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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Well, my doctor's assistant called me back the other day and she has refused to prescribe Armour. She doesn't like it. She says it's too hard to get the dosage right, it's a very old medication, blah, blah... She says the only thing she can recommend is that I see another endocrinologist, and of course, they are booked up months in advance. She gave me a name to call. I'm really discouraged. She had no ideas for switching to another medication in place of Synthroid.
Hizgrace4all, I appreciate the suggestion about having a talk with my pharmacist. I'm out of town for a while, but when I get back, I intend to do just that. I am really very bloated right now and so uncomfortable.
Oh, and for a while I even thought I was hyperthyroid a couple of years ago. I FELT hypo --tired, depressed, etc., but my eyes had the popped look of Graves. My blood work was normal then. My eyes have mysteriously gone back down, and I register hypo-. "curiouser and curiouser"
Hizgrace4all, I appreciate the suggestion about having a talk with my pharmacist. I'm out of town for a while, but when I get back, I intend to do just that. I am really very bloated right now and so uncomfortable.
Oh, and for a while I even thought I was hyperthyroid a couple of years ago. I FELT hypo --tired, depressed, etc., but my eyes had the popped look of Graves. My blood work was normal then. My eyes have mysteriously gone back down, and I register hypo-. "curiouser and curiouser"
I hear that doctors say that alot. I even heard it from mine at first. He finally broke down and prescribed it.
Armour Thyroid used to be subscribed in "grains" only. Now you can get it prescribed in "mg". In fact my doctor thought it was still prescribed in "grains" and wrote the script that way until a wonderful young pharmisist told me he could calculate it to "mg" instead.
I take 1.5 grains or 90mgs daily. Maybe your doctor is not familiar with the change...
Do you ever wonder why some doctors are so determined to use ONE medication even if it is not best suited for their patient? (Hmm...kickbacks? maybe)
Good luck in finding a doctor to prescribe this med you'll feel much better. At least I did.
Armour Thyroid used to be subscribed in "grains" only. Now you can get it prescribed in "mg". In fact my doctor thought it was still prescribed in "grains" and wrote the script that way until a wonderful young pharmisist told me he could calculate it to "mg" instead.
I take 1.5 grains or 90mgs daily. Maybe your doctor is not familiar with the change...
Do you ever wonder why some doctors are so determined to use ONE medication even if it is not best suited for their patient? (Hmm...kickbacks? maybe)
Good luck in finding a doctor to prescribe this med you'll feel much better. At least I did.
contrariwise wrote:
Well, my doctor's assistant called me back the other day and she has refused to prescribe Armour. She doesn't like it. She says it's too hard to get the dosage right, it's a very old medication, blah, blah... She says the only thing she can recommend is that I see another endocrinologist, and of course, they are booked up months in advance. She gave me a name to call. I'm really discouraged. She had no ideas for switching to another medication in place of Synthroid.
quote]
I'm sorry your doctor feels this way. She is not the only one, believe me, I have met many. After loads of research I have discovered that Armour is by FAR the best choice to treat hypothyroidism. It is NOT true that it isn't a steady dose, because it is. It contains all of what your thyroid naturally gives to you (T4, T3, T2, T1 and calcitonin), and the only things not measured are the T2, T1 and calcitonin, which is not an issue.
It's true that it is an old medication, but old doesn't mean bad right? :-)
It was very widely used prior to the good ol' TSH test coming into play, back when doctors treated thyroid according to people's SYMPTOMS as opposed to what some numbers say. It was very successful, and has very few side effects that can't be dealt with by adjusting your dose.
And Synthroid is only giving your body T4, and expecting it to slowly be able to convert some to T3, which not all people with thyroid issues are able to do. I figure, why give my body something synthetic like Synthroid, as opposed to natural Armour, and why only give myself 1 of the 5 things my 'normal' functioning thyroid would give me. Make sense?
My advice to you, and again, I speak from experience...
Please don't lose hope. Could you try speaking to your doctor again? If not, what are the chances you could find another doc in your area.
Thyroid issues are very tricky because they do affect so much, and treating them properly based on symptoms, AS WELL as bloodwork, and with a great medication is very important. It makes a world of difference in how you feel.
Wishing you luck!
Hi folks, I'm back from my trip, catching up on the posts. Thanks for the responses. I'm going to call the endocrinologist my doc suggested and just ask how she feels about these issues. If she's a strictly "by the test numbers" Synthroid-only prescriber, then I won't bother seeing her, but if she seems interested in my case and might have some creative ideas, then I will. It occurs to me that I might even have some other endocrine issues.
I don't think I will have any luck with my internist on the Armour. I had emailed her and told her what I had been reading on the message boards, and all I got was a call from her assistant saying what I told you. She had no further suggestions about my physical complaints, except see another doctor.
I'm also picking up my prescription refills tomorrow, so I'll have a chat with the pharmacists at my drugstore and see if anybody there has any ideas.
I don't think I will have any luck with my internist on the Armour. I had emailed her and told her what I had been reading on the message boards, and all I got was a call from her assistant saying what I told you. She had no further suggestions about my physical complaints, except see another doctor.
I'm also picking up my prescription refills tomorrow, so I'll have a chat with the pharmacists at my drugstore and see if anybody there has any ideas.
Hi Contrariwise,
When you get a chance, go into your drugstore that you get your prescriptions in, and ask your pharmacist if your doctor writes the script, if he/she can convert the dosage into the proper usage dose. They should be able to do that, they are really good at that. I know at the hospital pharmacy that I work in.... we usually have to covert dosages, etc., and we also have to figure the dosages if we dont have the drug in stock to what we have. This should not be a problem. Unless the medicine is harmful, then the doctor should have no problem with getting you what you need, and the pharmacist, like I said are there to help with the doctors issues, as they usually call the doctors and run it by them and make sure that they have the proper instructions. Hope this helps.
Hizgrace
When you get a chance, go into your drugstore that you get your prescriptions in, and ask your pharmacist if your doctor writes the script, if he/she can convert the dosage into the proper usage dose. They should be able to do that, they are really good at that. I know at the hospital pharmacy that I work in.... we usually have to covert dosages, etc., and we also have to figure the dosages if we dont have the drug in stock to what we have. This should not be a problem. Unless the medicine is harmful, then the doctor should have no problem with getting you what you need, and the pharmacist, like I said are there to help with the doctors issues, as they usually call the doctors and run it by them and make sure that they have the proper instructions. Hope this helps.
Hizgrace
I did talk to a pharmacist at my drug store a week or so ago and she suggested as alternatives to try: levothyroxine, levoxyl, and, of course, Armour Thyroid. She also gave me the name of an endocrinologist who she thought might be helpful. But she's only working part-time at the pharmacy, one day a week and she wasn't really familiar with which doctors were prescribing what. That's kind of what I was hoping for. Years ago, when I wanted to go on natural hormones, I just asked the pharmacist for a recommendation for a physician and that's how I found my gyn.
Anyway, I've put on about 3 more pounds since I last posted. I'm all puffed up in my torso. I was trying on clothes in Macy's the other day and when I saw myself in the mirror, I was astonished. I look about 7 months pregnant. The extra weight is almost all in my midsection. In the past when I have gained weight, it has always tended to collect in my hips and thighs, and I've always had an hourglass figure. This is just creepy. I feel like my body has been taken over by aliens.
I have left another message for my doctor, asking her to prescribe one of the above alternatives to see if there is any difference. Meanwhile, I suppose I will try joining a gym, although when I used to work out religiously (3 days a week with a personal trainer + 5 hours of aerobics) I never lost any weight or inches after 2 years. Of course, I was strong as hell.
Anyway, I've put on about 3 more pounds since I last posted. I'm all puffed up in my torso. I was trying on clothes in Macy's the other day and when I saw myself in the mirror, I was astonished. I look about 7 months pregnant. The extra weight is almost all in my midsection. In the past when I have gained weight, it has always tended to collect in my hips and thighs, and I've always had an hourglass figure. This is just creepy. I feel like my body has been taken over by aliens.
I have left another message for my doctor, asking her to prescribe one of the above alternatives to see if there is any difference. Meanwhile, I suppose I will try joining a gym, although when I used to work out religiously (3 days a week with a personal trainer + 5 hours of aerobics) I never lost any weight or inches after 2 years. Of course, I was strong as hell.
Back again to say that I have just started taking levothroid this morning. Could somebody tell me how this is different from Synthroid?
Anyway, we shall see if there's any difference in a few weeks.
Anyway, we shall see if there's any difference in a few weeks.
contrawise-
I was told that it just has a different hormone in it then Synthroid. I'm not sure what the hormones are...but that's what my doctor told me.
Unfortunately I couldn't take it either. Believe it or not it made me have really sore breast! As soon as I quit taking Levox...(spelling) they weren't sore.
My grandmother did take this for years though and got along fine with it. Everyone's bodies are different.
Try looking on the internet and see if you can find the different hormones in they different thyroid meds.
Good luck!
I was told that it just has a different hormone in it then Synthroid. I'm not sure what the hormones are...but that's what my doctor told me.
Unfortunately I couldn't take it either. Believe it or not it made me have really sore breast! As soon as I quit taking Levox...(spelling) they weren't sore.
My grandmother did take this for years though and got along fine with it. Everyone's bodies are different.
Try looking on the internet and see if you can find the different hormones in they different thyroid meds.
Good luck!
I had a baby 7 1/2 months ago and I still look 4 months pregnant. I thought it was because I was fat and that it was all baby weight until now. Your comments have helped me so much to realize that I am not going crazy and that it isn't my fault. I was looking for a diet pill to take along with synthroid and that is when I found everyone else looking for answers just like me. I am constantly feeling out of breath and like I am going to faint. It is taking over my life. I had to leave work yesterday because I couldn't sit there being nausiated and out of breath. I feel like I ran a marathon. Also, I love cereal and last night I ate a bowl for dinner because I had something sweet that day and I didn't want to overeat at dinner. Anyway - I was so sick after the cereal - it was the milk. Milk makes me bloat and it makes me so nausiated. I feel like I am pregnant again. All I want it my size 6 body back. I can't fit in any of my clothes and I am too young to feel this way. I should be full of energy at age 22, but I'm not. I do workout twice a week (it is all I have time for) which seems to help out with my depression about my weight. I do encourage you to work out - it does make you feel better about yourself. I am still looking for a diet pill that will help me loose this weight.
Thanks for your input. I am an indentical twin and just turned 50. My twin does not have a thyroid issue however my mother did. My tummy was never an issue and I too have that pooch. The pharmacy just switched me from synthroid to levothyroxine (generic) at 75 mcg. I also thought the meds would help get my weight back in check. I still experience low energy levels, leg cramps and of course the weight. Your input makes me know I'm not alone in this somewhat small battle. People think your making excuses or suggest it's age, stress and or menapause, that's not it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it helped very much.