synthyroid and weight gain

Guest · Guest

I Synthoid for about 1 year now and i have gained about 20 lbs. I am not happy at all. I have talked to my endocrinologist several times about this and she keeps telling me it will eventually come off, but it just keeps packing on. I also have some episodes where I am so fatigued I can't move. I have tried eating lots of fruits, veggies, and lean meats. Before synthroid I was able to do my calorie counting for a few weeks to take off any extra pounds now calorie counting only works if I only take in about 900 calories/day. For me that is starvation!! I am so unhappy. I am trying to be happy that the lump in my thyroid was detected early by a routine yearly physical, but it hurts me to see the scale have the same reading it did when I was nine months pregnant 7 years ago.

Guest · Guest

This post is in response to the one by wallwork....I can't believe that you would say that synthroid has nothing to do with weight gain. Obviously there is a problem with the thyroid or we wouldn't be taking meds for it. IF the dosage is not exactly right, I'm sure there will be some changes in our bodies as that is the function of the thyroid gland to begin with. I recently had my entire thyroid gland removed and believe me, I have gained weight and had a whole list of things happen to my body since then. IF the doseage IS EVER right, then Synthroid might not cause weight gain, but I'm here to tell you that it's not as simple as a doctor giving you a pill...it takes a long, long time to get the dosage correct..I'm still waiting for mine to be right. Sad

Guest · Guest

I too believe synthroid causes weight gain. When I started taking it, I weighed 135 and now I'm 172 and not matter WHAT I do or how I diet and exercise it WON'T come off. One of the side effects of synthroid is increased appetite - which is on the part of the explanation that comes with your prescription.

Guest · Guest

Armour thyroid is the way to go. First of all, it is bio-identical so your body doesn't have to get used to it. Also, some people just can't function with a synthetic hormone. I had a total thyroidectomy and was put on synthroid. I felt like I was slowly dying until my doctor switched me to Armour. I felt the difference in the first week. Natural hormones are just better!

Guest · Guest

Guest · Guest

I had the gland removed due to a tumor in 2005. I was told my family doc could monitor my tsh levels. After steadily getting more tired, gaining weight, developing pseudo gout, scalp dryness issues, etc. I got fed up and called the endocrinologist who treated my tumor. I found that the vast majority of family physicians do not test for other issues of the thyroid. I am now under control but due to the several years being yo-yoed on synthroid have also gained about 60 lbs. I am now on Cytomel, synthroid, water pill and meltomin(?) for prevention of diabetes. Although I have not felt the same since having it removed, I can say it is at least good to be alive and I can eat steak again.

I encourage all with thyroid problems to seek the advice of an actual endocrinologist instead of a family doctor.

mustangkarrie · Newbie Joined: 25 Aug 2008 Posts: 3

I too, have had my thyroid removed. And was put on Sythroid. I had gained weight as part of the symptoms of the thyroid disorder. I too thought I would loser the weight when going on Synthroid. But to my amazement, I am gaining weight. I know all the Physicians state that the two are not related, but it can not be a coincidence that everyone on it gains weight!
I am seeing my Dr again, to see if there is something else out there that can take the place of synthroid and the weight gain.

Heather1984 · Newbie Joined: 16 Sep 2008 Posts: 4

In my experience and from countless reports online from other patients, Synthroid DOES somehow cause weight gain. Doctors will tell you that's impossible, and I understand that if it is only replacing the hormones you are lacking, it should not cause weight gain, but there must be something in the chemical makeup of the stuff, that causes weight gain.

I felt pretty good all the time, happened to get diagnosed as Hypo, and was put on 50mcg then 100 mcg of Synthroid. Suddenly over the next 8 weeks, I felt HORRIBLE. Tired, depressed, gained 8 lbs, irritable.

After doing hours and hours of research, I have concluded that having this stuff in your system is not the answer. I am now not taking the pills, and have replaced them with all natural thyroid stimulating herbs. I am also going to try Virgin Coconut Oil.

There is somethings wrong, when SO many people are reporting weight gain, and other major problems, but no one will recognize it.

Good luck to all of you and I encourage you to look into other, more natural options!!! Things from nature are so much better than pharmaceutical stuff. Smile

synthyroid and weight gain

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