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 Posted: 05/20/07 - 17:15 Post subject: Synthroid pregnant belly |
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| I started Synthroid 3 months ago following Radioiodine treatment. I also immediately developed the distended belly and look 5 months pregnant after being at a normal weight my whole life (I'm 53). I wonder if it is the Synthroid causing this for everyone or a symptom of being hypo and having such a slow metabolism the food is not digested properly. I've read a lot indicating most doctors are under treating and don't have people at a high enough dosage of Synthroid to improve the hypo symptoms. Starting 2 wks ago, my dosage is being increased gradually to double what I've been on (by a new doctor) so I will find out in the next few weeks how it goes. I guess if my belly gets worse, I'll know it's caused by the Synthroid. If it gets better, then I'll know it is a symptom of being under treated. Will post again. |
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| Posted: 06/29/07 - 03:54 Post subject: Re: sythroid and weight gain |
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| mceachin wrote: |
How come when I'm on Synthroid I gain weight? I was very thin my entire life. My weight was never a problem untill I started using Synthroid. Is it just me or is this some kind of side-effect of this medication? What is the most important information I should know about Synthroid? Can I use diet pills while taking Synthroid?
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I was on this same pill and gained lots of weight was well. As far as my knowing, I didn't have a lifestyle change or different eating habits. I also suffered from all of the side effects including extream sensitivity to the sun. |
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contrariwise
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| Posted: 08/05/07 - 17:26 Post subject: Synthroid causing weight gain |
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I am 5'1", 59 years, and have been stable at 108 lb. for many years. Last August I was diagnosed hypothyroid and prescribed .05 mg Synthroid daily. I went back to Dr. after quickly gaining 8 lb and he said my readings were normal. I gained another 4 lb., and was tested again. Still normal. Dr. says everything is fine. Not worried because I'm not yet obese, but I'm very distressed. This is quite a large percentage weight gain in a short period of time. Also have the distended belly people here are describing. I'm not eating more than usual (actually less) and I'm exercising the same as before. I do feel better emotionally. I laugh and cry more. I was very depressed and unfeeling before I started taking Synthroid, and it has helped.
The medical community online are all saying that Synthroid cannot be related to weight gain when people are clearly reporting this side effect right and left. This is just idiocy. I don't want to just stop taking it without a substitute. Why isn't anybody listening? |
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ksf
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| Posted: 08/05/07 - 21:26 Post subject: synthroid causing weight gain |
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Whoa these stories all sound familiar. I have had hypothyroidism for about 13yrs now. I've tried every thyroid replacement drug there is.
Synthroid made me feel like a cow. I was extremely "puffy" all of the time. I then started taking Armour Thyroid. Shortly after I started taking this everyone asked me if I'd lost weight (I hadn't) because the "puffiness" had disappeared.
Maybe some of you are experiencing "water retention" which definitely shows on the scales. I can gain 5-8 lbs in one day by eating anything with salt (ie:restraraunt food, prepared foods, etc.)
I still have problems with my weight while taking Armour but it has made my appearance seem more normal. I honestly think I feel better taking it than Synthroid too.
Just a suggestion...you may want to try it. |
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contrariwise
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| Posted: 08/05/07 - 22:35 Post subject: Armour Thyroid |
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Thanks for the tip, ksf. I'm calling my doctor's office first thing in the morning to ask for a prescription for Armour. It's certainly worth a try. I do feel very bloated. My weight gain cannot be all water. It's too much for that, but maybe a few pounds of it could be.
I had to buy all new clothes this summer, because I am 2 sizes bigger. I have a whole closet full of jeans,skirts and capris that I can't get into. And with this belly, I cannot wear the close fitting styles I always wore, so I can't use any of my tees and tanks. I need those loose, maternity-looking tops. I will have to buy all new clothes for winter, too, unless I can drop this excess weight before it turns cold. I won't be able to wear my sweaters or jackets and slacks. |
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ksf
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| Posted: 08/05/07 - 22:58 Post subject: synthroid weight gain |
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One other thing I did forget to mention that might help you...one of the side effects of having thyroid abnormalties is depression.
When I first was diagnosed with thyroid problems I went to a specialist at the Endriconology & Joslin Diabetic Center in Indianapolis. When the doctor told me thyroid patients needed an anti-depressant I looked at her and thought she was nuts! I refused to take them. Several years later I gave in and started anti-depressants and they helped tremendously with the mood swings...just something else for you to consider.
Pssss...not all of my weight is caused by fluid retention either. Darn! |
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contrariwise
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| Posted: 08/06/07 - 12:19 Post subject: Thyroid and depression |
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I had been trying every anti-depressant in the world for years and years with very limited success. Some of them would work for a few months or a year and then stop. Some not at all. Some had unacceptable side effects. I tried many off-label drugs. Neurontin helped the most but I had a really huge weight gain with it--2-3 lb per week. Prozac only worked for a short time. Zoloft didn't work. Wellbutrin for a while, then stopped. Effexor the same. Paxil made me nuts. I can't remember all the others.
Synthroid has improved my emotional well-being overall more than any psychoactive drug ever did. I give it that. But I'm very unhappy with the weight gain side effect. (That's kind of depressing in itself.)
I have a call in to my doctor. I didn't ask for the Armour yet. I asked for her email address so I can discuss the subject and tell her what I've found online. Meanwhile, I didn't take my Synthroid this morning to see if my appetite falls off by any chance, or the bloating subsides. I kind of think that even when you think that you're not eating more, that you probably are. If you don't write down everything, you really don't know for sure. |
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Hizgrace4all
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| Posted: 08/06/07 - 20:11 Post subject: |
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Hello All,
I was reading the posts today, and had a few questions. I work in a Pharmacy, and I am trying to rack my brain for some answers, hopefully. For those who posted, have your doctors asked you what kinds of medicine you are taking? (if you are?).
Also, dont forget to ask your Pharmacists for information, and let them know of the symptoms you are having and the issues (EX; the "bloating and distending" issues. Doctors and Pharmacists together have a WORLD of information on these issues. Your NUMBER ONE decision maker for your health is your doctor though.
When you pick up your scripts, consult with the pharmacist on your symptoms, concerns and questions. Pharmacists often have LOTS of patients in the pharmacy whom have had similar or the same side effects, and have made different changes. After consulting with the pharmacist, if they offer new information or possible interactions, you can consult with your doctor on your findings.
Blessings,
Hizgrace |
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Hizgrace4all
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| Posted: 08/06/07 - 20:34 Post subject: Re: Thyroid and depression |
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| contrariwise wrote: | I had been trying every anti-depressant in the world for years and years with very limited success. Some of them would work for a few months or a year and then stop. Some not at all. Some had unacceptable side effects. I tried many off-label drugs. Neurontin helped the most but I had a really huge weight gain with it--2-3 lb per week. Prozac only worked for a short time. Zoloft didn't work. Wellbutrin for a while, then stopped. Effexor the same. Paxil made me nuts. I can't remember all the others.
Synthroid has improved my emotional well-being overall more than any psychoactive drug ever did. I give it that. But I'm very unhappy with the weight gain side effect. (That's kind of depressing in itself.)
I have a call in to my doctor. I didn't ask for the Armour yet. I asked for her email address so I can discuss the subject and tell her what I've found online. Meanwhile, I didn't take my Synthroid this morning to see if my appetite falls off by any chance, or the bloating subsides. I kind of think that even when you think that you're not eating more, that you probably are. If you don't write down everything, you really don't know for sure. |
Hi Contrariwise,
Sounds like you are doing well. Dont forget to ask your pharmacist about the weight gain issues. You know, sometimes the depression is a symptom of thyroid issues. Because your thyroid controls lots.
Thyroid hormones influence virtually every other organ system in the body. They tell the organs how fast or slow the should work, and tell the body systems when to use energy (e.g., consume oxygen and produce heat).
Although we rarely think about them, the glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they release influence almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, and metabolism, as well as sexual function and reproductive processes.
In general, the endocrine system is in charge of body processes that happen slowly, such as cell growth. Faster processes like breathing and body movement are controlled by the nervous system. But even though the nervous system and endocrine system are separate systems, they often work together to help the body function properly.
I had a period of time about 4 years ago when I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. My heart would RACE, my body would get HOT FLUSHES, I was VERY tired and a bit on the depressed side. After they diagnosed me, I had a period of tiime where I had LOTS of tests, undoubtedly you did too. Well, about a month later, my thyroid BOTTOMED and went low. I felt like a three ring circus. Then it went normal. Talk about feeling wacky. Anyway, they havent noticed any changes, so things are ok SO FAR.
I work in a pharmacy, so if you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask, ok?
Blessisngs,
Hizgrace |
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ksf
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| Posted: 08/07/07 - 21:52 Post subject: contrariwise-synthroid weight gain |
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One thing I should mention that has happened with me while taking meds for my thyroid (Armour) and anti-depressants (Paxil). I found that if I take the GENERIC forms they do not work for me.
I'm not saying this will happen with you or anyone else...but it did happen with me. You may want to check it out by taking both Name Brand, then Generic form to see if you notice a difference. |
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