topic Re: For those taking synthroid in Wellness

For those taking synthroid

emmysmom — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 13:41:08 GMT

I thought I would post this info as I know there are many that take this drug. My friend takes Armour, the natural thyroid and had terrible side effects when placed on synthroid,(when she changed doctors.) She is back on the Armour. My friend, a pharmacist takes Armour and told me he wouldn't take a synthetic version. Hope this info helps anyone who may be having problems, side effects with the synthetic version. I'm all about natural remedies as I can't take most meds. I have allergic reactions to so many meds, including antibiotics.

Re: For those taking synthroid

HULAGIRL — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 13:48:50 GMT

I've taken Synthroid for about 45+ years and never had any issues. My doctor said that with Armour, dosage amounts can vary with each tablet since it comes from an animal source. With synthetic, it is exact in every tablet which is important. I've always felt great and get checked every year with no problems......this is just my experience.

Re: For those taking synthroid

Drlinda — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:19:19 GMT

I also have been taking synthroid/levothroid for over 40 years. I have noticed definite thinning of my baby fine hair. Not sure if this is just the aging process, or effects of the drugs, or a combination of both. Other than that, no problems.

Re: For those taking synthroid

Englishrose — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:26:28 GMT

I agree with the previous posters. I have been taking Synthroid for 40 yrs. and have never had anything close to a side effect.

Re: For those taking synthroid

addiegal — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:30:55 GMT

Last year my usual T4 medication was recalled and I switched to Synthroid. I felt okay but my hair really came out! I am now back on my former Levoxyl and do like it better...we all react differently to these medicines. I also take Cytomel or T3 and this combo is what is found in Armour or other desiccated products. The Armour has a high ratio of T3 to T4 but I would use it but probably need extra T4 added which is synthetic...I have no problem with synthetics either. It is a matter of what works best for you! The thyroid is so complicated. But also if your friend had been on Armour a long time she probably missed the T3 which is not in the synthetic T4 as It is necessary for the body to convert the T4 to T3 which is the active hormone. Also, all the T4 synthetics list hair loss as a side effect, I just suppose we don't all get it with each one! And this is not meant as medical advice it is just my expereince and opinion as a thyroid patient.

Re: For those taking synthroid

Peaches McPhee — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:34:59 GMT

You just cannot make blanket statement of good vs. bad when it comes to health care and medications. Everybody's body is different, and different things will work.

I have been on levothroxide (sp?) forever, with no problems at all.

Someone else? Maybe not.

Re: For those taking synthroid

chrystaltree — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:35:04 GMT

......I hate it when posters try to scare people for no reason at all. I worry that these scare monomers will make someone stop taking medication that so they desperately need. If you have questions about your meds, ask your doc or your pharmacist and don't listen to anecdotal stories from unknown sources.

Re: For those taking synthroid

evelyner — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:39:52 GMT

It has been a year since I am on, I did not even know I needed it, although my levels had been low for a few years, I never felt like I had problems. I take it I feel the same. What are the side effects you are talking about?

Re: For those taking synthroid

addiegal — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:43:39 GMT

You should never stop taking your medication! There is nothing wrong with synthetics or dissicated either. Some feel better on one or the other!

Re: For those taking synthroid

MarenSeattle — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:44:40 GMT

Although I've never had any problems with Levoxyl for over 20 years, I know others who have responded better to Armour, so it's good of you to mention this so people are aware there might be a better option.

I think there's a lot of info on About.com's thyroid section -- Mary Shonomon(?) is the thyroid "boss" there.

Re: For those taking synthroid

Night Owl in NJ — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:47:19 GMT

I'm a nurse and have never heard of anyone having side effects in the 30 plus years I've been practicing?

Re: For those taking synthroid

pistolino — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:51:21 GMT

It is SO difficult to find a doctor who will entertain the concept of anything but Synthroid. My last attempt went like this:

Me: I want to talk about maybe switching to Armour Thyroid, I don't feel good on the Synthroid.

Him: Your TSH is normal.

Me: 3.2 is NOT normal for me. TSH by itself isn't an indicator of how the thyroid works anyway.

Him. Armour is pig.

Me: What?

Him: It's pig.

Me: And?

Him: I'm not giving you Armour.

This is the kind of conversation I have with doctors. It's ridiculous and depressing.

Re: For those taking synthroid

Ranchergal — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 15:00:24 GMT

I've been taking Synthroid eight years and have had no problems. My endocrinologist won't prescribe anything else because she says the other medications are not as effective as Synthroid. I know to take the Snythroid on an empty stomach and wait one hour to eat. Also, I've learned not to take any supplements or other medications, if possible, until four hours after taking Synthroid. I feel great!

Re: For those taking synthroid

addiegal — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 15:53:20 GMT

It is wonderful when you are taking a brand that really works for you but not all are so fortunate. Some require a different approach to feel well. We are not all the same.

Re: For those taking synthroid

violann — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 15:58:21 GMT

I've been on and off thyroid supplements for about twenty years. I never had a negative reaction either Synthroid or Levoxyl, but I feel MUCH better on Armour and that's what I take. In my experience an exact dosage is a non-issue.

Re: For those taking synthroid

emmysmom — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 15:58:41 GMT

On 6/21/2014 pistolino said:
It is SO difficult to find a doctor who will entertain the concept of anything but Synthroid. My last attempt went like this:

Me: I want to talk about maybe switching to Armour Thyroid, I don't feel good on the Synthroid.

Him: Your TSH is normal.

Me: 3.2 is NOT normal for me. TSH by itself isn't an indicator of how the thyroid works anyway.

Him. Armour is pig.

Me: What?

Him: It's pig.

Me: And?

Him: I'm not giving you Armour.

This is the kind of conversation I have with doctors. It's ridiculous and depressing.

I know about these doctors, I was at a forum this morning where other women had the same experience. They ended up finding a new doctor, or insisting and they got their script. I would tell you what I found out about this, but the snarks would come out. Lets just say the bottom line is about money~ Good luck!

Re: For those taking synthroid

emmysmom — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 16:00:56 GMT

On 6/21/2014 violann said: I've been on and off thyroid supplements for about twenty years. I never had a negative reaction either Synthroid or Levoxyl, but I feel MUCH better on Armour and that's what I take. In my experience an exact dosage is a non-issue.

violann, do you have trouble getting the Armour?? Many say their doctor refuses to give them Armour. This is scary..its our body,we have to live with the consequences!

Re: For those taking synthroid

emmysmom — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 16:04:22 GMT

On 6/21/2014 addiegal said: Last year my usual T4 medication was recalled and I switched to Synthroid. I felt okay but my hair really came out! I am now back on my former Levoxyl and do like it better...we all react differently to these medicines. I also take Cytomel or T3 and this combo is what is found in Armour or other dissicated products. The Armour has a high ratio of T3 to T4 but I would use it but probably need extra T4 added which is synthetic...I have no problem with synthetics either. It is a matter of what works best for you! The thyroid is so complicated. But also if your friend had been on Armour a long time she probably missed the T3 which is not in the synthetic T4 as It is necessary for the body to convert the T4 to T3 which is the active hormone. Also, all the T4 synthetics list hair loss as a side effect, I just suppose we don't all get it with each one! And this is not meant as medical advice it is just my expereince and opinion as a thyroid patient.

addie, you are so amazing! Just want the women on here to know there's another possible solution. I would want to know~

Re: For those taking synthroid

emmysmom — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 16:06:49 GMT

On 6/21/2014 MarenSeattle said:
Although I've never had any problems with Levoxyl for over 20 years, I know others who have responded better to Armour, so it's good of you to mention this so people are aware there might be a better option.

I think there's a lot of info on About.com's thyroid section -- Mary Shonomon(?) is the thyroid "boss" there.

thanks, I'll look into it~

Re: For those taking synthroid

Beach Baby 1 — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 16:07:30 GMT

I have great doctors, a rare blood disorder, so I have learned to never take advice from anyone else but them. I have had low thyroid since 1986 and I have been on Synthroid or Levothroid since then with no problems. I get my levels checked at my annual physical and if the level needs adjustment then I do that.

It's always good to search out alternative meds because they may work for some. Good luck to all those with thyroid issues.