I started this medication last fall for an underactive thyroid. Since then I've been packing on the pounds even while watching every bite I take and excercising regularly.
Has anyone experienced major weight gain after starting Levothyroxine?
Question posted by yorkgreeneyes on 18 March 2010
Last updated on 28 March 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
45 Answers Page 3
rscognam
31 Jan 2016
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos and given levothyroxine cause my tsh was high. All other was in range. I had a pair of pants that I tried on in sept 2015 which didn't fit. I didn't want to weigh myself. In November upon request my endo changed my med to armour. I tried the pants on yesterday and got them on. Not sure how much I lost but definitely did since changing meds. I'll never go on levo again. I'll take nothing if armour isn't available.
Mountainmutt
30 Jan 2016
After only 2.5 months,I gained 6 pounds and never had fluctuations in weight, before this med. My stomach is enlarged, as well. Has anyone switched meds, with success? Local doc seemed unconcerned -about this and other symptoms.
deline511
30 Jan 2016
My physician told me that levo is the same as any of the other thyroid meds. I didn't believe her so I asked my pharmacist and he confirmed it. My Dr told me it was my age causing me to gain weight. I got off this horrible mess in March 2015 and my pregnant looking belly went away & the dreadful bloated face as well. Before I started taking this i weighed 115 my weight climbed to 170. I am now 140. It's slow but I am getting there.
Eeladrab826
31 March 2016
I have been on levo 50 mcg since July. All I know is that my clothes don't fit, I eat pretty healthy, and yet the scale won't budge!!! I lost some hair in the fall and hoping its growing back, I'm wondering if I need to be on this at all, I was boderline low thyroid and he immediately put me on the levo. I am thinking just going off and seeing what will happen ... help:( so frustrated!
Regret these meds
19 Nov 2017
? ? ? Deline511 ? ? Not seeing an update from you makes me lose hope. Stopped meds in December 2016.
Jessicabugaboo
27 Jan 2016
I have gained around 30 lbs since starting 100mcg. I feel hungry all the time but stick to 1200 calories a day and exercise regularly. I'm so incredibly frustrated! This medication is a joke!
celtthunfan84
4 Nov 2015
In June I opted to have my thyroid taken out due to Graves disease. About a week afterward I started taking levothyroxine. In 5 months I have gained about 80 lbs, my cholesterol has risen about 30 points (it was at 102 which is amazing), and I am always cold unless it gets to be about 75 which is comfortable. My dr has risen the dose, but I have not picked up the prescription. I know its impossible, but Im half tempted to have the dr replace my thyroid. Yes, I was overweight but I was steady, my mood was constant, and I was comfortable. This medicine is completely horrible. There has to be a better treatment out there because I simply cannot stand to continue to pack on the pounds. Its gotten so bad that my back cant support me anymore and at being 31 I have to walk with a walker, I have to use the auto buggies at the store, and use a shower chair because after only 5 minutes of standing Im in horrible pain. I only eat once a day (I know, not good for me), and even that meal is very small. Any body have any suggestions?
hgraves03
17 Sep 2015
Has anyone had success losing weight after stopping levothyroxine? I took Synthroid and Cytomel for about 5 weeks and gained about 15 pounds. I couldn't fit into any of my clothes, particularly pants and jeans. Even my underwear didn't fit!! I'm usually a medium and XL barely fit. I also was so bloated and looked pregnant. With my doctor's approval, I've now weaned off the meds. It's only been about a week and I'm feeling better and lighter. I'm really hoping to lose this weight as quickly as it came on. Has anyone had success quitting Levo / Synthroid?
deline511
18 Sep 2015
There is hope of weight loss. It takes time. You dont have to starve yourself just cut back on sugar and carbs. I exercise but always have. My pregnant looking belly is GONE!!! I stopped my meds in March. Check my post and read my progress.
hgraves03
18 Sep 2015
Thanks so much!! I stopped meds about a week ago. How long did it take you to notice that stopping meds was working? I'm on a clean diet and exercise regularly. I'm not looking for a quick fix but would like to know when I might start to feel like the meds are out of my system.
maverick1962
25 Oct 2017
yea it seems like doctors r thowing darts blind folded hoping theyll hit the bullseye i guess thats y they call it a practice n we have to be patient with them
jennie claire
26 Aug 2015
Three weeks on levothyroxine and I've gained 3 pounds. On a strict 1200 cal.low carb diet with daily exercise. I had been losing weight slowly and steadily up til now.
Twinmon
15 July 2015
Hi I have experienced the same thing, I have only been on the drug for 5 months and I'm gaining weight when before I always struggled to gain any, it's also messed my period up and was stopping me getting pregnant! I stopped my meds 2 days ago after discussion with my doctor as my levels weren't too bad to begin with, but I have to be tested again in 6 months x
hgraves03
18 Sep 2015
I'm in a similar situation - what happened when you stopped your meds?
angelhp
23 Jan 2017
same here im only taking 0.025mg,but have gained weight,i quit it dr said no get back on it but once again my jeans got tight my boobs bigger,i quit smoking and over 6 years i found i was 197lbs.i lost 70 lbs walking and drinking only water so now around 127-ta 130, as my jeans get tight all i see is 197-200 lbs again ,it is the meds putting on the weight the drs are nuts sticking up for the drug .with all i have read im not going back on it my fam is concerned,but i cant deal with 200lbs i was holding my weight at 128 for 3 years after i lost the weight and 1 pill puts it back on NO THANK YOU
Sophia048
24 March 2017
did you have any side effects after you stop taking the meds? I am worried what will happened if I stop.
Twinmon
24 March 2017
I ended up feeling crap to be honest, I stayed offfor 3 weeks but my levels dropped quite bad now I'm on .75mg now and haven't been too bad but I definitely notice I'm bigger now than I used to be, I am only 10stone but I was alway 8 to 9 before, but it also stopped me getting pregnant! Horrible drug, I hope you manage to get yours sorted x
Lenkina
28 April 2017
Me too!!! I started Levothyroxine 100 in April last year, just abt 1 year ago, but since October I feel that there is something wrong going on with my metabolism. I take intense classes at Equinox 3 times a week, skied 23 days this winter, eat moderately, very easy on carbs, lots of salads & fruits, yet my weight increased from 118 to 132 in 6 months. all that weight sits in & on my stomach, I really look like I am 5 months pregnant. I am so frustrated how this drugs in making me feel that I will probably drop it and try a chinese healer. I just about had enough of this crappy garbage pretending to be a medicine.
texasbelle9
15 July 2015
I am on .075MG of Levothyroxine, and have been for one year, and I am a healthy person who runs, eats healthy (MOST of the time) and is very active with a fitbit and everything. I have gained about 10+ pounds in one year, and it is steadily climbing. Before that, I was the same weight, give or take a couple pounds, for almost a decade. I am 31, so at first I thought it was just hitting that 30's wall of being harder to lose weight. I look like I am in my second trimester of being pregnant!!! It is ridiculous. None of my clothes fit. After reading this, I am thinking about stopping my medication for awhile to see what happens. When I started, my levels were over 5, but my recent lab results stated I am a 2.23 now. My question is... What happens when I stop the meds? Is it safe to do? What other things could I be supplementing with in order to keep my levels where they need to be? Thanks for all your help! :)
Chicagogirl720
4 Sep 2015
My story is exactly the same. I'm 31 and have been taking Levo for years. Now my clothes don't fit, my belly fat is increasing, and the scale is going up no matter how hard I try. I workout at least 5 days a week and eat healthy. This is crazy!
Caribbean1
12 Jan 2018
I am the complete opposite to all these posts. I was diagnosed 2yrs ago with hypothyroidism after carbon monoxide poisoning. I take 75mcg of Thyroxin and I put about 2lbs on but have now lost well over a stone in weight. I eat what I like but have lost my appetite. I've put it down to age (64yrs). I'm beginning to wonder if my thyroid function has returned to normal or gone to hyperthyroid. Anyone with similar problem??
HOODBREWER
9 July 2015
Not a medical person so I am speaking from my own feelings. I have been on a very low dose of levothyroxine for about 5 or 6 months. I have gained around 30 extra pounds; sluggish to no energy. I am 52 and it may be my age, heart trouble, bone disease, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, my depression or just the fact that I hurt too bad to move much. I just know that I have had 3 children and my stomach was not this large, round, or hard when I was 9 months pregnant. I am beyond miserable.
Twin58
16 Sep 2015
Sorry, I feel your pain. I've never had so many health issues within the past 6 years since put on levothyroxin. I am on 175 mcgs. Went from 190-250. I just decided in July to go off all my meds and my Bp has never been better, my heart rate has normalized an with the aid of Gowing off wheat and dairy and maintaining exercise, I have lost 18 lbs in 2 months. I have been into nutrition for many years, good stuff not the cheap stuff and I am feeling better. After going to my endocrinologist for the last time might add, he told me he could help my severe sweating problem and my extreme heat intolerance. He suggested gastric bypass. He said my T4 was perfect and there was nothing he could for me, was sorry I felt so loisy, and exited the appointment. I was so depressed, another side effect I cried for 3 weeks. I was diagnosed with pituitary hypothyroidism so I will have to see what will happen. I am banned from getting a new endocrinologist in the Froedtert system.because they are all colliges.
summer2250
30 Dec 2015
I too am unhappy with this med. I've gained 30 lbs since surgery. Surgery was 09-11-2015
I'm still hopeful that I'll get better but I got to admit I'm miserable.
If the med isn't causing me to itch it's making my musles weak I sometimes feels like a invalid.
Still under the doctor and hoping she doesn't give up on me.
geraldine elliott
swanee2009
5 May 2015
I'm on a very low dose of Levothyroxine and have gained 20 lbs.i have gained so much weight in my upper belly that it looks like I'm pregnant. I have always had a flat tummy until I started taking this med. I'm gonna stop for awhile and see if I lose. I feel miserable. I watch what I eat and exercise.
cjanene
9 Feb 2016
that's exactly the way I feel!
swanee2009
26 May 2016
I'm still off my meds, lost several lbs but still didn't lose it all, I refuse to start taking it again.
swanee2009
26 May 2016
I'm still off my meds, lost several lbs but still didn't lose it all, I refuse to start taking it again.
JpNuman
5 Jan 2018
I can agree with this to sick of levo it's crap and my weight goes up as easily as 4 to 5 pounds in 2 weeks and nothing ever comes off. I feel really tired depressed and my gp cannot allow me to.have liothyronine. This is so wrong. I have even fell asleep at work because I'm so fatigued cannot sleep at night either.
ShellySeashell
23 March 2015
Boy have I ever. I started Levo in September and on October 30 i weighed 214. Apt In Feb I weighed 235. I eat clean and gluten free. I exercise daily. the Levo was supposed to fix the Thyroid which is why they said I went from 189 to 214 in one year with no changes to diet or exercise. So in total in 18 months I have went from 189 to 235. With clean eating and daily exercise whole time. I go back to Endo this week and i am asking for Armour instead of Levo because I have heard many say they gained on Levo and than lost it on Armour.
Crivera123
29 April 2016
I also went from 170 to 250. Horrible. Worse nightmare!
Saggirl
19 Aug 2016
I gained 15 lbs after starting this medicine. I had trouble sleeping and became extremely depressed and agitated and felt extreme fatigue. I have been off the drug for 3 weeks and am feeling more energetic but can not lose the weight I gained.
deline
7 March 2015
Diagnosed 6 yrs ago hypothyroidism my Dr has increased my mcg to 112 my weight has gone from 115 to 170. I stopped taking levo for several months and I lost a few pounds. Decided to see an endocrinologist and see if there were other problems, all she did was check thyroid put me back on levo and I gained 5 more pounds. I hate this medication. I am going back to all natural way, again.
deline
5 May 2015
Since my post I stopped taking Levo, my belly fat is decreasing & I have lost 10 lbs. My Dr said I would be so tired bc my thyroid levels would be low. Well I am fine. Taking same vitamins. Will check back in 2 months to update.
All I can say is if you are considering quitting the drug... do it for at least a couple of months.
Classy4701
30 May 2015
The exact same thing has happened to me, I exercise, eat right, and the scale won't budge. I am also extremely fatigued and tried, so the other I decided to stop taking this med and this is my second day off and boy the energy I have. I will be anxious to see if the weight comes off, went from 135 to 174. UUUGGGGHHHH
deline511
16 July 2015
I am happy to report that since March my weight has gone from 170 down to 152. I do exercise and watch what I eat. I take daily vitamins and B12 which was recommended when I was diagnosed. I am not tired as doctor predicted. I wish everyone luck if you get off this evil medication.
hgraves03
18 Sep 2015
I'm in a similar situation - can you share how long it took to lose weight gained on Synthroid and any special things you did to get there?
deline511
18 Sep 2015
I stopped taking med in March. I exercise 3 or 4 times week on my Gazelle for 30 minutes. I drink lots of water, no sodas and ocassionally tea. I have lost 5 more lbs since July. My pregnant looking belly is GONE!!!
jjf255
27 Sep 2015
my 31 yr old daughter was started on levothyroxine about 7 yrs ago after complaining about very cold hands and feet... no other symptoms but her TSH was slightly low. She started at 50mcg then to 75mcg and stayed there until last year. New GP upped her meds to 112 mcg because her TSH was slightly over 4. Almost immediately she started to gain weight rapidly... she is 5'6" tall and has always been about 145lbs..She has gained between 25 to 30 lbs mainly in her middle and has a belly which she never had before... also puffy face ... all while following healthy diet and exercising. Her T3 was in range but on low end of range but her GP refused to add T3 or put her on dessicated. The GP is her primary care Dr. and with her insurance has hard time changing to new Dr.
I should her this site with so many having same issue. She went off levo for two weeks and started to lose weight and puffy face started to go away. Then someone at work scared her with horror stories of what can happen when you stop taking... so she went back on. She has started to gain again. Please someone tell me if she can safely go off... should she wean off or as before..stop taking all together.
After being so
hgraves03
27 Sep 2015
You probably should talk to your daughter's GP before going off the meds. My GP approved me weaning off because I was borderline low to begin with and did not feel better. I had the same symptoms as your daughter. I gained about 15 pounds in 3 weeks with no diet or exercise change after starting Synthroid and Cytomel. I also was so bloated that I looked pregnant and my face was puffy - particularly under my eyes. My GP had me take meds every other day for a week, then take half dose every other day for a week, then stop. To be honest, I was so eager to get off the meds that I weaned over about 5 days instead of 2 weeks. It's been 3 weeks since I took my last dose. I haven't weighed myself yet, but I feel loads better and less bloated, and my clothes are almost fitting. I would guess that I've lost 3-4 pounds in the last 2 weeks. I still have a ways to go but am very careful with my diet and exercising a lot.
My GP also advised that I work to detox to get the meds out of my system faster. The plan is to do bloodwork again in about 2 months to see how my body has reacted to no meds. Unless it's really bad I'm not going back on meds. Hope this helps!
nysfinest77
27 Jan 2016
I hate this medicine as well, I've gained weight and I'm always tired... I'm getting off this medicine pronto!
deline511
27 Jan 2016
Weight is down to 141, slow process but I am losing it despite what my Dr said. For any of you that have problems with feeling tired, try taking time release B-12 1000 mcg. And be sure you take time release. If I miss one day... I really feel it. Good Luck to all that decide to get off this horrible drug!!! I feel that I made the best choice for me.
cjanene
8 Feb 2016
what is the natural way you refer to? I am going to stop the synthroid, I have gained 20 pounds in 3 months
Anny70
18 April 2017
I am fatigued also. I'm always tired.i feel like stopping this pill.
Why should I be a big fat thing laying on the couch
iamrosey2
28 Feb 2018
I've been off levo 5 weeks now... lost 10 pounds so far and no more heart palpitations... changed my diet to small amounts of protein, lots of veggies, no sugar, no soy, NO GRAINS including corn... no nuts or seeds... no dairy... no eggs , no night shades, lots of homemade soups and salads. I feel much better, less bloating..I cheat a few times a week but get right to it easily. I want to see my new numbers and the I'll start adding back in certain foods. Its called the AIP to get to the ROOT cause of my Hashimotos.
MizHelen
6 March 2015
I started taking my meds in 2005, I started with Hyper thyroids and now I am Hypo... in the mist of taking these meds I went from 145 lbs to 175 in 4 months. I am still at 175 and have been for years. I did get to 165 but gained my weight back quick. I have dieted, exercised, walked, and I can't seem to lose weight. I was never this big until I started taking these meds. I read someone else gained weight and they look like they were 6 months pregnant, that's how I look. My stomach is out there and it is uncomfortable and doesn't look right. I have decided to stop taking these meds at least for 6 months to see what happens. If I lose weight, than I know it was the meds. I hope this helped.
Twin58
16 Sep 2015
I went to my endocrinologist begging someone to answer why I sweat so severely and this year I can't tolerate heat. It makes me insane going out in oppressive heat. Never mind in six years going from 190 to 250 on the scale. He shook my hand and said, "your T4 is in a great range (175 mcg of med). Sorry your feeling loisy. Have you thought of losing weight?". I replied, " not for the lack of trying.". He said, " maybe you should try gastric by pass." Then shook my hand again and told me again sorry your feeling loisy. There is nothing I can do for you. I wish you all the best. Needless to say he is not my doctor. But the kicker is that I am not allowed to going to any other doctor with the Froedtert systom because because they have this crazy rules. I stupid is that. I am livid.
Twin58
16 Sep 2015
I went to my endocrinologist begging someone to answer why I sweat so severely and this year I can't tolerate heat. It makes me insane going out in oppressive heat. Never mind in six years going from 190 to 250 on the scale. He shook my hand and said, "your T4 is in a great range (175 mcg of med). Sorry your feeling loisy. Have you thought of losing weight?". I replied, " not for the lack of trying.". He said, " maybe you should try gastric by pass." Then shook my hand again and told me again sorry your feeling loisy. There is nothing I can do for you. I wish you all the best. Needless to say he is not my doctor. But the kicker is that I am not allowed to going to any other doctor with the Froedtert systom because because they have this crazy rules. I stupid is that. I am livid.
LAHs
4 Nov 2015
It's the meds!
cowgirlboots
3 July 2016
did it help u by stopping the meds after 6 months?
Anny70
18 April 2017
I take levothyroxine and Dr told me to lose weight. I've been on strict diet due to taking these pills I gained 25 lbs.. I was in years!! I don't want to take them. They stress me out trying to lose weight n I'm gaining.
I am getting depressed if anything
basncasmom
13 Feb 2014
I have been on levothyroxine for 3 months and went from 105 to 136! I workout 6 days a week. I am about to say screw it to the meds!
tmbirdie
1 July 2014
Yep, same with me! I was 135 and went up to 150 in 7 months! I am no longer hypothyroid and I am saying screw these meds too. I'm pissed because I watch my diet very carefully and walk about 2 miles 4 times a week plus strength training 3 times a week.
AnnieH003
10 Dec 2014
To Basncasmom,
I used to take Levothroid few years back and it seemed to work fine with me. But then I don't know exactly when they stopped giving out Levothroid and switched to Levothroxine without my knowledge so my major noticed was in summer of 2012. That summer I gained like 20 LBS and my bra went from C size to double D. I ballooned up. I called my doctor and they did the blood tests and my tsh was in lower range putting me in Hyperthyroid while I was totally feeling Hypo symptoms. I kept taking it and working out and eating same as always. I am very good as far as eating right. But my weight never came off and finally after searching online I asked to switched to Amour. I lost 7 LBS in 5 days in Amour but also I lost a lot of hair, very dry skin, very dry hair, very tired and I felt like I was flushed all the time and my skin looked like it had red flushed dots on it. I took it for 3 months. Finally had it after weighing the pros and cons.
I decided to give Synthroid the try and it was expensive and I took it for 3 months. I gained back my weight but my bad symptoms decreased. Then I could not afford to get synthroid and it did not really matter than much the difference so I decided to go back to Levothroxine and right away after few days I ballooned up my joints were hurting, my hair fell off but not as much as when I was in Amour, foggy brain. Next I decided to try Levoxyl which is also name brand like Synthroid but it is discontinued in a lot of places. So I got it for three months and my pharmacist warned me they won't be able to get it. Yes it was better than Levothyroxine I didn't feel like a balloon but I guess I was ok then most of them but my blood levels on it was totally hyper with hypo symptoms. I know I had to do something because what am I going to take after I am done with Levoxyl? So I tried to go back to Levothyroxine and OMG my ankles and my legs swelled up like I was pregnant for few days so I switched back to Levoxyl and it went away. Now I am taking NatureThyroid by RLC lab and it seem to work like Levoxyl but cheaper. I have gained the total in last 6 months 12 LBS and total from summer of 2012 to now 30 LBS. I am trying to work out 4 to 5 days, eating healthy foods but it is not shedding any weight. I just got my Tonalin CLA supplement that reduce body fats, today and started taking that. I know it is a slow process so lets see what happens. I think Levothyroxine is the WORST than all of them!! And they need to seriously check that medication. It has a lot of bad symptoms. I don't understand why FDA would take down Levothyroid with worked for me and I am sure it worked for others too and replace it with Levothroxine which is causing bad symptoms. I think when we have hypothyroid it makes it worse to shed weight because our metabolism is totally controlled by our thyroid gland. No matter how much or what kind of medication we take for our thyroid it will never be same as what our body produces naturally. Doctors always look at only the blood test and within the range. As long as you are within that range you are good and they don't really care about our symptoms.
swanee2009
15 July 2015
I was on only 10 milligrams , gained weight, stopped taking it and dropped 11lbs in two weeks, would rather be tired than feel miserable all the time when I was taking it.
LAHs
18 Sep 2015
Yep, happened to me. I will tell you what I did but I am not sure it is safe for everyone. I cranked up my T4 when I was on Levo, that enabled me to generate enough T3 to become "normal" again. I think I pushed myself into a little bit "Hyper" (just a little bit) because I didn't have to eat carefully, I didn't have to exercise , nothing, the weight just peeled off. I felt normal for 2 years.
Then something awful happened, my doctor retired and my next doctor (who was an Endo) said that my TSH was too low and told me to reduce my dose, I did as I was told (I will never do that again!), and, you guessed it a pound a week 'till I reached 180 from 145 lbs. After 2 years I dumped that Endo, got another doctor and got on NDT. I still got the "lets reduce your dose" line, but this time I am increasing the dose on my own, and my weight is dropping.
Doctors are hung up on this TSH reading and will not measure T3, the very hormone which will make us feel normal and give us the energy to move around and therefore not put on weight.
There are so many reports of these symptoms, I don't know why nothing changes.
deeross
1 March 2017
Hi, Dee here. I have been on it about 8 months and i swear i'm gaining weight. How is this possible. Will the weight gain slow down.
SCC2468
14 May 2018
I have been on Levo for approx 3 years. Never had a weight problem. Right away I began gaining weight and it is still climbing. I eat very little. I don't trust the medical profession anymore. It is big business and it all revolves around money. I am thinking of discontinuing this Med also. I feel it has screwed my system up. I need to get back to what is natural. Physicians don't want to take time from their busy schedule to listen to how you feel. They know so much. I know my body pretty well. Everyone is different. What works for one may not for another. one doctor tell me not to interrupt him. He said, "I am talking." So much info and a lot contradicts another. I have to now rely on my own intuition. Very sad what this industry has done to itself.
suzanne66
29 March 2010
You should report unusual weight gain to your doctor.
See https://www.drugs.com/sfx/levothyroxine-side-effects.html
You may find some of these comments from users of levothyroxine interesting.
https://www.drugs.com/comments/levothyroxine/
jaroslaw666
24 July 2011
Suzanne's first comment is right on. Weight gain is not a normal side effect of taking levo and too much of it could cause weight loss, the opposite of what you report. Your doc should get involved. You're more likely than not still HYPOthyroid and may need more levo.
Read comments on the second website with extreme caution and recall these are coming from laymen. Some I read are frankly off the wall yet are rated 'helpful' by other uninformed lay persons. I'd rate this site as potentially dangerous and unhelpful unless you have sufficient medical knowledge to allow you to discriminate between useful info and utter nonsense.
pttwllr
9 Feb 2015
I've been taking Levothroxine for over a year and taking 100 MG and still gaining weight I watch everything. I eat excesses as much as I can. Went from 103 to 146. I can't seem to loose the weight.
deline
7 March 2015
The higher dosage doctor has put me on the more weight I have gained. She tells me it's age and I won't be able to loose thyroid weight. I want to know why all the doctors will not listen to the patients??? I have seen 3 doctors & I get the same answer. My weight has gone from 115 to 170 in 6 yrs. I watch what I eat... strict vegetarian and exercise and the weight still keeps coming!!! This drug needs to be recalled!!!
LAHs
30 July 2015
To jaroslaw666:
Your criticism of the second link doesn't make sense. These are just people recording observations of their symptoms after taking this horrible drug. If you read a lot of them you will be able to see a pattern. If you are a doctor with an analytical mind you will be able to work with that patient and come to a solution. If you are a TSH and T4 only doctor your patient will remain symptomatic and miserable for years. The doctor should always listen to the patient and believe what they are reporting - and then read up or consult and expert in order to help that patient (if they do not already know a solution). Anyone prescribing the monotherapy of T4 isn't going to get very far - their patients will continued to suffer all the things you read in link 2.
Jaxox
25 Nov 2015
I am 27 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's over a year ago. At the time I went in i went from 103lbs to 127 I was upset with the weight gain they put me on levo thyroxine... N I went up to 155 :( that makes me depressed my stomach pouches out so big I look close to 8 months preg now people make comments to me bout my weight gain as if im not trying I was a health coach and a personal trainer but since I have gained so much I can't even begin to help others when I can't help myself :( im on .050 micrograms im reading all your posts and im
Going to take myself off of it starting tomorrow. My fear is my period has always been extenely irregular and before the medicine I was skipping a month or two without it! I was so Uncomf infelt like I was getting it for weeks- I would cry in pain. Now I get it regularly idk which is worse loose my period or loose my mind by how heavy I have gotten. I ripped 2 pairs of soandex in two days. I used to battle with an eating disorder so this weight gain is eating me alive. Pathetic :( mayb I'll try without it ️see what happens!
Wyldlifewarrior
2 Oct 2016
I had quit taking it because I was gaining weight and I mentioned it to him at my last visit on 9/23 and he said not taking it probably caused me to gain but I had been gaining while on it so that's why I quit. He said once I started it again I would probably start losing weight. Hasn't happened yet :( I'm beginning to wonder if I should go to an endocrinologist. Thank you all for your comments and links. I'm going to sit down and start reading very carefully. I feel like no matter what I do I'm gaining so I can take some notes for next time I go see my doc!!!
Stupid drug
15 Feb 2017
I have been on Levo for 5 yrs. Reason for taking it in first place was borderline thyroid and low energy. Five yrs later... an added 50 lbs and same low energy. Dr. says not to go off and he overlooked weight gain by insinuated it was my fault and prescribing a diet pill! So I won't be telling the Dr. anything as they don't listen any way. Shame it took me 5yrs to realize why I have gained so much and why even by starving myself I can't lose the weight. Weaning off now. Advice to others about this drug... your doctor has obviously never been on this medication! Listen to the people on this thread the telling you what will happen!
Roxymarshall
17 March 2017
I was diagnosed with Graves' disease 10 years ago & finally did the radiation 2 years ago. I have been on Levo for 2 years. In the last year gained 30 pounds, 8 pounds in the last 2 months. I asked me endocrinologist today at my appt of it could be the hormones & if I could try new ones, she told me no! She said I was always this because of my thyroid and maybe I'm supposed to be a big girl & my body is just doing its thing!! I left there crying & with a prescription diet pill!! I won't be going back there! She never listened to me & wish I never did the radiation. I had a feeling maybe it was the levo but after reading all this I'm convinced!
bbemont
10 Aug 2017
Hi everyone,
i am 20 years old. i was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor that crushed my pituitary gland at age ten. since then i have been taking levo. i just finished up a diet program and only lost 7 pounds and my dad is saying that its not right i should have lost 20 pounds in a month at my weight and basically accused me of cheating on it which i didn't. so i was looking into it to see which of my 7 medications could cause this. Did my levo cause my lack of weight loss?
EL Capitan
24 Aug 2017
Ladies get off this crap immediately. I'm a dude ex military pilot and Cop. Consider myself pretty tough and durable. Never been to a hospital in my entire 54 years. No history ever of heart problems. Been on this stuff for months. Hypothyroid Dieting/Working out and on Nutrisystem... gained almost 15 lbs. Here's the kicker... started noticing heart flutters as soon as I started on it... no big deal. Right. Last Sunday my wife had to rush me to the hospital for the first time in my life. My HR was 150 and I couldn't breathe. ER nurse said I was in full arterial defibrillation. My HR went from 70 to 150. I spent 3 days in the hospital with 3 cardio version electric shocks with no luck. I finally converted to normal heart rhythm on the 3rd day on my own. This manufacturer needs a class action law suit. This stuff need to be taken off the market and FDA INVESTIGATION.
swanee2009
9 April 2018
I stopped taking my thyroid meds and lost a few pounds. I’m not gonna take it anymore, I felt miserable with the weight o gained while taking it.
alex1105
1 Sep 2018
Actually this is not as uncommon as you would imagine. Sometimes the issue is conversion. You may be converting the T4 to reverse T3 and this Reverse T3 is docking in the T3 receptor sites and disabling them form being activated by actual T3. Ask your doctor to check a RT3 and if its >10%, decrease the T4 and add T3 . you may want to do a 2 week washout period from the levo ( refrain from taking it altogether) to lower your RT3 and T4
Oceanlady
14 Sep 2018
If you're a health care professional and you haven't heard that Synthroid or Levothyroxine will cause weight gain, you're completely out of touch. I was 50 yrs old when diagnosed, had already had three children and had only weighed 107 9 mos. pregnant. Absolutely nothing made me gain weight.
I weighed 98 at age 50 and within five mos., I had gained 17 lbs.
This is a very common complaint, and nobody seems to be able to explain it or care. It has nothing to do with conversion of T4 to T3 or not having enough T4 ;medication. Right now, I am running scared because every now and then, the weight will start coming on without a reason. My dosage was raised, and I started gaining faster along with having heart palpitations and hot flashes. Labs showed I had gone hyperthyroid. Weight is now at 132. I am 4'11".
Roxymarshall
6 Jan 2019
Ok so I commented on this a year and half ago. And I had only gained half the weight I’ve gained now. I started Levo and weighed 130, almost 5 years later and I weight 190!! Completely depressed & so uncomfortable. This last year I’ve had to have an emergency hysterectomy, had to strokes and had to have heart surgery!! This medication is crap!
Related topics
underactive thyroid, thyroid disease, weight loss (obesity/overweight), levothyroxine, weight
Further information
- Levothyroxine uses and safety info
- Levothyroxine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Levothyroxine (detailed)
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