Medication for hypothyroid

[Maggie2007]

I was recently diagnosed with hashimotos hypothyroid and pernicious anemia (for which i get monthly b12 injections). My endocrinologist prescribed levo-thryoxine for my hypothyroid. I was on 50s for a week and have been on 100s for about 2 1/2 weeks. I have not felt an improvement yet. I am on birth control, and read that may require a higher dosage of thyroid treatment. It also seems that a lot people that comment on this forum do not like levo-thyroxine and felt that it was weak. Any input? I am tired of feeling tired.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

levothyroxine (t4) is the standard of care for hypothyroidism.  It may take 1-2 months to feel improvements.  The 100mcg dose is a good starting place for the average, otherwise healthy patient.  The BCP may increase requirements, but recommend retesting in 6 weeks into 100mcg dose and seeing how things go.

I prefer brand levothyroxine (ie synthroid or levoxyl) over generic.  In some cases a combo of T4 and T3 may help symptoms (research on this is not compelling) - but first optimize TSH (goal around 1.0) on T4 alone.

[GlennaJ]

Hi there.  If you have read through the posts......the one I posted a week or so ago you will find out that levothyroxine is NOT a good choice to take.  I would suggest you getting on Synthroid...the REAL stuff.  I tried the generic for 12 days and my body almost shut down again.  That is MY opinion.  Good luck!

[cosmicsoul]

I took levothyroxine and although it improved my test results it did not improve my well being. I started ARMOUR thyroid and the results were phenomenon! I regrew hair, I lost 20 LB, I feel energized and in great spirit. Doctors do not like to prescribe it because it is not synthetic and worry about potency. Actually Syntroid was recalled more than Armour (much more), so maybe they should worry about that. One thing for sure - no doctor knows how a hypothyroid feels unless they theymselves have the disease. Another truth - patients asked which they felt better on - and in an overwhelming majority said that they overall felt SO much better on Armour. I say - all patients should try both for themselves. Provided that they find a doctor who is willing to prescribe it. Doctors should pay attention to their patients and not what the pharma industry tells them. When I started synthroid I felt better but not as good as on Armour. I say wait at least 2 months to start seeing improvement. I wish you good luck and even better health!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[grannychris]

I have a question.  I was diagnosed with hypothyroid a few years ago.  My family doctor prescribed 15mcg of levothyroxin (levothyroxine). He just increased my dosage to 25. My question is I can not lose any weight. In fact, I have gained weight. I have even tried going to a gym and lost nothing. When I mention this to my doctor he doesn't seem concerned at all. I feel terrible all the time. I can't walk far without being out of breath and my joint hirt all the time especillay my legs. What can I do? I am desperate!  Laura

[Maggie2007]

It sounds awful. I often find that some doctors don't take me seriously when I say that I am gaining weight despite working out and eating reasonably. I'm sure they hear that all the time from people that eat junk and hardly break a sweat....but, I actually do mean it. I find that when I tell doctors this that I get some condescending answer like, "it is all mathematics...you need to burn more than you consume." Like I am an idiot.
Are you going to an endocrinologist? Or a primary care physician? I think its best to go to an endocrinologist. I have been on the same medication as you for about a month now (not very long), but from what other people have said on this forum, they had bad reactions to it (levothryoxine). One girl described symptoms like yours despite (which I hope any doctor would take seriously)her lab results were good on the medication. Can you make an appointment and ask your doctor to put you on a brand name? I think the two are Synthroid and Levoxyl. I go back to the doctor on Monday and plan to do this myself.
I hope you feel better soon! I know it is awful to feel like this.

[cherbear21]

Hi, I started Levothryoxine about 3 weeks ago. I had a weird episode that ended me in the Emergency room where they found my thyroid was low. (TSH level was 64) Anyhow I thought I would feel some kind of releif by now. I am up to 75 mcg and will start 100 in 2 days. I feel as though my symptoms have intensified (irrability, depression, muscles aches & Pains & fatigue)  A couple days ago I thought I was going to have to commit myself to the hospital and I didnt even feel that was at the start of all this. I dont see my doc for another week or so. Not really sure how I should feel...miserable I guess??? I understand that it takes awhile until you feel better but I feel things went the other way. Can someone give me some input?? Thank you...