Hypo - wanted to share

[jennybg63]

Hi there,

I posted on here last fall because I had been diagnosed with Hypothyroid about ~18 months ago. My doctor at first told me my thyroid was barely producing anything...THS was 23. He put me on Levothyroxine (I think the first dosage was a little high, maybe 125). I definetly  felt a difference after a month or two, not dragging around and feeling like I wanted to sleep all the time.

But, I noticed that I always had an upset stomach. I like breakfast in the morning...but I was not able to tolerate any food for at least ~4 hours after I took the Levothyroxine. I lost about 25 pounds last year. My job was so hectic also that just didn't have time to stop and think about things. Finally, this past November 2011 I went back in and told him about the weight loss, upset stomach, etc. They checked my levels, which were fine, and told me that Levothryoxine is a generic, and they tend to have "fillers" in them that can cause more side affects such as stomach upset. He switched me to Syntheroid and I have been much better.

Also, though I switched to taking the pills at night before I go to bed so that my body has a good ~8 hours to process the pill before I eat anything. This I did on my own, and I think it helped a great deal. At first I thought it might keep me awake at night, but it has not had that affect at all.

Hope this helps others!

[jennybg63]

Thanks for your comments, goolarra!! I also forgot to mention that before I started taking thyroid medicine (besides feeling like crap most of the time) my hair was falling out when I would comb it, and in the shower. Since I have started taking the medication, it has started growing again...much healthier, and very little loss when I comb it.

I really believe there is a large population of people out there who go undiagnozed with thyroid disorder. I don't understand why the doctor's and health clinics do not do a better job of educating the public on this issue. I feel like a different person since I started taking the medication!!! How many other people are out there suffering un-necessarily?

[goolarra]

It's true that different manufacturers use different fillers (these are used by both brand and generic manufacturers) and some people are sensitive to them.  Often, switching brands or from generic to a brand name or brand name to generic can make a world of difference.

You can take your meds any time that works best for you.  The rule of thumb, though, is also that you should not have had anything to eat or drink for 3-4 hours prior to taking meds, i.e. your stomach is empty.  That's the fly in the ointment for many regarding taking it at night.

It sounds like you're doing well...congratulations!