For those taking synthroid - Page 2

Night Owl in NJ · ‎07-07-2010

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

pistolino · ‎07-04-2011

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.

Ranchergal · ‎03-10-2010

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!

addiegal · ‎06-09-2014

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.

violann · ‎03-10-2010

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.

emmysmom · ‎06-22-2010

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!

Don't cry for a man who's left you--the next one may fall for your smile.
-- Mae West

emmysmom · ‎06-22-2010

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!

Don't cry for a man who's left you--the next one may fall for your smile.
-- Mae West

emmysmom · ‎06-22-2010

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~

Don't cry for a man who's left you--the next one may fall for your smile.
-- Mae West

emmysmom · ‎06-22-2010

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~

Don't cry for a man who's left you--the next one may fall for your smile.
-- Mae West

Beach Baby 1 · ‎03-09-2010

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.