I'm on 50 mcg of Synthroid. Been on it for 2 months. I'm falling asleep at my desk on a daily basis. I've gained 8 pounds. I'm taking myself off of Synthroid. Love the forum; it's what made me make the decision to get off Synthroid. Thanks :-)
Hi everyone, this is my first time posting on this site. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in March 2008 and began on Synthroid in April 2008. In the 7 months that I have been on Synthroid I have gained 50 lbs. 50!
So, I spoke with my physician and he said I could go off Synthroid if I wanted and then we could retest for my TSH levels and see what was up. The Synthroid did a great job of dealing with my fatigue and dry skin, however, with all the weight gain I was so stressed and upset. I look 9 months pregnant with my belly hard and distended. I am able to suck it in but only to a degree and only for a short while. I know that this has been something I've struggled with my whole life, but I've also been looking for a solution for years. It was very validating to hear your stories that you shared and I appreciate the existence of this forum as a place to discuss and share ideas. To that end as I read your posts I have a few thoughts I would like to share...
With re to the person who spoke about her negative reaction to milk and milk products, in all likelihood what you are experiencing is lactose intolerance which is completely seperate from hypothyroid symptoms and side effects of synthroid. Essentially your body just runs out of lactase that it used to produce in your system in order for you to process dairy. I have lactose intolerance. Do a search on it on the internet. Symptoms include bloating, constipation or diarrhea, headaches, nausea, gas, and for some acid reflux. I have had all of these when I eat dairy. The solution is rather simple - either stop eating dairy or you can buy a product called Lactaid or Lactozyme (2 different products) both in pill form and take it right before you're about to eat something dairy. This will prevent the symptoms.
As for the issues with the synthroid and my getting off it. My physician told me - and research on the Internet verified - that synthroid has a 6.5 day half-life. This should means that if you go off synthroid it should be 50% out of your system within 6.5 days, and 75% out of your system within 13 days, and 100% out of your system within 19.5 days. Whether this is accurate or not, I can't say but this is what that would mean. Other reports have said that if you don't take your synthroid that there is none left in your system. Who knows. If you choose to go off synthroid, this does not mean, of course, that you will not have the hypothyroid symptoms return. It does mean, however, that there is no weening off process required if you want to test how you respond to being off it. I have been feeling great since off it and now feel that the fatigue that prompted my diagnosis has been resolved. I have yet, however, to get my TSH levels tested since going off the synthroid so we'll see what that does.
From my research it appears that the reason that, for some, synthroid appears to result in weight gain is that it is not breaking down into T3 effectively. T4 and T3 are both needed for our thyroids to function properly. TSH levels are just one way of testing to see if our thyroids are functioning properly but its really T4 and T3 that are required to do the work when they are. Synthroid is a T4 supplement that is intended to break down into T3 as the body processes it. For some people however, the T4 is not adequately breaking down into T3 and so weight loss is impeded as one sign. Some people have rectified the situation by going on a separate T3 supplement in addition to their synthroid in an attempt to address this. Cytomel (available only in the US) is a T3 supplement and some have found that when taking it with Synthroid that weight loss has been triggered. Again, what might work for each individual is different, however, it may be something to explore.
One final note. With all due respect to those who are frustrated with the prescribing of Synthroid and the reluctance of physicians to look at alternatives, please be aware that the accusation of "kick backs" as has been mentioned repeatedly in these posts by some is a very serious accusation. To take kick backs is a violation of the law and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons ethical policies. It is not to be taken lightly. That said, if you feel strongly that this is occuring you may want to consider reporting your physician. If however you are unsure or do not know you may want to avoid using that allegation as it is so serious. Pharmaceutical companies visit physicians often and provide them with cruises and trips paired with conferences and introductory talks about new drugs all the time. This is marketing and is intended to increase brand awareness among those invited physicians about a certain drug, often to the exclusion of the competitive options, and the minimization of the drugs side effects. This is not kick backs however but clever marketing and generation of brand loyalty. Just a thought I wanted to share.
Again, I appreciate being able to share some thoughts on here. Thanks.
So, I spoke with my physician and he said I could go off Synthroid if I wanted and then we could retest for my TSH levels and see what was up. The Synthroid did a great job of dealing with my fatigue and dry skin, however, with all the weight gain I was so stressed and upset. I look 9 months pregnant with my belly hard and distended. I am able to suck it in but only to a degree and only for a short while. I know that this has been something I've struggled with my whole life, but I've also been looking for a solution for years. It was very validating to hear your stories that you shared and I appreciate the existence of this forum as a place to discuss and share ideas. To that end as I read your posts I have a few thoughts I would like to share...
With re to the person who spoke about her negative reaction to milk and milk products, in all likelihood what you are experiencing is lactose intolerance which is completely seperate from hypothyroid symptoms and side effects of synthroid. Essentially your body just runs out of lactase that it used to produce in your system in order for you to process dairy. I have lactose intolerance. Do a search on it on the internet. Symptoms include bloating, constipation or diarrhea, headaches, nausea, gas, and for some acid reflux. I have had all of these when I eat dairy. The solution is rather simple - either stop eating dairy or you can buy a product called Lactaid or Lactozyme (2 different products) both in pill form and take it right before you're about to eat something dairy. This will prevent the symptoms.
As for the issues with the synthroid and my getting off it. My physician told me - and research on the Internet verified - that synthroid has a 6.5 day half-life. This should means that if you go off synthroid it should be 50% out of your system within 6.5 days, and 75% out of your system within 13 days, and 100% out of your system within 19.5 days. Whether this is accurate or not, I can't say but this is what that would mean. Other reports have said that if you don't take your synthroid that there is none left in your system. Who knows. If you choose to go off synthroid, this does not mean, of course, that you will not have the hypothyroid symptoms return. It does mean, however, that there is no weening off process required if you want to test how you respond to being off it. I have been feeling great since off it and now feel that the fatigue that prompted my diagnosis has been resolved. I have yet, however, to get my TSH levels tested since going off the synthroid so we'll see what that does.
From my research it appears that the reason that, for some, synthroid appears to result in weight gain is that it is not breaking down into T3 effectively. T4 and T3 are both needed for our thyroids to function properly. TSH levels are just one way of testing to see if our thyroids are functioning properly but its really T4 and T3 that are required to do the work when they are. Synthroid is a T4 supplement that is intended to break down into T3 as the body processes it. For some people however, the T4 is not adequately breaking down into T3 and so weight loss is impeded as one sign. Some people have rectified the situation by going on a separate T3 supplement in addition to their synthroid in an attempt to address this. Cytomel (available only in the US) is a T3 supplement and some have found that when taking it with Synthroid that weight loss has been triggered. Again, what might work for each individual is different, however, it may be something to explore.
One final note. With all due respect to those who are frustrated with the prescribing of Synthroid and the reluctance of physicians to look at alternatives, please be aware that the accusation of "kick backs" as has been mentioned repeatedly in these posts by some is a very serious accusation. To take kick backs is a violation of the law and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons ethical policies. It is not to be taken lightly. That said, if you feel strongly that this is occuring you may want to consider reporting your physician. If however you are unsure or do not know you may want to avoid using that allegation as it is so serious. Pharmaceutical companies visit physicians often and provide them with cruises and trips paired with conferences and introductory talks about new drugs all the time. This is marketing and is intended to increase brand awareness among those invited physicians about a certain drug, often to the exclusion of the competitive options, and the minimization of the drugs side effects. This is not kick backs however but clever marketing and generation of brand loyalty. Just a thought I wanted to share.
Again, I appreciate being able to share some thoughts on here. Thanks.
hi to all, I was just reading all the entries on the weight gain and syntroid. This is very strange to me since I am having the exact oppasite reaction. I was diagosed about 5 years ago. I blew up like a baloon, i have always been thin and when i got sick i gained about 30 lbs which for me was alot. i went to the doc and he tested me and said i was hypo well actually he said my thyroid just quit working so he put me on syntroid. well they gave me the generic form and in the first week i lost 13 lbs. as long as i stay on the meds i am small but if i stop taking them i gain weight. now i do have other problems, i have to go to the bathroom ALL the time like every thirty mins. and i have headaches everyday, i also have trouble sleeping. i ran out of my meds in july could not AFFORD TO GO TO DOC UNTIL THIS MONTH AND MY TSH WAS 148 instead of 4.5 so my doc put me on 50 mcg. I still feel tired all the time though and don't have any energy. but i don't have to worry about my weight at all unless i don't take it.
I do a lot of independant research on the internet. It's the first place I turn to when I have a question or concern. I have never posted anything on a website but this topic speaks to me so much!
Brief history.. over the years during regular blood tests doctors have mentioned a small problem with my thyroid levels. They were never too concerned and didn't want to start me on a life-long medicine if it wasn't necessary. They suggested various vitamins/supplements. I never paid much attention to it. I always assumed I was hyperthyroid instead of hypothyroid since all of my symptoms pointed that way. I could always eat what I wanted to and not gain weight, I had a lot of problems with anxiety and such.
My last visit to the doctor was because of panic attacks, they were becoming unmanageable. When all my blood tests were done, the doctor again noticed my thyroid levels were slightly off. Not a big deal but he thought it should be taken care of and put me on .05 mg of levothyroxine. I was surprised when he said I was hypo and not hyper but didn't think too much of it.
I have been taking these pills for 8 days and have gained approximately 1 pound a day!!! My face is all puffy, breasts are huge, I'm so irritable, have horrible headaches all the time, and every time I eat something you can hear my stomache gurgling from across the room.
I know for a fact I have not changed at all my exercising or eating behaviours since I also have OCD and am very particular about my routines.
A couple of days ago I suspected the medicine of causing all these symptoms and researched it on the internet. I was so confused that all the possible side effects kept saying weight LOSS! I only found this website today by changing my search words to "weight gain with levothyroxine".
I'm shocked and disgusted. No way will I take that pill for one more day. I just wish I could turn back time and un-take it this morning!! Good luck to all of you and thank you so much for sharing!
Brief history.. over the years during regular blood tests doctors have mentioned a small problem with my thyroid levels. They were never too concerned and didn't want to start me on a life-long medicine if it wasn't necessary. They suggested various vitamins/supplements. I never paid much attention to it. I always assumed I was hyperthyroid instead of hypothyroid since all of my symptoms pointed that way. I could always eat what I wanted to and not gain weight, I had a lot of problems with anxiety and such.
My last visit to the doctor was because of panic attacks, they were becoming unmanageable. When all my blood tests were done, the doctor again noticed my thyroid levels were slightly off. Not a big deal but he thought it should be taken care of and put me on .05 mg of levothyroxine. I was surprised when he said I was hypo and not hyper but didn't think too much of it.
I have been taking these pills for 8 days and have gained approximately 1 pound a day!!! My face is all puffy, breasts are huge, I'm so irritable, have horrible headaches all the time, and every time I eat something you can hear my stomache gurgling from across the room.
I know for a fact I have not changed at all my exercising or eating behaviours since I also have OCD and am very particular about my routines.
A couple of days ago I suspected the medicine of causing all these symptoms and researched it on the internet. I was so confused that all the possible side effects kept saying weight LOSS! I only found this website today by changing my search words to "weight gain with levothyroxine".
I'm shocked and disgusted. No way will I take that pill for one more day. I just wish I could turn back time and un-take it this morning!! Good luck to all of you and thank you so much for sharing!
I know I am going to sound like a broken record here but...I went on 25mcg of levothyroxin and immediately gained ten pounds. I got the same response from my doctor, it must be what you are eating. I would have to have inhaled a cadillac in order to gain ten pounds in less than two weeks. As a general rule, I have found that when those in the medical professon do not understand something, their knee-jerk resopnse is to blame the patient. I will be demanding a referral to an endocrinologist after my next blood test. For those of you who are experienceing sensitivity to dairy products...this might be related to your hypothyroidism. Lactose intolerance is an auto immune response. Your body, for no apparent reason, has stopped being able to produce the enzyme needed to break down dairy. I suffered with this for several years along with monthly yeast infections (in concert with my menstrual cycle). Luckily, a PA reccommended a treatment called Lactogen and it worked for me. I still have minor issues with dairy but not like I had before. After reading all this, I have a problem believing that the two conditions are not related. One important note, I also have high levels of antibodies as related to my thyroid. Essentially, my immune system has declared war on my thyroid. This fact lends itself well to my theory that the conditions are related. The antibodies test is not one that drs. routinely run. In fact, my doctor did not even know the code for it and was annoyed that I asked for it because she had to look it up. Sure enough my levelsa re sky high. I would suggest researching thyroid antibodies and see if those symptoms match your own. It might provide some answers. I could list them but there are so many it would take forever. Good luck to all of you!
I have been on synthroid for a week now. I couldn't figure out why I was gaining weight before I started the medication. I was gaining weight for no reason at all. Not to mention all the other symptoms I was having. After discovering my thyroid wasn't working properly I was put on sythroid. I am (was) happy and finally hoping that I was going to get relief from my "symptoms" and my unexplained weight gain. Now after reading all of your posts I'm scared I am going to gain even more. I was so happy now I don't know what to think...
I was never skinny but i was never as big as i am now and i too was told to give it time and that it was my eating habbits( and its not i started out at 186lbs 1.5 years ago and now am 240lbs... it didn't stop for me and i now have other medical problems because of my weight... i don't know what to do...
Hi Guest,
Sounds like quite a bit of frustration from your post. I understand how you feel though.
There are actually alot of people who have different issues that I have come across, and it might not stem from what they are consuming. Do you do any exercise at all ? You would be amazed at what walking a BRISK 20-30 minutes a day would do for you. I moved to Japan several years ago (we are back in the states now), and I was pretty frightened to drive, for a little while. I used to walk everywhere, and I lost 20 lb in a month.
I think that sometimes people think that they HAVE to join a gym, not so. There are ALOT of exercises that you can look up on the internet that you dont have to use anything but you own body weight. If we think about it though, people way back in the day didnt have exercise equipment, just their own basic body resistance.
Try researching the military's (marine corp or navy etc.) workouts that they have for their people. Now dont get upset, I mean, there are alot of exercises that arent so bad, and who knows, you might be able to work up to the "booty kicking" ones. Anway, I will need to do that myself. When I find some more information, I will give a post. I need it too. Dont grow frustrated, there is ALWAYS an answer to every problem. :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D
Hizgrace
Sounds like quite a bit of frustration from your post. I understand how you feel though.
There are actually alot of people who have different issues that I have come across, and it might not stem from what they are consuming. Do you do any exercise at all ? You would be amazed at what walking a BRISK 20-30 minutes a day would do for you. I moved to Japan several years ago (we are back in the states now), and I was pretty frightened to drive, for a little while. I used to walk everywhere, and I lost 20 lb in a month.
I think that sometimes people think that they HAVE to join a gym, not so. There are ALOT of exercises that you can look up on the internet that you dont have to use anything but you own body weight. If we think about it though, people way back in the day didnt have exercise equipment, just their own basic body resistance.
Try researching the military's (marine corp or navy etc.) workouts that they have for their people. Now dont get upset, I mean, there are alot of exercises that arent so bad, and who knows, you might be able to work up to the "booty kicking" ones. Anway, I will need to do that myself. When I find some more information, I will give a post. I need it too. Dont grow frustrated, there is ALWAYS an answer to every problem. :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D
Hizgrace
I totally agree, just a little bit of exercise can really help out. Can you tell me where I might find some military workouts though? I would really like to have some that would help me get bigger. Thanks!
Hi Bluedog
I think if you go under one of the search sites and look under "military workouts", they can bring up a bunch, and then you decide which one might fit you best. Again, dont let yourself get frustrated. There are answers, and these things take time. I know, I am probably not the most patient person at all.
The thyroid is such a complex little thing. It is amazing just how much it controls in the normal functions of our bodies. If it is out of whack, it can just throw everything off. Brain functions with depression, weight, just about everything.
Sorry I cant remember the name of the workout, I just had a brain forget.
Blessings,
Hizgrace
I think if you go under one of the search sites and look under "military workouts", they can bring up a bunch, and then you decide which one might fit you best. Again, dont let yourself get frustrated. There are answers, and these things take time. I know, I am probably not the most patient person at all.
The thyroid is such a complex little thing. It is amazing just how much it controls in the normal functions of our bodies. If it is out of whack, it can just throw everything off. Brain functions with depression, weight, just about everything.
Sorry I cant remember the name of the workout, I just had a brain forget.
Blessings,
Hizgrace
Hi Hizgrace, thanks for all your guidance. I wasn't sure if there was a specific search for it or anything like that. Thanks again for your insight.
HI,
I have had Hypothyrodism for some years now and i am a compulsive reader and i follow the symptoms of my body very thoroughly. I can tell you that i have gotten the belly aswell but i can also tell you that it was because i was not taking my medication everyday and i had just had a baby on top of not eating the foods they tell you to indulge in as appose to the foods not to indulge in. I, over the years and after the pregnancy feel that my weight has gotten worst, but i also changed my eating habbits and my excersise habbit aswell. Before the baby i used to work out every day with the thyroid condition and i was feeling like i was on top of the world. My eating habbits weren"t that good but my energy level was 1000 and my weight was maintained. My advice is to remember to take your medication every day and eat healthy and work out for the stress and release of all the all the un needed calories we acrue each day. In my oppinion, they couldn"t tell me why i actually suffering from this but i think its because i never drank water as a kid! not even a drip....I would also drink lots of water. The iodine in a bottle water is 12 times the amount needed to stimulate a thyroid.
I have had Hypothyrodism for some years now and i am a compulsive reader and i follow the symptoms of my body very thoroughly. I can tell you that i have gotten the belly aswell but i can also tell you that it was because i was not taking my medication everyday and i had just had a baby on top of not eating the foods they tell you to indulge in as appose to the foods not to indulge in. I, over the years and after the pregnancy feel that my weight has gotten worst, but i also changed my eating habbits and my excersise habbit aswell. Before the baby i used to work out every day with the thyroid condition and i was feeling like i was on top of the world. My eating habbits weren"t that good but my energy level was 1000 and my weight was maintained. My advice is to remember to take your medication every day and eat healthy and work out for the stress and release of all the all the un needed calories we acrue each day. In my oppinion, they couldn"t tell me why i actually suffering from this but i think its because i never drank water as a kid! not even a drip....I would also drink lots of water. The iodine in a bottle water is 12 times the amount needed to stimulate a thyroid.
I have read through all the posts in this forum and am happy to not be the only one with the same symptoms and issues. I have been fighting hypothyroid and Addisons (an adrenal fatigue issue) for years and started on synthroid. All my test results (TSH, T4, T3, Free t3 and free t4) were "within range" but my symptoms never diminished and my weight increased. I switched over to Armour and was amazed by the way the symptoms disappeared. Plus, the extra 40 pounds I carried around melted away with no lifesytle changes for me. Granted, I exercise about 1 1/2 hours a day (both cardio and weights) and I eat mainly whole organic foods with a heavy dose of protein and minimal grains as I am gluteen intolerant. At the beginning of last year (2009) Armour was reformulated and by the end of 2009 that extra 40 pounds was back on PLUS 15 more - not to mention all the other symptoms have returned. After much reading and searching I found a website that was helpful in getting me back on the road to recovery. I am now dosing with Cytomel twice a day (about 120mcg total) and I take it sublingulally. It's not working quite like the original Armour did, but I am currently down 10 finally. For me the weight is the last thing to leave. I think it's important to realize that each person's chemistry is different and what works for many, might not work for a few. Please take a gander at www.stopthethyroidmadness.com website as I found many many ways to be my own advocate and not allow the endocrines to handcuff me and tell me to "...eat less and exercise more because my test results were within range."
PS - please forgive any spelling errors as I am a structural engineer and math is my first language. LOL!
PS - please forgive any spelling errors as I am a structural engineer and math is my first language. LOL!
Same old same old, there must be millions of us experiencing this! 57 been on synthyroid 10 years. I was told after I was diagnosed Hyopthyroid the tabs would help me lose weight, it worked for a while but! Recently my dosage was increased and even more weight arrived! I have come to the conclusion after much personal research that thyroid hormone somehow creates or moves around sugar. this in turn casues both insulin spikes, then insulin resistance (syndrome X) and of course sugar causes/feeds candida and this equasl bloating, gas and weight gain! look on the bright side, without synthyroid or levothyrine, with under active thyroids, we would all be dead! Try good bacteria to reduced the bloating and sort the candida, diet stay away from suger and yeast products, high carbs such as bread, alcohol! Sorry guys!
I am so glad to read all of these posts. I've been on Levothyroxine (Synthroid) since July, 2009. I am 56 years old and very active. My weight has always been about 140-145. Since I started taking the pills, my weight has gradually crept up to 160 lbs.! I have not changed my diet, and I'm more active than I was when starting the dosage.
The part that drives me crazy is my POT BELLY! It's hard as a rock. I look 4 months pregnant. No matter what I eat or don't eat, my abdomen bloats up. I just don't understand this. As soon as I get home from work, I can't wait to take off my pants and put on a comfortable robe. I started Weight Watchers last Wednesday and haven't lost one ounce.
I think I will talk to my doctor about Armour Thyroid. Anything is better than what I'm dealing with. %-)
The part that drives me crazy is my POT BELLY! It's hard as a rock. I look 4 months pregnant. No matter what I eat or don't eat, my abdomen bloats up. I just don't understand this. As soon as I get home from work, I can't wait to take off my pants and put on a comfortable robe. I started Weight Watchers last Wednesday and haven't lost one ounce.
I think I will talk to my doctor about Armour Thyroid. Anything is better than what I'm dealing with. %-)