Levothyroxine and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Miz...
• October 27, 2014

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Had partial thyroid removal with benign tumor 30+ years ago, was OK until about 2 years ago and routine bloodwork showed low thyroid. After 2 years being OK on the medication, suddenly the thyroid levels are dropping again, hair falling out, skin is breaking out in itchy red welts, gaining weight, so Dr. upped the dosage. A couple of weeks on a higher dose I feel like I am 'wired' in high gear, can't sit still, talking to myself going in circles, and my hot flashes have really, really ramped up big time. Dr. says to give it at least 60, preferably 90 days to adjust, not sure I can hold out that long before stopping it. Hoping there is a better solution out there someplace."

• Tha...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 12, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "Always feel like shyt. 20 years on this medication, could not understand why I am not any better. Did my own research and found that it has gluten in it. All this time taking med. that helps me be more sick. Not to mention weight gain, it made me look puffy, face hands swell just as if I was ingesting gluten!!!! I was. If you have celiac or IBS, don't take this."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2012

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I have been on Synthroid now for 4 years. I wasn't able to take the generic Levothyroxine because it caused me high blood pressure. I was shocked to find out I had thyroid disease. My dosage continues to go up, I'm on 125 mcg now, and just had my TSH checked, and it's again on the low end (which I can tell because of fatigue, weight gain, hair loss). I demand my thyroid to be tested every 4 months. When it's in the middle of the 'normal' range is the only time I feel good!"

• Bab...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 7, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I was on 100 mcg levothyroxine for quite a while. I changed doctors and told her that I’m unable to lose weight. Without doing any blood work, she increased my dosage to 125. After using it for a few months, I realized that my hair was coming out more, it was harder to go to sleep, and I still wasn’t losing any weight. I recently stopped taking any levothyroxine."

• Luv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in November of 2016. Outside of lacking energy, I was happy and healthy. They prescribed levothyroxine 50 mcg. Since starting this medication, I can't stop gaining weight, I have severe edema in my lower legs and joint pain. The doctor and pharmacist don't think these are side effects, but nothing else has changed. I feel like I've aged 10 years in 6 months. I most likely will discontinue and suffer the effects of hypothyroidism rather than take this poison."

• Thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "After seeing my OB for some problems with menstruation, I was sent for about 10 different blood tests to check my hormone levels. Let's just say that we found the source of my problem and I was referred to an endocrinologist. She wanted to repeat my TSH level because she said that being at 3.65 was a little high for someone my age. So I went back within 4 weeks to get retested and my TSH was 10.36, and I was feeling it. I was so tired I could barely get out of bed. My headaches were out of control, and I gained about 10 lbs in a month's time. I just started 75 mg Synthroid a few days ago, so I'm feeling optimistic. I feel once we get my pituitary adenoma, thyroid, and my vitamin D under control, I'll be so much better. ADVICE: listen to your body."

• Doe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 7, 2018

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I thought this med would be my silver bullet! I was so relieved and excited to try it. Five months in and no difference whatsoever! Even after multiple increases in dosage. Terribly disappointing as I had to fight to get it with insurance, etc., etc., etc. and it is not cheap! I feel I am out of options as generic levo did nothing and I’ve also tried Unithroid and Armor, which was worse than all of them combined! Armor is not worth all the praise it receives. I’m at a loss now. Gained over 25 MORE pounds on this Tirosint!"

• nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "First of all, there are coupons for this, and I pick it up from Walmart for 28.30. Search coupons free for Tirosint. I first tried a company that is a scam company. They charged me 50 dollars, saying my medication was going to be 60 a month. Too late, I gave the scumbags my credit card and forget this bogus company out of Florida. The medication doesn't work for me, my hair falls out, I'm tired, and I'm gaining weight, so I'm going back to a compound which worked for me in the past. Good luck everyone with this. Uggh."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2009

For Underactive Thyroid "Follow-up 6/09: Thyroid numbers are holding within accepted levels. I've missed a day on occasion, and I can tell when I do, as I become more easily fatigued. But other than the 8-10 pounds I can't shed, I'd say this medication is a success. I am a 45-year-old athletic male professional. I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid about 1.5 years ago. I tried self-treatment (eliminating foods that remove iodine from the body, etc.). I also took iodine supplements with no effect. After 30 days on levothyroxine, I felt much better: more energy, mental clarity, and a positive attitude. I have now been on the medication for 9 months and have only experienced one negative side effect. I have gained approximately 8 lbs. I will follow up after my April checkup."

• Ros...
• October 23, 2013

For Underactive Thyroid "I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism about six years ago. I had gained a lot of weight and couldn't lose it, and I had almost all symptoms (thinning hair and eyebrows, low body temp, lethargy, etc.). During my first year on thyroxine, I lost 50 pounds. It just came off. I was ecstatic. Slowly, my weight went up. I gained 20 pounds, which was okay because I was still a normal weight. About 3 months ago, my doctor upped my dosage. Suddenly, KABOOM - I gained 12 pounds within two months - five of those pounds were gained between last night and this morning. That's when I knew something was wrong. I haven't been overeating, and I'm active. But the pounds I've gained will NOT come off. No more."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "Today is my third day on this medication, and so far I haven't had any adverse reactions. I have had a goiter for over twelve years. For years my doctors have been telling me my blood tests are normal. Last year I pushed and had a thyroid scan. They found three nodules, with one having its own blood supply. For years I've been silently suffering, dealing with low sex drive, weight gain, chronic constipation (enema, laxatives), brain fog, tiredness, body aches, depression (meds), hair shedding, and now I'm noticing my extremities are always cold. And so once again I told my doctor something is wrong. She started me on 25 mg levothyroxine. I'm nervous because I don't want more hair loss. Today I'm wearing a wig, ashamed of my hair."

• Bat...
• January 3, 2018

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Thyroidectomy after cancer diagnosis, and so far I've had not had great luck with Synthroid. Currently, I'm on 112 mcg, and it makes me feel like I have an itchy sunburn. The weight gain is insane, I feel waterlogged in my legs most of the time and have too many mental glitches. I dislike this drug, it has too many fillers that cause other issues. If you have known allergies, avoid Synthroid until they can create an allergy-free version."

• Que...
• February 17, 2017

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer and had a total thyroidectomy and also lost one parathyroid. The doctor used high levels of iodine during my surgery, and my endocrinologist had to put me on an iodine-free diet for four months to clear it from my body. During this time, I wasn't allowed to take any thyroid meds at all. I spent that entire time in bed under an electric blanket turned on high during a Vegas summer. Nothing normal there. I was a zombie. I had to have help to use the bathroom, shower, and everything, I was so weak. After RAI, I started Synthroid. A few months later, I noticed small improvements but gained 50 pounds within the first year. It's been seven years now, and I'm worse all the time. I've lost my life to this. I'm switching to Armour."

• bac...
• October 20, 2011

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking 100 mcg for six weeks. This medicine has improved my life. Before levothyroxine, I tried diet, supplements, and herbs, I kept getting worse. I developed strange muscle pains, weight gain, insomnia, extreme hot and cold flushes, no energy, a very bad attitude, and suicidal thoughts. I woke up more tired than when I went to bed. Within three weeks of starting the drug, I feel normal again. No leg pain, positive attitude, I sleep better, wake up refreshed. I do have some stomach upset (bad gas) from it and dry lips, but the benefits far outweigh the negative."

• tmi...
• April 9, 2015

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had a goiter in my teens that was treated with radioactive iodine. I've been on Synthroid for almost ten years, having trouble finding the right dose. I was on 125 mcg for a few years, but my TSH jumped around a lot. Last time I checked, it was around 30, so not good. I decided to try 150 mcg. At first, I had a bit of insomnia, but otherwise, I felt great. Going to find out on Saturday if it's been working as good as I thought. I ran out 3 days ago, and I've already gained a bit of weight (looks like I'm bloated) and woke up this morning depressed. Oh well, I get more on Saturday."

• Not...
• July 20, 2021

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had a thyroidectomy, and I'm on Synthroid. This medicine just doesn't work like they told me it would. It doesn't work! My nails are falling off and ripping more easily. My hair, which was always so beautiful and long, is looking like a dollar store mop. It has breakage really bad, and it's so thin and just yucky. Also, gained 70 pounds."

• Hat...
• December 27, 2018

For Underactive Thyroid "I have stopped this drug after 2 years due to weight gain, increased blood sugar level (never had this problem before), and leg cramps. I don't think doctors do the full range of tests and just keep increasing the levothyroxine, and I felt worse, not better. So I am going to try kelp and vitamin D supplements. Currently waiting for blood results for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. I think natural supplements rather than drugs will be better for me, but will keep you updated."

• Ran...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 3, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I loved it when I first started. Felt more energized, lost weight, felt good. Now, 8 months in and with a dosage of 100 mcg, my levels are normal, but I feel worse off. Sore throats, mouth ulcers, painful diarrhea after mildly acidic foods, insomnia, weight gain, joint pain, hair thinning. Requested a full panel of all 4 and TSH, but doctors won't adjust anything since my levels are in the normal range. I feel worse on this medicine long term than I did before taking it. Hoping to try the desiccated hormone if I can find someone who can prescribe it."

• Pga...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 14, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Like many, I was doing amazing on Nature Throid until about 2017, and since then I have bounced from no medication and from Tirosint and Synthroid. Synthroid has been the worst decision of my life! I feel so sad and depressed, which probably has to do with a 40 lb weight gain after switching to synthetic meds. I truly wished this worked for me!"

• Ver...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 25, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking this drug for more than two years, 0.75 mg. It has not helped me with anything but keep my levels normal. My hair still falls out, I can't lose weight, my heart still flutters. I still don't sleep well, my nails are brittle. What does this drug do for you? I have yet to find out... Think I will try another brand."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2010

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking this for 6 months now. Before these medicines, I had problems gaining weight. Now that I am on this medicine, I can't stop eating. I have gained 20 lbs. When I stop taking these medicines, I am not hungry all the time. I also have high blood pressure. Not sure if the combination of the medicines has anything to do with the weight gain."

• Dee...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 9, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Nope. Euthyrox is not viable for Hashimoto's. I’ve asked for the pharmacist to continue dispensing the green generic tablets because of severe fatigue, headaches, weight gain, yada, yada, yada this medicine delivers. It looks like it may work for a couple of folks here but not the majority. Even if the pharmacist or doctor looks at you like you have no clue, every one of us realizes that fine line with levothyroxine. Even in ultra-low dosages, sensitive Hashimoto's patients know right away. I don't feel like garbage, so I pass."

• Bon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 8, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "Diagnosed nearly six years ago. Took 50 mg right off, told my doctor I feel any different and haven't lost any weight as expected. He said, well take 100 then! Still no difference, joint pain, weight gain, thinning hair. Numbers are within normal limits. What to do?"

• Vin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2016

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had my thyroid out in Feb. of 2016. I was put on 125 mg of generic Synthroid. My blood sugar was dropping below 50 on a daily basis. I looked the problem up on the internet and found that people had the same problem and advocated that I take the brand-name drug to correct the problem. For the past two months, I have been on the name brand, and I seem to be leveling out in the high 60s with my sugar, which is okay. I am stuck paying the extra charge not covered by my insurance, roughly $32 per month for 30 pills. Have had no weight gain yet, which I am very happy about. I am going to ask my doctor at the end of this month to increase my dosage to bring my sugar up into the 80s or even 90s where it belongs."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "Original symptoms slightly decreased, but side effects such as heart palpitations, sweats, hunger, weight gain, hand tremors, feelings of panic/stress, insomnia, acne, and irritable/depressed make me question if it is the drug or if it is the dosage. Dr. says a higher dosage is needed. Endocrinologist says a lower dosage is needed. Surely, medicine for a complaint should be more clear-cut and less guesswork done by the medical profession. I'm told there is no other drug available to me for my hypothyroid problem."