on synthroid and gaining weight

valderrama · Newbie Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Posts: 14

Hello! I have been on synthroid 25 mcg for a year now. The moment I started taking this medicine my weight got up, and my d\stomach got bigger. Whatever I did, weight wouldn’t go down and the stomach keeps being bloated. The doctor says it is not synthroid that is causing my weight gain. Is there anybody with the same problem? Thx

charity · Silver Member Joined: 30 Jan 2000 Posts: 265

Is there anybody? There are millions! The question about synthroid and weight gain is just like that question who came first, an egg or a hen!!! Patients keep complaining about synthroid and weight gain and the doctors keep saying it is not synthroid. It seems nobody knows the answer but we are still gaining weight.

karenb · Newbie Joined: 30 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

omg........i have been on synthyroid for about 2 months and have definately gained weight. Never dawned on me that could be the cause, but now, it makes perfect sense. I just had an appointment with my dr and she just said watch what you eat,This is very disturbing obviously, the reason I was told to take synthyroid, because of a sluggish metabolism, this was supposed to give a busrt of energy as well..........I had no burst of anything except weight

Guest · Guest

hi the reason why you are are gaining weight on synthetic t4 thyroid is because is made predominately of t4 one of the weakest of the 5 thyroid hormones that is only potentially active when converted to t3 (the most effective thyroid hormone) when you take thyroid hormones you risk the the shut down of the thyroid gland wich will make it vertually impossible to convert t4 to t3 (t3 directly enhances metabolism) so ironically by taking synthyroid you are shutting down your natural production the result is weight gain

i suggest recovering your thyroid through the human bodys natural food source fruit and vegetables if asked i will go into more detail and help you through your healing prossess to the path of weight loss and a burst of health
and vitality Very Happy

Tubby · Newbie Joined: 23 Feb 2007 Posts: 2

I just found these postings and have to say that I completely agree with what you are experiencing. I've been on synthroid for 10 years now - ever since my radiation treatment for Hodgkin's damaged my thyroid. Previous to this I was a slim to skinny person who could eat what ever when ever and NEVER gain weight. I fact I had to struggle to gain weight at certain points. I am not 35 yrs old and weigh about 135 lbs - which does not sound bad on a 5'4" inch female - but it is all in the stomach area and I too look like I am 4 - 6 months pregnant. I actually had a sales clerk ask me if I just had a baby and I've never been pregnant!!
So glad to hear that I am not alone. My synthroid dosage has steadily increased from 25 mcg to 100 mcg over the past 10 years and I SWEAR there is a link to my weight gain. I am off to call my doc now and get my TSH level checked! Thanks so much for you postings they give me some hope that it is not just me!

Guest · Guest

Has anyone tried 7 - keto instead of synthroid?

Guest · Guest

Hello!

I am experiencing the same problem with synthroig (enlarged thyroid with normal blood test). Before synthroid I was skinny and can eat whatever I want. Not anymore! Doctors keep saying : "Watch what you eat". it seems like this medication really builds fat... WHat to do?

milzan · Newbie Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 3

Wow this is exactly what happened to me. I had Hodgkins 17 years ago and been on Synthroid all this time. I have struggled with my weight but had it under control. I had to change insurance companies about 6 months ago and they put me on a generic brand. I now have developed hives and angiodema as well as rapid weight gain. I am back on Synthroid but nothing has changed. I am taking various allergy medicines but they are not helping. Any thoughts?

milzan · Newbie Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 3

Wow this happened to me. I am a 47 year old female. I had Hodgkin’s decease 17 years ago and been on Synthroid all this time. I have struggled with my weight but had it under control. Approx. 6 months ago I had to change insurance companies and they did not approve the Synthroid brand right away and put me on a generic brand. As soon as I took the generic brand I developed hives. After one week I was able to get the Synthroid again. However I am now struggling with daily urticaria as well as angioedema. I have gained at least 15 pounds. I went to an allergy doctor who prescribed various allergy medicines but they are not helping. I am very frustrated. Any thoughts?

phenomenal · Newbie Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 1

My T4 is slow and TSH and T3 are normal. I have had a vast array of all the Hypothyroid symptoms and all the untreated long term symptoms as well.
I was started on Synthroid in January. I felt great initially on the Synthroid with more energy and better concentration immediately. But slowly it went downhill and all my old Hypothyroid symptoms returned.
And in the past month I gained 20 pound and I have had no change in diet or exercise. I feel bloated all the time. It could be temporarily forgivable if I wasnt already 300 pounds and eating a normal healthy diet (I generally follow the Zone)
So I am ready to throw out the synthroid. I have told my doctor but generally when your this heavy most people think its because I overeat and so they just ignore symptoms such as rapid weight gain, like my doctor did.
I am thinking of trying Thyrosense which is a hea;thy supplement way to heal thyroid. anyone know anything?

on synthroid and gaining weight

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