iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Absentmindedness can be a sign of hypothyroidism, or too little thyroid hormone. You could ask your doctor to recheck your thyroid levels. It is possible your dose needs to be adjusted.

Posted: 2009-08-25 00:22:11

Answer/Reply:

Check out the website www.stopthethyroidmadness.com. I found it very helpful and feel much better taking Armour.

38 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-27 13:49:54

Answer/Reply:

i'm glad for you. But please tell us what your dosage is and if you had to experiment a little to get the right dose. Also, if hipothyroidsm is your only problem and if levo is your only medication. You could help a lot of us with this info

82 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-18 17:48:07

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Hashimotos is typically treated with one of the many forms of thyroid medication. There are some slight variations on the ingredients in related thyroid medication compounds (Armour Thyroid, Synthroid, Unithroid, Levothyroxine are a few). You can discuss some of the alternatives with your doctor and/ or request bloodwork to determine the level of the levothyroxine in your system and make possible changes based on your bloodwork results.

Posted: 2009-08-13 16:11:39

Answer/Reply:

i experienced breakage and loss before i found out i had a thyriod problem and i have not seen a difference in my hair i still lose alot each day iv been on it for a yr now

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-06 08:00:21

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Approximately 1% of patients taking levothyroxine reported dry hair as a side effect of the medication. In general the medication could be causing your side effect but there are many external factors that could contribute to dry hair as well. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor and inquire about your latest bloodwork results to ensure you are controlled on the appropriate dose of levothyroxine.

Posted: 2009-08-06 20:06:58

Answer/Reply:

Not only do I experience dry hair and breakage, also thining. However I am not sure if the medication or the disease (hypothyroidism) is the culprit.

67 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-15 16:45:45

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Dry hair and breakage are symptoms of hypothyroidism. If you are still experiencing these symptoms, please make an appointment with your physician to check your thyroid hormone levels and possibly adjust your medication dose.

Posted: 2009-08-21 10:35:09

Answer/Reply:

Dry hair and breakage is one of the symptoms of low thyroid. Sounds like you need to have your medication adjusted.

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-16 15:09:39

Answer/Reply:

Not only have I experienced dry hair w/ breakage, but I've also had a small patch of hair fall out after my doc lowered my dosage, because he said my thyroid was working better. That was a false pos; and have since been put back on my normal dosage w/ hair growing back in. Also tired all the time on generics, brand was much better, but insurance won't pay for those. Ridiculous!

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-16 17:20:57

Answer/Reply:

To answer your question,yes ,it's a side effect, I use Balsam cobdition seems to help maintain the silky-ness of my hair!!!!

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 05:27:49

Answer/Reply:

Hi, years ago, my insurance company changed the brand of thyroid med I was on without consulting my doctor. I was on levoxyl and they switched me to levothyroxine. for 3 months, I couldn't figure out, or my doctor, why my hair was falling out so quickly. then I discovered the switch in brands and was switched back to levoxyl and it made the difference. My hair stopped falling out! You might consider asking your doctor to switch you to levoxyl. apparently there is a difference in those 2 brands, even though my insurance company claimed there wasn't.

Sincerely, Linda

53 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 18:31:58

Answer/Reply:

Yes, I had been on Synthroid and then switched to Levothyroxine about 7 years ago. I have been frantic about the hair that lines my shower walls every morning and nobody seems to think it's related to either my thyroid problem or the medication. After reading your post, I am determined to get in front of a competent Endocrynologist. Thanks for sharing your experience.

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 20:46:57

Answer/Reply:

Yes, My hair falls out or breaks & is very brittle!!

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 01:49:54

Answer/Reply:

Actually, my hair has been healthier. I've been on thyroid medication (hypo) since I was 18 (now 63). I do find after three days, it looks a little drier but that is due to hairspray mostly.

64 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-19 12:02:25

Answer/Reply:

Yes!

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 07:42:20

Answer/Reply:

Yes, very bad hair. Joint pain, especially hands, excessive sweating, sensitivity to touch, low sex drive.

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-25 18:15:09

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Calcium can bind to certain medications making them less effective. You should separate your calcium dose from your other medications (by 2 hours), particularly the levothyroxine. A suggested schedule is to take your levothyroxine in the morning on an empty stomach with or without your antidepressants as directed by your doctor. In general taking your medications on a consistent schedule will improve compliance and effectiveness. You can then take your calcium at lunchtime or dinner each day so that it becomes a regular part of your routine.

Posted: 2009-08-06 22:09:04

Answer/Reply:

I have always been told not to take Calcium, drink milk etc... at the same time as my thyroid medication. I always take my medication on an empty stomach int he morning and take my vitamins at night.

37 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-18 14:38:03

Answer/Reply:

Synthroid should be taken 1 hour before you eat, or two hours afterward. It is supposed to be on an empty stomach. I take mine first thing, when I wake up, and have breakfast and hour or so later. If you mess up once in a while and eat closer to when you take it, it's not a problem, but generally speaking you should try to take it on an empty stomach.

44 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 15:48:35

Answer/Reply:

My doc has me taking my levothyroxine first thing in the morning. I take it with water 2 hrs before I eat anything.
I take my Lexapro (anti-anxiety/depression med) at bedtime.

I only use soy-based food products at lunch time, so they are out of my system when I take my meds. I was told to take my vitamins & supplements with meals - and watch for interactions with the foods really closely.

48 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 21:31:46

Answer/Reply:

I also had a hysterectomy removing my ovaries and my gynocologist recommedned stopping premarin and told me to do it as slowly as i wanted. I have been without it for years.I also take levothyroxine for my thyroid. This is generic synthroid. I feel exhausted most of the time. I am happy that I stopped the premarin.

62 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-08 21:18:26

Answer/Reply:

I'm 72 years old. I also had a hysterectomy (I have my ovaries) when I was 44 and was put on premarin. My thyroid went on the fritz. Was put on on synthroid, later changed to levoxyl, and now levoythroxine, all thyroid medication. They were changed because of insurance. Have gained over 30 lbs since my hysterectomy. I stopped taking premarin over 8 years ago. I'm a short person. Have difficult bending because of the weight gain in my belly area. I refuse to live like this. I'm trying very hard to loose the weight. I personally think this is all related to hormone changes.

72 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-16 12:35:35

Answer/Reply:

I understand what you are going thru. I find that if I take synthroid,I shake like a drug-addict. I go to Walmart & pay $4 a month or $10 for 90 days of levothroxine,could be your hormones,maybe ur dr. could do a full thyroid blood screening for u,then u will know. Exercise ,will help too.!!!! No binge eating as well,maybe,changing ur eating habits talk to ur drs.

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 05:36:26

Answer/Reply:

I'm 37 and have been stuggling with my weight as long as I've been on thyroid medication. It is very frustrating.

38 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 15:23:56

Answer/Reply:

I take synthroid alone and still have a weight problem, no matter what I do. Up until then I had always been 100 lbs, even into the menapause phase but the thyroid really did me in. If I excercise beyond belief and close to starving myself, the weight comes off but don't want a liftime of that.
66 year old female

67 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 16:26:57

Answer/Reply:

I too have a weight problem because of the thyroid. I had the gastric bypass which helped for a while. But the Dr decided my dosage was to high and started slowly taking my dosage down until I gained 35 lbs back and can't get it off now. I think because of the thyroid is my weight problem will always be there now.

53 year old female

54 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-18 23:38:13

Answer/Reply:

My doc said that a person should not stay on hormone replacement for ever. check with them about taking you off the premrin. It might help.

36 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 19:54:13

Answer/Reply:

After the doctor increased my dosage from 25 mg to 50 mg did I start having memory loss, could the higher dosage cause this?

77 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-04 18:10:38

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Approximately 1% of iGuard patients taking levothyroxine reported one of the following side effects: memory/speech problems or mental haziness or confusion. You should discuss your concerns and the side effects with your doctor. There are other conditions that might be causing memory loss. You should consult with your doctor regarding your most recent bloodwork results to ensure you are taking the best dose for treating your condition and discuss if there are other reasons for your memory loss.

Posted: 2009-08-06 22:17:58

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Levothyroxine is best taken in the morning approximately 1 hour prior to eating. Since Levothyroxine can interact with several medications, it is a good idea to wait two hours between taking levothyroxine and any other medications.

Posted: 2009-08-06 23:05:06

Answer/Reply:

I take levoxal and prescribed generic omeprazole. (Save much money.) 20mg each. I take in the AM first thing with 2 glasses of water. Only side effect I have had is tummy feels funny from not drinking enough water. Been doing this for 2 years. To me it is safe.

73 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-16 12:44:29

Answer/Reply:

I take Nexium on a daily basis with my Premarin and I do not have any complications from either one.

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 16:09:47

Answer/Reply:

Yes you can. I have been taking Levothyroxin 100mcg for over 6 months along with my Nexium and I have no problems with them.

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 16:11:11

Answer/Reply:

I took both for years. I had to stop taking Nexium because it began to give me stomach pain. My doctor who prescribed the Nexium was aware that I was taking Levoxyl, so I believe there was no problem.

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 22:12:36

Answer/Reply:

As far as I know, yes you can take Nexium while taking synthroid just not at the same time. My doctor told me that you should take your synthroid on an empty stomach in the morning and then your other meds at least a half hour later...like maybe after breakfast. I am not taking Nexium presently but have taken it in the past. I'm on Prilosec (Omeprazole) now which does the same thing as Nexium. If you have further concerns, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist about the specific drug interactions.

39 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 14:38:52

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Approximately 1% of iGuard patients taking levothyroxine reported one of the following side effects: memory/speech problems or mental haziness or confusion. You should discuss your concerns and the side effects with your doctor. There are other conditions that might be causing mental ability issues. You should consult with your doctor regarding your most recent bloodwork results to ensure you are taking the best dose of levothyroxine for treating your condition and discuss if there are alternate reasons for your memory loss.

Posted: 2009-08-06 22:46:19

Answer/Reply:

I have been takeing levothyroxine for 15 yrs and i have had no problem with memory.

62 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 14:03:21

Answer/Reply:

yes of course it does

58 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 17:39:40

Answer/Reply:

I am 51 and when I was 35 I was told I had throid problems. Hypo thyroid ,and that they checked my levels and were normal.alot but sometimes showed a little change . I have been on synthroid and levothroxine since then. Seven years ago they took out my thyroid , it was enlarged and medicines were not helping. I had Hoshimoto disease. So know I have to stay on the meds for the rest of my life. Sometimes I have weight gain and sometimes I don't. I have lately been real tired. I make sure they check my levels every 3 mo. I know when they are off. I found that this is going to be a battle for the rest of my life. If I eat only low calorie food and stay away from carbs, I do better and I will loose weight. But about the memory loss I do have that some and it is usually when my levels are off . They told me I will have some and it is not due to the drug but the throid itself. All you can do is know your body and hope that you find a happy level and life. I do know if I do loose weight that I have to have my levels ajusted, and the more you exercise the levels get off. But please do not stop exerciseing we all need it to keep healty. I know it seem like a battle but keep trying. I gained 100 plus and I am know trying to loose it . I have lost 30 lbs. but need to loose 140 more. I started at 135 lbs. don't get discouraged keep working at it. I know the day of feeling like you can not eat enough come but always try to eat the right foods. I also foung stress can make the levels off. So try to keep in low, but I know that it is hard to do. Thanks for listening and I hope I could help.

51 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-23 19:16:41

Answer/Reply:

This concerns me I have been taking levothyroxine for years what am I suppose to be concerned about??? Do I have anything to worry about and why would my Doctor Prescribe this?????I also gained weight but I went to weight watcher and lost it. 55 pounds.

Pat Anderson

68 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-23 23:24:20

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

There is a possible drug interaction between the Premarin and Synthroid. In some patients the level of Synthroid is increased as a result of taking oral estrogens (Premarin). If you are just starting Premarin, or if your dose of Premarin changes, your doctor will most likely monitor your thyroid level and adjust your Synthroid dose if needed.

Posted: 2009-07-31 15:23:43

Answer/Reply:

I am a 42 year old woman and have een taking Premarin with my Synthroid for pver a year now. Just this year my doctor increased my dosageof my Synthroid to 100 mcg. and I take .0625 mg of Premarin and I have not had any more sensitivity than before I started taking Synthroid.

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 16:18:19

Answer/Reply:

I am 57 and was on Premarin and found that I could take the Sythroid in the morning and the premarin at night. thus seperating them by 12 hours. This work well for me. Talk to your doctor and see if you can wean yourself off the premarin.

57 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 18:15:49

Answer/Reply:

Why are you still taking premarin?!?!?! How long have you been on it??? Did you know that studies done in the early 90's show that IT (Premarin) CAN CAUSE and INCREASE YOUR RISK for cancer with those people you are predisposed to it. I went cold turkey over 12 years ago from Premarin went through menopause and never felt better. I too have been on generic Synthroid for quite some time now, and I find it very difficult to lose weight also. I really don't know what to tell you there except aks your doctor if their is an alternative so you can lose weight. I plan on asking my doctor on my next check up. I hope that help you.

59 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 21:45:47

Answer/Reply:

Hi, My name is Karen and I am from San Diego.
I have been on Levothyroxin for a very long time and I cannot seem to lose weight.My insurance
will not accept sinthyroid. Now I have Adult onset Diabeties and have to take insulance injections. I think that all of these Pharmaceutical companies are telling us lies about thier meds. What are we suppose to do?

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 21:49:21

Answer/Reply:

My name is Sandra
I have been taking Synthroid or Levoxyl for 20 years. Levothyroxine doesn't work for a lot of people, if you want a generic that is better try Levoxy. The pharmacy tried to give me levothyroxine ane I gained weight as soon as I started taking it. Ask your pharmacy for levoxyl it is a generic and it works likesynthroyd. The reason the pharmacy gave you levothyroxine is that they make more money on it than levoxyl.

62 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-23 18:54:18

Answer/Reply:

I too am on Levothyroxin and I was working on losing weight before I began taking it. To step up my weight loss after reaching a plateau, I shifted my food prep to using a crock pot. This was easy for me since I eat a lot of homemade soups and noodle dishes to deal with respiratory allergies. This definitely did the trick. I do get tired of this food prep occaisionally and have a grill as an alternative. Without diet change, you will not loose weight no matter what your medication. The thyroid losses tend to make one more sluggish and then weight gain happens. To get rid of the weight gain, there is no magic pill. Eating healthy food and thyroid replacement for better energy can combine to give you the results you desire. Good luck !
PS: I just got a Hamilton Beach 3 in 1 crock pot/slow cooker for my birthday and it will give me much more options than I had before. it can be purchased at a very reasonable price from the Bed,Bath & Beyond website---it is not available in the store. It is the only brand to offer such options and they have a good reputation for working well and durability !

66 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-29 16:26:40

Answer/Reply:

I was told by my doctor that I should never take Synthyroid with ANY other medication. I have to take my calcium w/vit d four hours before and after taking Synthyroid. All other meds I take 2 hours before and after. Did your doctor also tell you that you can no longer have any grapefruit/juice or walnuts (two of my favs)? Synthyroid must also be taken at the exact time every day. When you take Synthyroid you must wait one hour before eating. If you eat first you must 2 hours before you eat. Levothyroxine is a generic and may not work for everyone. I was on it and had to go back on the Synthroid because it was not working as well. Hope this helps.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 12:19:38

Answer/Reply:

You can take Synthroid with other medications. You are not supposed to take it with milk or calcium. They both interfere with the abosorption of the other. You are not supposed to drink milk or eat any other milk products within 4 hours.
I have had hypothyroidism for over 20 years. I also have addison's disease. I take my syntroid with my steroids all of the time. It is just calcium and milk products.

62 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-23 18:56:56

Answer/Reply:

Greetings, I can relate. But if the premarin was making the synthorid more sensetive would it not be making you hyper thyroid. First, when was the last time you had your TSH checked? Have you ever had your T3Free, T4Free and T3 checked? Are you taking your synthroid on an empty stomach.. your suspose to at least one hour prior to eating or two hours after. Another trick my pharmacist told me was drinking at least one big glass when you take your medicine. I have been on a form of thyroid since 1989. I had my throid desolved. It harder to loose weight as we age. And Premerin is a female hormone replacment. Thyroid is obioiusly from a diffrent organ. Ask your dr about why the premerin??

48 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 00:14:05

Answer/Reply:

I take Synthroid and Estradiol which is a hormone replacement medication. My doctor said NOT to take them at the same time. I am to wait 2 hours after taking the Synthroid before taking the Estradiol. I hope this helps.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-23 17:29:56

Answer/Reply:

Is your doctor just checking your T3 and T4 levels, or is he/she also checking your TSH. It could be that your pituitary gland is under performing also. The pituitary gland is the gland that sets the performance of all the other hormones. You should absolutely stop taking Synthroid and just use the generic levothyroxine. Why pay the extra $40 per month when levothyroxine is only $4 at most pharmacies. Our family won a chunk of money many years ago via of a class action lawsuit over Synthroid and have not used it since. Synthroid demanded pharmacies to not substitute generics and lost.

I have no problem with weight and am also diabetic. I use a natural doctor who prescribes nothing but natural herbs and supplements whenever possible and gave me pituithrophen made from pigs to help assist my pituitary gland. My TSH has improved some.

iI you are also taking Cytomel, there is also a generic for that.

Ray Hatfield

70 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-23 22:29:59

Answer/Reply:

I have been on Synthroid since 1987 and I was told by the doctor that I could not take the generic and I have not had any problems since.The doctor said that the generic was not as strong as the real Synthroid.

57 year old
Female

58 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-25 08:37:03

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Weight loss can occur as a person who was hypothyroid returns to euthyroid, or "normal" levels. However, levothyroxine is not a weight loss medication. Not losing weight does not mean the medication is not working. Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of T4, one of the thyroid hormones. The body does not tend to "get used to" levothyroxine because thyroxine is made naturally by the body. Normal lab values are usually very similar from person to person, with a few exceptions. The dose of medication needed to achieve these lab values is what varies with each person. If you are truly concerned that your treatment is not the correct way for you, seek a second opinion from an endocrinologist, who may be able to address some of your concerns and who would have access to your complete medical history.

You may also wish to ask your doctor to recommend a weight management program or nutritionist - adjustments to your diet and activity level may help with your weight gain.

Posted: 2009-08-04 01:45:16

Answer/Reply:

I agree that one shoe does not fit all, I fine tune my dosage, go up or down just a liitle bit, under Doc. care, if in the hight normal range I get groggy and depressed, for me, TSH of about 1.9 works best. BP Hr stay normal for me.

73 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-16 12:48:11

Answer/Reply:

Glad to hear about your dosage tuning. Please, a couple of questions: How long do you wait after an adjustment until judging what the effect is? Do you take a blood test to show it? Is TSH your guiding measure or do you test for FreeT3 and FreeT4. I'm about to be 81. I recently adjusted upwards from 100 to 112.5. But am still never sure on any day if I can happily cut firewood or have to collapse in really rotten state..

82 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-18 18:00:49

Answer/Reply:

I am 62 and on Levothyroxine also. Your thyroid meds are very important, in that they control many different things in your body. However, are you under a lot of stress right now? This will affect your weight. What kind of diet are you on? You know not all diets work for everyone. I use a low carb diet. For me it has been the easiest for me to follow, especially since I am also diabetic. Keep your sugar intact down to a minimum or completely leave it out. You will have a happier and healthier life. You will taste food for 1st time.
Remember that alcohol, pasta, rice, bread and your cereals have or turn to sugar in your system. So you must read your labels carefully.
Anita from Clearwater, Florida

63 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 07:29:27

Answer/Reply:

I was put on Levothyroxine two years ago and the next year gained weight and went into diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol .My weight was at 199. No diet worked. I read about Candida and took the spit test. My spit dropped like a rock. I went on the diet to bring the yeast in my system down and started taking probiotics. The diet was very stringent. You literally have to eat veg and meat. Nothing with yeast in it and foods that make the yeast grow such as fermented, vinegar or milk products. High yeast can also contribute to the thyroid problems and exzema.
It took a month for the spit test to take 3 minutes to go down to the bottom of the glass.
I then went on a 1200 calorie, low fat diet and started dropping 3 lbs a week. The best thing is feeling really good for the first time in 3 years.
I found all the information on the internet. Look up Candida and just do it yourself or if it's too hard for you there are medications you can take.

68 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 13:54:03

Answer/Reply:

The new normal range for hypothyroidism is .45 to 4.0. It used to be .45 to 5.5. Some labs are still on the old normal levels. Most people (from what I have read) feel better when their TSH is 2.0 or lower. I feel best at .75. Anything over 2.0 can be considered hypothyroid. So don't settle for "your TSH is normal." Ask what the actual reading is. If it is above 2.0 consider asking your doctor to prescribe a higher dose of Levothyroxine.

60 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 16:11:26

Answer/Reply:

I have been on levoxyl for the past 3 years. I had a weight problem before I started, I ran 5 miles a day, still couldn't lose weight, my diet was very rigid, and still couldn't lose. I now run 5 miles a day and work out at least 1-2 hours everyday, adjusted my diet that works for me, if I want cake or wine, I just make sure I don't miss my workout, I am cautious about my diet, but if I really want something, I don't deprive myself, that can be detrimental and cause overeating, just be reasonable about it. I realize this is not possible for everyones schedule. But it is about prioritizing. I start at 5:00 am, in the past that would have been impossible as I did not feel like it. If not early, I work it in, in the evening or before bed. But I work it in. I work long hours. I also takes lots of vitamins and herbs. This has helped me to lose weight. I have lost 40 lbs in the past 2 years. It is not easy, but the vitamins and exercise help me to feel better and my thyroid levels have been perfect for me the past 2 checkups. You have to find what best suits your needs and I would talk to a certified person qualified to help at a nutrition store for supplements as everyone is different. I also was diagnosed with Lupus right after I started taking Levoxyl. Due to my regimen, my lupus doctor has released me and said I no longer need him, only to see him if I need him. This did not happen overnight and took me awhile to figure what worked for me. Don't give up and you will find that just a little bit of exercise is better than none and the more you do it, the more you feel like doing it. Best of Luck, God Bless!

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-24 13:01:34

Answer/Reply:

I am replying to the 63 year old patient who is wondering if her doctor should change the type of medication she takes for her thyroid problem because she is unable to lose weight.
First let me say I am not a doctor or other medical professional but I have learned quite a bit about Synthroid (Levothyroxine is just the generic of Synthroid) because I have been on it myself since September of 1996. Remember that Synthroid is replacing the hormone that your body is no longer able to manufacture. It is the lack of this hormone that causes people to gain excessive weight, to feel cold and be sluggish. Most of us have a harder time losing weight and keeping it off as we age but it would be far worse if the medication was not keeping your THS in the normal range. AND there is really only one other option for people who need synthetic thyroid. It isn't used very often because it is difficult to regulate.

58 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 20:08:46

Answer/Reply:

I am having the same problem and using Levothyroxine.
I am a 64 year old male and went from 177ld o 191 eating less food??
My doctor aid the Levothyroxine was not adding the weight.
I do not understand??

65 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-23 22:55:26

Answer/Reply:

I am a 69 yr. old female and have been taking Synthroid for probably 40 or more years! I only take 0.088MCG per day -- read somewhere that you should take it either an hr. before meals or 2 hrs. after meals, so take mine before breakfast -- unfortunately almost never as much as an hr. before! However it appears to work. Years ago, I was given a "generic" & it DID NOT WORK. The dr. told me to ALWAYS get "Brand Name". So, I do. My thyroid is underactive (Hyper or Hypo? I can never remember which is which -- Hyper, I THINK). By the way the IGuard website mentions all kinds of meds that this "affects". Check w/your dr. & see if something you take is affected by it -- or if something you take affect the Synthroid. He MIGHT want to adjust your dosage. I have no idea what "normal" is, but my dr. always says mine is normal, too. I am fatter, but that's because of my diet & NO exercise. Can't really blame it on Synthroid. I have Type II Diabetes & keep it under control with oral meds, but it would also be lower if I'd EXERCISE & WATCH MY DIET!! So, know what my problem is! ME!!

69 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-24 12:52:33

Answer/Reply:

I am a 49 year old male with the same problem , and use the same medication , when you get an answer please let me know too .

49 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-27 11:26:02

Answer/Reply:

Is levothyroxin the generic for synthroid? If it is, all the Dr.s that I have gone to in the last 22 years have told me not to take the generic. The quality control is not what it should be. On my prescription at the drug store, they now have a notation to never give me the generic. The last time I changed Dr.s was because mine didn't know that the norms for low thyroid had changed about 2003. It made a difference in the strength of my synthroid. I have had less of a weight problem since I have been on the correct dose.

63 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-27 16:15:42

Answer/Reply:

I am a 68 year old female. I also have an enlarged thyroid. Have been on Synthroid for 25 years or more, and the last six months I have been on Levothyroxine, which is the generic for Synthroid. And, ever since then I have been gaining weight even though I exercise everyday (1 hr of fast walking and jogging) and cannot loose a pound. I also had my blood work done and they said it is normal?? I just ordered my next prescription an changed back to Synthroid.

69 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 09:30:55

Answer/Reply:

I have the same problem. I also have my hair fall out. Always tired-but low and behold everything is always fine. Not too mention charlie horses in my legs. My level just came back at 1.23.

38 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 12:04:14

Answer/Reply:

Hi! As a suggestion, log onto "About.com" there you can sign up for a "thyroid forum" there you will find all kinds of "Q and A's" regarding thyroid conditions, perscriptions etc. Also, sign up to rcv. Mary Shomon thyroid e-news letter...very informative. She also has a few thyroid books out there for us sufferers....she is a great advocate for thyroid patients...being one herself. Good Luck and God Bless.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-01 13:59:50

Answer/Reply:

I have the same problem with Levothyroxine. Maybe it would be better to take something more natural. I want to look into something like that. I am told that my blood work is in the normal range. I am always hungry, try to diet, and can't lose weight.

38 year old Male

Posted: 2009-09-03 18:33:36

Answer/Reply:

Hi,

Levothyroxine is the generic name for Synthroid. My doctor put me on this generic drug and it only caused a lot of side effects. I could not lose weight, my short term memory wasn't good, and I was tired a lot. I take Synthroid now and the only side is hot flashes.

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-04 11:09:02

Answer/Reply:

It sounds like you have hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism.

74 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 07:42:47

Answer/Reply:

You have hyPOthyroidism, not hyPERthyroidism.
hypo is underactive.
hyper is overactive.

74 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 07:45:44

Answer/Reply:

I had a partial removal of my throid and take synthroid and have problems with weight. Seems I cannot lose any weight no matter what I try.



63 yr. old female

64 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 20:55:34

Answer/Reply:

If you've had your thyroid removed, you should be on thyroid medicine for the rest of your life. You need to be tested to see if the thyroid medicine you are taking is enough. If you are gaining weight, you may need your dose increased.

70 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-24 11:50:39

Answer/Reply:

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, which is the condition that you have if you no longer have your thyroid, or if it is underactive. Are you taking a thyroid replacement? I hope so. I take Synthroid, but still gained weight just like you said until I finally had gastric bypass surgery, and lost 120 pounds. Now my weight is pretty much normal, but I really have to watch what I eat or I will start gaining again. I know that it directly affects your metabolism, and wonder if I'm not taking a strong enough dose of Synthroid. My doctor keeps a check on my TSH level, but I think there is a lot of leeway in the "normal" range. I sure would like to be able to stop worrying so much about my weight. Good luck.

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-24 16:32:57

Answer/Reply:

i know how you feel are they monitoring your tsh levels? if not you need to get a doctor who is up on thyriod problems and make sure you get it done at least once every four months until you are regulated.

46 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-24 19:39:08

Answer/Reply:

I have been hypothyroid since I was in my 30's. Be sure you have your dosage checked about every 6 months, because it does change. I am now in my 80's . I didn't start gaining until I reached 65. I guess that is just due to age. My feet are just worn out and I cannon walk any great distance so that kind of exercise is out.

83 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-25 10:38:59

Answer/Reply:

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism during pregnancy(coincidence?) also had a goiter taken out a year later. I have always had a problem with weight but even more so now. I cannot get it under control. I also keep gaining, gaining. I have been on sythroid for 25 years now. Guess I will never be my optimum weight, ever. I have tried everything, diets, exercise, Curves, nothing works.

56 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-25 11:24:38

Answer/Reply:

Welcome to the world of thyroid.... I found the only way to stablize is to eat nothing but salads...or start buying bigger cloths. You have thyroid along with over 40...learn to love yourself & your new body.

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-25 15:03:19

Answer/Reply:

You are not alone. This has been exactly my experience with hypothyroidism and weightloss.
I even had a doctor tell me to learn to love my 180lb body (I'm 5'2"), who then offered me prozac, as if there was something mentally wrong with me for being upset that I could not loose the 40 Lbs that 4 years of undiagnosed hypothyroidism had packed on me. Well, 14 years later, I'm 170, work out for 90 mins each - 5 days a week, eat 1,200 calories a day and feel really strong. I fight the battle, but I never really lost all that weight :(

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-27 07:32:34

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Soy products may decrease the absorption of levothyroxine. More research is being conducted to find the extent that soy affects levothyroxine. Until that research is finalized, it is best to avoid soy products while taking levothyroxine. If you cannot avoid soy products, you can try to minimize the interaction by taking levothyroxine at least 2 hours before or after eating or drinking soy products.

Once diagnosed with hypothyroidism, most patients need to take a thyroid medication for life. The thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone, so it is supplemented with thyroid medication. It is unusual for the thyroid to begin producing enough hormone once again.

Posted: 2009-08-02 23:36:06

Answer/Reply:

I was informend by my doctor that since I'm on synthroid, I should limit my use of soy products, from very little to none a day. Apparently the soy interacts with the synthroid, and isn't as effective.
Female 63 yrs. old

64 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-16 20:22:39

Answer/Reply:

According to the info i have learned, soy products are one of the few things to be avoided. i breifly switched from using skim milk to soy milk, just 1 cup/day in a frozen strawberry smoothie (nothing but the frozen strawberries and the milk), and i gained 10 lbs in one month. that was the only change to my diet. switched back to using just skim milk but the damage was already done. of course 3 yrs later i'm still fighting the weight gain. since i have found out that we shouldn't be taking out vitamins, iron, calcium, etc, within 4 hours of taking the synthroid or generic relative. so i have an alarm go off at 1pm to remind me 2 take my vitamins. we should also not be eating cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts and other similar vegatables nor drinking grapefruit juice [which i love] in addition to no soy products. thats not much easier than trying to eat a gluten free diet [no wheat, barley, or rye. sometimes those really sensitive can't eat other products as well]. i'm sensitive, my daughter is a true celiac. you need to read ingredients carefully because soy is listed as an ingredient in a lot of things now. so if anyone ever finds out why we can't lose weight even though we take our meds daily let me know. i take 125 mcg daily of synthroid along with other meds for asthma. and the weight is still creeping up.

75 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 12:37:03

Answer/Reply:

Thank you for your post. I thought (as my endo made me feel) that the weight was just me. I have always been heavy,165-180 with pregnancy. I started gaining and could never take it off. Each dr. said nothing wrong, just getting old and tired. I was reluctantly diagnosed as "depressed", even though the psychologist thought it was a physical issue.When I became pregnant in 2001 with twins, I started to feel better, hormones. Then shortly after they were born a huge lymph node led to discovery of Pappilary Thyroid Cancer. My weight was 225 pounds and all was not well. He said after looking at my thyroid when they removed it I had had cancer for about 8 years. My TSH was "normal"...go figure. Now because I have no thyroid my TSH should be nothing. My endo keeps increasing my synthroid, I now take 350 mcg. Highest amount in his practice.My TSH is 4.1 at last test and I am now 251 pounds. Any suggestions?

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-27 13:17:19

Answer/Reply:

I am also taking Synthroid and was using soy products at the same time. My doctor said to wait 3-4 hours after taking the Synthroid before consuming any product with soy in it. I noticed a very positive change when I started doing that.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-23 17:27:11

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Iron, calcium, soy, and some cholesterol-lowering medications can decrease the absorption of thyroid hormone. More research needs to be done to see the extent that the soy affects the thyroid hormone production. Until more research is done, it is probably best to limit your intake of soy products.

Since many cereals are supplemented with iron and calcium, it is possible that these cereals could affect the absorption of thyroid hormone. However, as long as you are separating your levothyroxine from your meal, you can eat your regular breakfast. Taking levothyroxine one hour before or two hours after you eat may help to decrease food interactions. The best time to take levothyroxine is probably first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. However, the most important thing is to be consistent when you take it.

Posted: 2009-07-28 01:44:55

Answer/Reply:

WHY SHOULD YOU NOT EAT CEREAL W/SOY MILK? & WHAT IS THE PROBLEM W/MULTI VITAMINS.?

67 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-29 12:45:37

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Some studies have shown that eating cereal with soy milk within 2 hours of taking levothyroxine can decrease the absorption of the levothyroxine into the body, Iron, calcium and soy may decrease the absorption of levothyroxine. Many cereals are fortified with calcium and iron. Some multivitamins also contain iron and calcium. It is best to separate your levothyroxine by at least 2 hours from eating cereal and soy products, and taking multivitamins.

Posted: 2009-08-04 01:45:56

Answer/Reply:

I would like to know about the cereal &/or soymilk too. I DO know (found out after being on thyroid meds. for 14 years) that multi vitamins must be taken between doses of thyroid meds. (IE if you take thyroid meds at 6 am.. then vitamins should be spaced well apart, ideally 6 pm.) If I remember correctly it is the iron in the vitamin that actually blocks the thyroid meds from being absorbed into the system properly. I too am having GREAT problems with my weight. The Dr. did a full hysterectomy in Feb., and since my weight is sooo out of control. Anyone know anything about this?

48 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 20:23:37

Answer/Reply:

That was the first I heard of Soy Milk I have been drinking it for yrs. Why not the Soy? As for the Mullti-vitaims, I was told to take them at least 4 hrs ater taking Synthroid. Otherwise they counter react each other making niether drug work, especially the Synthroid.

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-21 00:43:29

Answer/Reply:

The soy, fiber and iron interfere with the absorption of the medication. Synthroid needs to be taken alone and on an empty stomach. I have found it easier to take as soon as I get up in the morning then get myself ready, before eating and taking other medication. This usually gives me just about the hour that is recommended.

36 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-21 08:02:46

Answer/Reply:

I thought I was going to get an answer to the question because I clicked on Answer. I, too would like to know the answer as I have the disease and eat cereal almost every morning as well as taking multi vitamins. How do we get an answer to these questions?

Rose S. 60 yrs. old

60 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-31 18:48:24

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

It is best to take Synthroid on an empty stomach. The iron in your multivitamin as well as the calcium in your milk, and other minerals contained in your meal can decrease the absorption on the Synthroid. It is recommended that you take Synthroid at the same time each day, on an empty stomach for best results.

Posted: 2009-09-13 23:30:19

Answer/Reply:

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the age of 46 after 4 years of being mis-diagnosed. That is one disease missed due do the depression and weight gain and thoughts of going/starting menapause. I was put on Synthroid once a day and I have been on it since. I see my family physician every six months and he is an endocrinologist and he does a full panel blood once a year and that includes the TSH for the thyroid. I have not had any problem. No, I am not back at the weight/size as before getting the disease, however remember as one ages the metabolism slows down and the thryoid is like the accelerator of your car. My doc had called and said he did not know how I got out of bed as my TSH was so low. One thing for sure, always take your Synthroid on an empty stomach and by itself with a full glass of water... wait an hour and take your other meds. Do not mix vitamins with meds..I take my vitamins in mid afternoon,which is quite a number of them..I am now 67 years of age..just had my bone density and my doc said "I had the bones of a 35 yrs. of age person. I have always taken vitamins since 1970..vit. e, cit c ,vit d,multi-vit, folbic, magnesium,omega 3,6,9..so it has paid off.

I have been on Prozac since 1988..taking 20mg per day..Not one day of depression since Aug 1988..not one suicidal thought. Am I ever blessed..Life is good..People made and still do make fun because I take Prozac, however, it saved my life and instead of pushing up dasies..I smell the roses, hear the birds sing, let rain drops fall on my head and snow flakes fall on my eye lashes. Life is good, God is great.

67 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 10:36:10

Answer/Reply:

my phramacist says to take Levothyroxine on an empty stomach (at least 2 hrs after eating) and no calcium for 4 hrs. after the Levo. So, I take it at night before I go to bed and about 3-4 hrs. after eating. A good book is 'Living Well With Hypothyroidism' by Mary Shomon.

76 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 14:43:39

Answer/Reply:

Please answer back.....just wondering why you're not supposed to eat cereal with hypothyroidism. Also, why not soy milk? My doctor never mentioned these things. Also, does anyone know how to lose weight quicker while having hypothyroidism, besides starving yourself? Thanks in advance for your reply.....

44 yr. old female

44 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 17:08:27

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Typically levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid and other products) which is used to treat hypothyroidism has many potential drug and food interactions that may decrease its effectiveness in balancing the thyroid levels in your body. Milk and other calcium products may decrease levothyroxine's effectiveness. In addition if a cereal has a very high fiber, calcium or iron content there is a possibility it may bind with the Levoxyl in your body and make it less available to perform its intended function. Some studies have shown that eating cereal with soy milk within 2 hours of taking levothyroxine can decrease the absorption of the levothyroxine into the body. It is best to separate your levothyroxine by at least 2 hours from eating cereal, soy products, drinking milk, and taking multivitamins and minerals. In general, Levoxyl should be taken on an empty stomach at the same time every day.

Unfortunately losing weight is difficult no matter what the cause of the weight gain. You should discuss your concerns with your weight and may want to ask for a referral to a nutritionist or weight loss program.

Posted: 2009-08-20 22:05:33

Answer/Reply:

What about an egg and some fruit and toast? Eggs are not dangerous. That myth was already disproven.

74 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 07:47:30

Answer/Reply:

I take my levothyroxine first thing in the morning, have black coffee, then have my breakfast 30-60 minutes later. I try to stay away from a lot of carbs, so my breakfast is a serving of cut up fresh fruit topped by a cup of plain yogurt and a serving (1/4 c) of unsalted nuts (walnuts, pecans or almonds). I need the extra calcium because of my osteopenia. I think the issue is taking the levothyroxine (or Synthroid) on an empty stomach...not the contents of your breakfast. Hope this helps!

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 12:03:11

Answer/Reply:

I really dont think that the cereal was the problem. I have been told that soy products are a no-no, soy isnt good for people with thyroid problems or high blood pressure, I personally get ringing in my ears if I eat anything with soy in it! Do some research on soy and if you are going to eat cereal eat good old oatmeal or cheerios, they both will help bring down your cholesterol. Stay away from the soy products for awhile and see how you feel.

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 13:12:31

Answer/Reply:

DEAR 66, ............I HAVE BEEN ON SYNTHROID FOR ABOUT 9 YRS. I HAVE NOT HEARD ABOUT THE CEREAL BUT HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT TEA ? YOU ARE NOT TO CONSUME ANY KIND OF TEA. THE DOCTORS DIDN'T TELL ME THIS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THIS INCLUDES BLACK,GREEN,OR WHITE TEA. IT CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR BONES AND TEETH. I DIDN'T FIND THIS OUT UNTIL I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS MYSELF.........GOOD LUCK! 60 YEAR OLD FEMALE

59 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 17:11:52

Answer/Reply:

I sure hope you can have oatmeal, thats what I eat when I can. Didn't know you can't take med with vitamins, thanks for the info. We all need to be advacates for our health

58 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 10:53:10

Answer/Reply:

I've was disgnosed in 1979 & have been bouncing up & down in weight & trying all types of diets. I also developed high blood pressure & cholesterol.
Here's what worked for me:
Breakfast: Egg Beaters with some vegetables or 1 piece of whole grain bread/toast or a small amount of low-fat cheese.
Lunch & Supper: Protein & vegetables
Snacks for the day: Unlimited Celery & RAW vegetables. 20 good nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.). 2 pieces of fruit.
Cholesterol: I'm taking Red Yeast Rice & Poilcosonol supplements (seems to work). Heard Artichoke was also good, but haven't tried it. My cholesterol went from 237 to 189.
BP: 4+ stalks of celery per day will help a lot. My BP went from 157/98 to 120/70.
Hope this helps.

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 17:32:57

Answer/Reply:

I, too, was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, and placed on Tapazole for a couple of years. Tapazole helped tremendously, but I gained a lot of weight on it, so they began weaning me down and eventually, the thyroid, as in your case, switched to slightly hypo, and I went off the Tapazole. I've been on low levels of Synthroid for several years now with regular blood tests to monitor things. I've lost all the weight and feel great. It has worked well for me.

69 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-21 00:14:48

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Synthroid is not a medication for weight loss medication. It is true that when the thyroid hormone is too low, it is harder to lose weight. If you have not had your TSH and T4 levels checked within the past six months, ask your physician to recheck to make your levels are within the normal range. You could ask your doctor for a referral to a dietician who could help you with healthy food and recipe recommendations and set specific calorie goals for your body type and weight and age. These recommendations would not be just another diet but lifestyle changes that you can adapt and, with continued exercise, hopefully lose weight.

Posted: 2009-07-23 01:40:29

Answer/Reply:

I too was put on synthroid when my metabolism fell to the floor, and had more energy, but still could not lose the weight I had maintained after the birth of my youngest. My doctor said I too needed a diet, I wasn't eating enough (I grew up on diets, and over the last several years, eat only when I am hungry, and on an average day only consume between 400 and 800 calories a day) and put me on a 1000 calorie a day diet, which I beg him not to do. 30 days later he found out why. I stuck to this diet, and even my husband and children kept diaries of what I ate, to show I wasn't cheating. My weight went from the 220 lbs I had been since my son was born to a whopping 300lbs. Now he conceeds that it is metabolic and thus the synthroid. But I still, with my normal eating back in place, and 5 hours a week working out with Tony Little, couldn't drop the weight. Then I saw an article in the American Medical Journal about soy and it's toxicity to anyone with thyroid issues. I immediately started reading lables, and had drastic buying changes when shopping for groceries. Now I am on a soy free diet, and in the first month, dropped fifty pounds. That was 7 years ago, and would like to say it is all off, but not quite. other issues crept up, and slowed the progress, but it is still dropping, slowly but surely. I even know when something I may eat while out had soy in it, I become exceedingly tired and just want to sleep, and don't touch that again.

Wishing you luck, and hope this helps you.

48 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 20:25:58

Answer/Reply:

You may need to see an endocrinologist, you may not be on the correct dosage. Female 59

60 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-21 01:15:47

Answer/Reply:

yes, I do and I am now drinking my breakfast and lite lunch like fruit and dinner. I was excersizing for a while but right now I can't. It has helped.

58 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 10:57:08

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Less than 1% of iGuard members report sun sensitivity with levothyroxine. The signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity to levothyroxine include itching and flushing. The actual reaction is usually to the inactive ingredients of the levothyroxine, not the medication itself. Please make an appointment with your physician to discuss your symptoms. Also, consider asking your pharmacy if they have recently switched generic brands of levothyroxine.

Posted: 2009-07-20 21:02:09

Answer/Reply:

I have developed eczema since being on levothyroxin. Check with your Dr. to see if this might be your condition, too, since it is itching. Eczema strts out as just itching then small bubbles with a white top appears. I was also diagnosed as a diabtic within the same month even though there is no family history. I'm on oral medication (metformin) for the diabetes but have now read that these two medications should not be taken together as the levothyroxin takes away from the metformin so it doesn't work as well. I am also losing hair at a rate that is frightening. All the medications that I have to take seem to be working against each other. This has all happened within the last year so watch all your symptoms closely.

64 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-22 14:42:07

Answer/Reply:

I, too, am on levothyroxin, but didn't connect that to my eczema. I have found relief from the itching by taking flax seed oil capsules, one morning and one evening. Mine had been so bad that I would scratch during the night, waking up to having bled on the sheets from my scratching. The flax seed oil completely took care of it.

65 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-16 13:27:29

Answer/Reply:

If you havent done so yet, please tell your doctor and ask to be referred to a dermatologist. I dont think its the meds, or at least its nothing ive heard of or experienced since ive taken it. You might also be having a reaction to a new soap, shampoo, or got near a plant similar to poison ivy or stinging nettles if you go for walks in the woods. Sun exposure on the other hand is a problem for me, but probably because of my meds and fibromyalgia combination.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 02:57:30

Answer/Reply:

I've been on synthroid for years, and this past january my thyroid was completly removed. I had similar symptoms you need to be tested for Lupus. I know it sounds scary cause there is no cure, but it is very controlable with diet and life style. I haven't gained any weight or had any mood swings or skin rashes, but it did take my DR's almost7 months to find the Lupus, once your diagnosed you know what to do. There is a book out published by Rodale called " Thyroid Soulitions" and it is very helpful pick i up

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 13:35:47

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Approximately 5% of iGuard patients report weight gain as a side effect to taking Synthroid. Typically, weight gain is linked to having hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone levels. Levothyroxine is used to provide thyroid hormone replacement. You should discuss your concerns with your physician in case there is another cause to the weight gain, or your doctor may want to adjust your dose. In addition eating a balanced diet and adding regular exercise should help reduce or control some of the weight gain.

Posted: 2009-07-09 14:35:27

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

With hypothyroidism, each body is different, and thus dosing is very individualized. It may take a while to get your dose adjusted to what your body needs, which is called euthyroid. Until your levels are in the normal range, you may still have symptoms. It does take time. As you get closer to euthyroid, your symptoms should decrease in severity. Mention your symptoms and feelings to your physician at your next appointment so that your physician may address your specific concerns about your treatment plan.

Posted: 2009-07-08 19:23:53

Answer/Reply:

my levels of TSH, T3, T4, FT3, FT4 have been normal for six months but I still have fatigue, dizziness that comes close to pre-syncope, nausea and general malaise. Often I fall into unwanted profound sleep two hours morning and afternoon. I take 100mg Levo at six a.m. with water and don't eat for an hour. I take .25 alprazolam frequently at night to wind down from chronic stress. I'm 80 and would like some peace before I leave the planet. I can stop the alpra but what do I do with the Levo, please? Increase? Decrease? By how much? Or should I go back to square one and look for some other cause for these symptoms?

82 year old Male

Posted: 2009-07-20 21:24:56

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Discontinuing or increasing your levothyroxine should not be done without the guidance of your physician. Your tiredness and dizziness could be possible side effects from the Xanax. You should talk with your doctor about what you are experiencing and have your symptoms evaluated to see if there are other causes for how you are feeling.

Posted: 2009-07-23 22:29:53

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Synthroid is usually used to treat hypothyroidism. With the exception of a few causes, hypothyroidism does not have a cure at this time. Most patients do need to take medication and be monitored for life. The dose you need may change with time, so it is important to have regular blood tests to check your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels and follow-up with your doctor. If there comes a time where you do not feel you need the medication anymore, do not stop taking it. Make an appointment to discuss possibly changing your dose to see how it affects your TSH levels. Only make changes with the knowledge and consent of your physician.

Posted: 2009-07-01 22:07:38

Answer/Reply:

I am not a Doctor, but STRONG minded when it comes to faith. Never give up and no, you are NOT doomed possibly just a bit frustrated. There were many days in my lifetime that I felt horrible about my weight, how I looked etc etc. I one day prayed, got up out of bed, showered went to see my Physician (WALKED IN) no appointment and said I've had it. Enough is enough. I don't want a prescription just your ears to listen to me. I told her I wanted her to refer me to a Dietician for guidance, & I started walking short distances. It was hard I cried alot but 55lbs later I feel great about ME. Now I know your situation is most likely different, but you CANNOT give up. I'm sure there is someone out there that loves you for who you are and that same person will be lost without you. SO GET ON THE GOOD FOOT love yourself and take CHARGE. You are in C O N T R O L!!!!!!!!!! oh by the way I belive in you therefore when you've lost your fist 5-10lbs reply I know you WILL do it.

40 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-04 09:34:15