Confused about Synthroid

[linda647]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in the fall of 2006.  I have been on .75 mcg once daily since then.  I have to admit that my lethargy and fatigue subsided greatly, but I also had an iron deficiency that was diagnosed at the same time and I now take an iron supplement twice a day.  My thyroid bloodwork has been fine, however, I have noticed that I have gained an addition 10-15 pounds and while I have always had a weight problem, my stomach seems more bloated than ever before.  I have been taking an iodine supplement and have weaned off the synthroid.  I have been off it for only a week or so, and I feel a lot less bloated already.  My boyfriend said he has read all kinds of terrible side effects Synthroid has on your body.

I'm really confused.  

[kitty9309]

Synthroid merely replaces the T4 your body is not making.
Ask the doctor if he has ever seen this side effect.
Does the doctor know you stopped taking it? Maybe he/she could recommend a different brand.
If you are truly hypothyroid, you really need to be taking some type of T4 medication.

Also, when I take iron, my stomach gets very upset unless I take it before bed. That is a common side effect of iron containing supplements.

[Madmaggie]

Hi Linda
I'm newly diagnosed but already see some side effects from Synthroid. Initially I felt great on only 25mcgs but my doc upped the dose to 50mcgs. since then, I've gotten swollen ankles, constipation and fatigue - the constipation I never even had before being treated. So definitely i think there are some people for whom Synthroid is not the right solution. After an inital small weight loss - couple of pounds (mostly water weight) I'm now gaining weight despite no change in diet or exercise; in fact exercising more. It might be worth you're while to ask your doctor to play with your meds abit and suggest alternatives, maybe natural thyroid hormone. I do agree though that you need some kind of therapy. Weaning yourself off all meds is probably not a good thing. Good luck.