Reply
Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,770
Registered: ‎11-16-2014

Re: Thyroid Medication - Synthroid

I really wish it worked for me but I have never seen much of a difference when I take synthroid. My levels go up and down from 2.5 to 6 on the same 50 mg dosage. It can cause arythmia so my endo is afraid to raise the dosage. 

 

My hair is thicker when I take it but other than that I am not less tired on it and my weight never decreased or increased.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,656
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Thyroid Medication - Synthroid

@Georgiagrama I am taking 112 MCG and have never had any side effects whatsoever.  I am taking he generic Levothroxine.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,601
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

Re: Thyroid Medication - Synthroid


@LilacTree wrote:

@Georgiagrama wrote:

My Dr. called this morning to let me know that my thyroid levels are really high.  He prescribed Synthroid.

 

If you are taking this medication, what has been your experience with it.     


@Georgiagrama 

I’ve been on it for over 30 years, 100 mcg. I have never had a problem with it. Just take it first thing in the morning and don’t eat for an hour. I was diagnosed hypothyroid.


@LilacTree   Same for me.  Hypothyroid.  Only symptom I've actually noticed was fatigue.  I'm hoping that I won't really notice any new symptoms from taking the meds. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 41,444
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Thyroid Medication - Synthroid

@Georgiagrama   I've been on the same dose of brand name synthroid (75 mg) for almost 6 years.  I was an excellent patient.  I took my medication at the same time every morning and made sure I didn't have a cup of coffe for at least two hours after and I didn't eat for 4 hours after.

 

The only negative thing I experienced was an increase in belly fat approximately 5 months in.  My eating hadn't changed and it was the only place I started to pack on weight.  I also noticed that even though the doctor was getting the numbers she hoped for, I didn't feel that much better.

 

I switched to taking synthroid at night before bed and wow - it was like a miracle.  Belly fat gone and I finally felt like my old self.

There are many elements: wind, fire, water
But none quite like the element of surprise
Super Contributor
Posts: 492
Registered: ‎07-21-2017

Re: Thyroid Medication - Synthroid

[ Edited ]

FYI: Synthroid is a very  old, old drug. What this means is it's been used by patients for many, many,many years and has been studied. 

 

Take it, it's great. But once you start on Synthroid the name brand, don't switch to the generic later on & vice versa. Stay the course with whatever you start with.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,601
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

Re: Thyroid Medication - Synthroid


@Trinity11 wrote:

I really wish it worked for me but I have never seen much of a difference when I take synthroid. My levels go up and down from 2.5 to 6 on the same 50 mg dosage. It can cause arythmia so my endo is afraid to raise the dosage. 

 

My hair is thicker when I take it but other than that I am not less tired on it and my weight never decreased or increased.


@Trinity11   Thank you!  That more or less what I'm hoping for.  My HBP meds causes enough side effects.  I don't need any more from a "helpful" drug.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,770
Registered: ‎11-16-2014

Re: Thyroid Medication - Synthroid


@Bird mama wrote:

@Georgiagrama   I've been on the same dose of brand name synthroid (75 mg) for almost 6 years.  I was an excellent patient.  I took my medication at the same time every morning and made sure I didn't have a cup of coffe for at least two hours after and I didn't eat for 4 hours after.

 

The only negative thing I experienced was an increase in belly fat approximately 5 months in.  My eating hadn't changed and it was the only place I started to pack on weight.  I also noticed that even though the doctor was getting the numbers she hoped for, I didn't feel that much better.

 

I switched to taking synthroid at night before bed and wow - it was like a miracle.  Belly fat gone and I finally felt like my old self.


Thank you for sharing @Bird mama . I think I will try this as Synthroid has done little for me...maybe this will make a difference.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,139
Registered: ‎04-16-2010

Re: Thyroid Medication - Synthroid

@Georgiagrama It was in the beginning because hypothyroidism has similar effects to post-partum (I had just had a baby) as well as going through menopause. Often a major hormone shift can flip the the thyroid "off"; that's exactly what happens after giving birth as well as going through menopause. Once we figured out it was my thyroid and we got the levels right, easy peezy. 

 

As with any autoimmune condition, you just need to educate yourself and do what needs to be done. Listen to your body; you'll notice if something is out of whack (dry skin is very common among those with hypo).  As long you keep your blood tests up to date and take your daily pill, it's all good : )

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,770
Registered: ‎11-16-2014

Re: Thyroid Medication - Synthroid


@Georgiagrama wrote:

@Trinity11 wrote:

I really wish it worked for me but I have never seen much of a difference when I take synthroid. My levels go up and down from 2.5 to 6 on the same 50 mg dosage. It can cause arythmia so my endo is afraid to raise the dosage. 

 

My hair is thicker when I take it but other than that I am not less tired on it and my weight never decreased or increased.


@Trinity11   Thank you!  That more or less what I'm hoping for.  My HBP meds causes enough side effects.  I don't need any more from a "helpful" drug.  


@Georgiagrama , I was told as long as your TSH is under 10, then you have sub-clinical hypothyroidism. It was suggested to me, though, when I had my first heart attack that my 9 (at the time) was contributory to it so it is nothing to fool around with. Always listen to your specialist. Anecdotal stories are just that and only your own doctor knows your unique health profile.

 

Good luck!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 41,444
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Thyroid Medication - Synthroid

@Trinity11   I have no idea how long I was walking around with Hashimotos.  Because I was also post menopausal and not on HRT, I blamed everything menopause, lol.

 

When I squatted down one day to get a tube of mascara from a bottom rack at the local Kmart and couldn't get up (zero strength in my legs) I thought, hmm, better mention this to the doctor.  My doctor is attentive, I just took a break from seeing medical people for a few years or he would have caught it earlier.

 

I didn't lose hair, I didn't gain weight.  I just felt fatigued all of the time. I also noticed my voice was hoarse and I blamed it on living in Michigan - sooner or later almost all of us get some kind of sinus or allergy issues.

My poor thyroid was so aggravated it was squeezing my vocal chords.

 

I chose to have an endocrinologist treat it in the event something jumps off regarding my thyroid - she could do the surgery.

 

When I first brought up the belly fat she didn't want to hear it so that night I decided to take it at night, same time to see if I felt different.  I had read about night time dosing in a 2010 medical journal - there was a study done.

 

My blood work is perfect, the way she wants it and I feel like me.  I did tell her that I switched the timing of the dosage about two years after I did it.   Woman Very Happy

 

 

 

There are many elements: wind, fire, water
But none quite like the element of surprise