Anyone Taking Thyroid Medications? I Need Your Help!!!

goodn · Feb 2, 2008

To anyone who has started Synthroid for hypothyroidism: How long did it take to feel better, with a clear head, energy, and to start losing the weight?

Simplepleasures · Feb 2, 2008

It took a few weeks to really feel better, but even in the first week, I did feel slightly more energy.Keep having those levels done, that should tell you where you need to be.I was diagnosed 25 years ago ( Hashimoto's Thyroiditis),have had incremental increases in dosage over the years, now on 200mcg. As far as weight goes, yes you will probably lose some at first, but my doc told me and he was right on, it will also increase your appetite as everything starts getting revved up.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2008

To anyone who has started Synthroid for hypothyroidism: How long did it take to feel better, with a clear head, energy, and to start losing the weight?

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) in 1998, and had the radioiodine ablation done in 2005 to slow my thyroid's function down. A few months after the radioiodine ablation, I started on Synthroid.

Most people feel the effects of Synthroid within 1 to 2 weeks after first taking it regularly, since this drug has a slow onset. It took about 18 months for my thyroid profile to be in the WNL range. In May 2007, my TSH was 2.3, and in November 2007 it was 1.80 with the T4, T3 uptake, and free thyroxine index all WNL. I get a thyroid profile drawn every 6 months unless I'm symptomatic. If I have subtle symptoms of either hyperthyroid or hypothyroid, I'll get my blood drawn immediately.

With a thyroid condition, you must tune into the messages that your body feeds to you, regardless of how minor they seem at the moment. By the way, I have lost 44 pounds over the past 6 months via diet and exercise.

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2008

I got very ill on Armour.

Because it contains pig hormone, you may be getting other things from the pig along with the hormone. Some say Armour is "natural" but having pig hormones and whatever come with them circulating in your blood is not natural for humans.

Pig cells containing antigens can be attached to the hormones which can cause an immune reponse in the person taking them.

From my readings, I feel that anyone who has any type of autoimmune disorder should not take hormones from animals, including pig thyroid and horse estrogen.

Some researchers feel that other subtances attached to horse estrogens are what can cause increased risk for stroke, heart attack and cancers in women taking HRT- not the actual estrogen itself. The WHI study which linked HRT to increased risk for stroke, heart attack, and certain cancers was done using horse estrogens. Bioidentical estrogens were not used in the study.

Bioidentical hormones will not cause an immune reponse. Bioidentical estrogen is made from soy- which brings me to soy:

The soy protein molecule is very similar to many hormone molecules, including thyroid and estrogen hormones. Because of this, it fits into receptor sites meant for these hormones. It is thought by some researchers that soy can block the actions of some thyroid and estrogen hormones, because it blocks their receptors.

For women with very low estrogen levels, it's thought that it's fine to take bioidentical soy estrogens, because their own natural estrogen levels are insignificant.

leftyjacks · Feb 7, 2008

I know it is important to stay on the same thyroid medicine. A family member was put on Unithroid by her doctor. She was given an envelope by her doctor. Now she is guaranteed to always be on the same brand name thyroid medicine. This seems to me to be a very good idea. She also said that she is paying less than her brand co pay.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 7, 2008

Good timing for this thread to be revived. I just took my first dose of Synthroid this morning. 18 months ago, I went on a diet and exercise programs and lost 40 pounds in 8 months. However, in the last 5 months I have gained 8 pounds back in spite of increasing my exercise and being good with my diet. My cholesterol and glucose numbers are PERFECT, absolutely perfect.

Sure, I have been really tired lately ... but I have picked up a second part-time job.

Sure, I am cold ... but it's winter and I'm tired. Isn't that normal?

Sure, I have trouble concentrating ... but I'm tired and stressed.

Sure, I've gained 8 pounds that don't really make sense ... but maybe I am underestimating those little "cheats" on my diet.

Well, my thryroid labs that had been borderline in October, came back definitely low last week. So, I started Synthroid today. I can't wait to feel better -- and to start losing weight again. I've been doing the work of diet and exercise all along and getting discouraged. Now I want to see some results!

I also have a very low Vitamin D level. So, I am starting on a weekly high dose of that.

I now take 7 prescription meds -- and I'm only 52!

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Feb 7, 2008

Hmmm...after reading this information about soy products, I am definitely going to ask my doctor for an endocrinology consult so I can get more expert treatment and care. What if I'm on thyroid meds due to the intake of soy milk I've consumed in large gulps over the years past? This really concerns me. :uhoh21:
Anyone else hear anything about soy products affecting our health?

I've only ever heard of the goodness of soy, goodness. I've feed all four of my kids soy formula and was even concidering cutting meat out of our diet and switching to soy. Thankfully they are smart as whips and don't have any concerns of thyroiditis at this time with them.

I had my thyroid mostly removed last year after hashimoto's caused a second goiter to reappear. My grandmotheer has it as well as my aunt.

Well, may have to stay more toward other heart healthy options.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Feb 7, 2008

Good timing for this thread to be revived. I just took my first dose of Synthroid this morning. 18 months ago, I went on a diet and exercise programs and lost 40 pounds in 8 months. However, in the last 5 months I have gained 8 pounds back in spite of increasing my exercise and being good with my diet. My cholesterol and glucose numbers are PERFECT, absolutely perfect.
Sure, I have been really tired lately ... but I have picked up a second part-time job.
Sure, I am cold ... but it's winter and I'm tired. Isn't that normal?
Sure, I have trouble concentrating ... but I'm tired and stressed.
Sure, I've gained 8 pounds that don't really make sense ... but maybe I am underestimating those little "cheats" on my diet.
Well, my thryroid labs that had been borderline in October, came back definitely low last week. So, I started Synthroid today. I can't wait to feel better -- and to start losing weight again. I've been doing the work of diet and exercise all along and getting discouraged. Now I want to see some results!
I also have a very low Vitamin D level. So, I am starting on a weekly high dose of that.
I now take 7 prescription meds -- and I'm only 52!

I remember thinking the same thing when I was diagnosed. I had a 4 month old, worked in a job that had me outside all winter so I was doubly tired and cold, and when I went to go see the doc she looked at my neck and asked if I was tired. Tired???? Um, let me think, yeah I was tired.

Let me tell you though how much better I felt after starting on my synthroid. I know it every time I procrastinate and don't fill my script in time.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 7, 2008

I remember thinking the same thing when I was diagnosed. I had a 4 month old, worked in a job that had me outside all winter so I was doubly tired and cold, and when I went to go see the doc she looked at my neck and asked if I was tired. Tired???? Um, let me think, yeah I was tired.
Let me tell you though how much better I felt after starting on my synthroid. I know it every time I procrastinate and don't fill my script in time.

Thanks for the encouragement. It's funny how I keep finding "other reasons" whenever I feel bad. I never assume it is something that actually needs treatment. I think, "Oh, I'm just feel lousy because ...."

The last time I was really exhausted for a couple of months was about 5 years ago. I was tired and would get warm during the afternoons. I blamed menopause. After 3 or 4 months, my doctor ran some tests and it turned out that I had mono!

This time, I blamed working to hard ... my hypertension meds ... etc. and it turned out to be thyroid. At least this is quite treatable.

Kunzieo · Feb 7, 2008

Count another happy Synthroid-er in!

Actually...I do take the generic...whatever my pharmacy has in stock that month...and no, I have found no difference between Synthroid, Levathroid, Levoxyl, Levothyroxine, etc..they are all equally rated...and if it's good enough for science, than it's good enough for me!

I don't wish to ruffle any feathers here...but I have to chuckle at the pharmacy customers who call up and complain that "I got the generic yesterday instead of my Synthroid, and I took one, and I can tell you it doesn't work. I don't feel right today."

Ok lady...since your body doesn't even know it's there yet....

Ugh. But that's another thread....

I've been on the stuff since I was 8...(long story...benign tumor on my pituitary...removed at age 10.) I have to say that while I feel slightly better when my levels are VERY low...I really don't notice a huge difference between when I take it and when I don't.

I went through a rebellious phase in my mid teens (because I hated my endocrinologist but my mom wouldn't switch doctors because he knew my history.) I took myself off ALL my meds (levo, desmopressin, estrogen, progesterone, growth hormones, allergy meds...) but told my mom I was taking them (would flush them down the toilet or throw them away.) I always took them for a week before my bi-annual appointment, however.

I eventually went back on the desmopressin because it SUCKS living with uncontrolled diabetes insipidus. (Gotta pee! Gotta pee! Water...I'm dying...water...oop! Gotta pee!) I later went back on the estrogen and progesterone as well, because I was getting married...But I was off the levo for ~3 years.

I can honestly say that I didn't feel any different off of it than on it. The only differences were I had headaches more often when off of it, and if I stayed off of it too long, my hair would start to fall out (so I would take it for a week or two.)

What a dumb-@** kid I was!

greatshakes · May 15, 2011

Hi all

I just saw an endocrinologist the otherday. I had asked to go up to 150mcgs thyroxine. I don't know what it is similar to in USA. My TSH was 0.05 and stayed at that level most of the time. I have been told to go down to 100 mcgs and then 80mgcs. My hair is thin and my skin dry. I have cramps and am tired +++

and overweight 72.kgs on a 152cm (5 ft body) But as the now hyperthyroid state I am in is supposed to increase the appetite I will just have to try it again to see. I have no thyroid at all. Born without one. It just doesn't make sense to me but I was told that with a TSH level that low, it did indicate my dosage was too high.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 15, 2011

It just doesn't make sense to me but I was told that with a TSH level that low, it did indicate my dosage was too high.

If your TSH level was too low, this indicates that you have too much thyroid hormone circulating in your body at the present time. I know it is confusing, but I will attempt to explain.

A person with a high TSH level does not have enough thyroid hormone circulating in their body. Therefore, the body produces an abundance of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormone. Hence, the TSH reading will be higher than the normal range for an underactive thyroid.

A person with a low TSH level has too much thyroid hormone floating around in their body. As a result, the body stops producing so much TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) so that the thyroid receives no stimulus to produce more hormone. Thus, the TSH reading will be lower than the normal range with an overactive thyroid.

TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is not thyroid hormone (thyroxine).