgery 9 years ago and lost 123 lbs. I had gained 20 lbs, but was stable for 7 years. Then I had the tyroidectomy and -boom- I'm fat again. I am really panicked. I don't want to gain all my weight back. It seems like I get fatter every day. My endo doesn't take me seriously, he says my thryoid is at the right level. I don't know what to do!!!!

I have been on Synthroid since 1983--varying dosages. Side effects have included: weight gain, heart palpitations,adrenalin misfires, extreme reaction to heat (sun burns) and body feels hot all the time, fingers go numb in cold weather. Just recently have not been able to regulate dosage--fluctuating between hyper/hypo. I would like to try a new medication with few side effects. Anyone had any luck finding a different med that works?

I have been on synthroid since 1982 after RAI to treat Graves. I had 1 child since then and was early 20's but around 30's started having weight gain and fatigue etc. I stopped the meds in 1992 on my own for several months then dr was very scolding and said never do that again. Ever since I went back on I have been gradually worse and worse. Went from 105 in 1982 to 192lbs now. I feel so helpless and lack of care from doctors in trwating me. 1996 had hysterectomy and both ovaries removed which has caused even greater imbalance of the estrogen and thyroid. I pray that I can find a cure that does not require medication like synthroid. Tried Armour in 2005 but did not get better. Lost a little weight but now I found it again and more. The only doctors in MN that I believe can help do not take insurance and I am single parent of 2 children and cannot afford to pay out of pocket expenses. I have already spent close to $1000 to the naturopaths but they sold me way too many supplements, I cannot even take all them its too much plus they both said lose weight. I have no energy or mind skills to implement a structured diet and exercise plan. Anyone know a doctor in twin cities, MN that takes insurance Preferred one that can help me with bio-hormones? Tmaya

I am a female and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's three years ago (looking at old childhood photos I've probably had this all my life) and have taken Levoxyl and Synthroid in escalating doses over time. Initially 25mcg for about a year and that was the endo plan until bloodwork indicated a need for more. I quit taking it after a year as it seemed I was gaining weight. After a few months went to a different endo and he started the treatment again with 25 (I weighed 160 at the time) and now has worked it to 100mcg (I now weigh 178!!!). I thought that with the higher dose I would have more of a weight loss effect (definitely not weight gain) and thought I'd have more energy, better brain function and happier outlook. I am experiencing the complete opposite. The last time I visited the endo and he looked at my weight gain he just said to "stop it". I work out almost every day for 45 minutes to 2 hours, have a job that at times requires arduous work, I eat a very healthy diet full of fiber, low in fat, low in carbs. I'm always hungry and feel like eating to make up for a lack of energy. I come home from work exhausted. This isn't living. I've had it with the Synthroid and any form of T-4 alone. I'm going to see a natural healthcare professional to try Armour because none of the medical doctors I've seen will prescribe it or synthetic T-3.

Ive been on synthroid since Saturday august 23rd and I noticed Im more nervous like I want to climb the walls and im sweating profusly. I have lost over 100 lbs since February and I had blood work done on tues august 19th and the doctor put me on 25 mg. Im suppose to go back in 6 weeks and get my level checked again but Im going to call the doctors office tomorrow and tell them what is happening. If this is what is going to happen Im not staying on it. Im only 42 and I am battling deg.disc disease which hurts enough and sciatia.

Welcome to my hell!

If I could choose to have my thyroid back, I take it and take my chances with the cancer. Well lets see... I take .300mcg of Synthroid and generally feel good only when I forget to take my medication for a couple of days. After about 3 days, I start feeling tired and will eventually start crashing for 10 to 12 hours at a time. OH! Ive heard that it takes weeks to level out, but I can feel the difference in about 3 days. Of course, the doctor says that's not possible, but then - he is holding my thyroid hostage.

I have gained 30 lbs. Have headaches frequently, get moody, AND now I get bloated when I eat. Im ready to try the Armour thing that Ive read about. Cytomel makes my heart race.

Im pretty sure that smoking helps! I read that it lowers your TSH levels.

Im just tired of feeling like sh_t all the time.

Just switched to synthroid 88 mcg after 8 yrs on Armour. My doctors found an ugly mass on my right thyroid and rushed me to surgery, certain it was Cancer: it was just an ugly goiter..now I have to take thyroid meds the rest of my life. :(

It took a year to get me regulated on Armour and I gained 30 #. 20:20 hindsite. I thought it was good and natural too... for 8 years

BUT here is an FYI: NOBODY TESTS THE PIGS. THERE IS NO QUALITY CONTROL TO SEE HOW MUCH THYROID WE ARE 'REALLY' GETTING.ANIMALS CAN BE HYPO AND HYPERTHYROID TOO.

Sooo... 7 weeks into a 90 day supply of my Armour and my pharmacy recalls it. I mention it to my doc who promply makes the connection and draws my labs, VOILA I am suddenly hyperthyroid AND now I can understand some of my crappy symptoms of late..

Lesson learned. Hoping to be feeling better soon. Hope you all find what works for you but these are all drugs and be aware.