DR. IZABELLA WENTZ, PHARM D

Thyroid Pharmacist

11 Things You Need to Know about Thyroid Medications

Top 11 Things You Need to Know about Thyroid Medications

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP on February 3, 2015

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If you have Hashimoto’s and have an increased TSH, you may want to discuss using thyroid medication with your doctor. Getting on the right kind of thyroid medication, given at the right dose and at the right time can make a tremendous difference in your symptoms, especially in energy, weight and hair appearance.

If you’re taking thyroid medications and still not feeling well, be sure to read this entire post.

11 Things You Need to Know About Thyroid Medications

  1. Types of Thyroid Medications: Synthroid was the most commonly prescribed medication in the United States in 2013, but it isn’t the only thyroid medication (2014 data will be out soon, and it looks like Synthroid is in the lead this year as well). There are three types of medications that can be used to treat underactive thyroid: T4 containing medications (include Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothyroxine and Tirosint), T3 containing medications (Cytomel and compounded T3) and combination T4/T3 medications (Armour, Nature-Throid, WP Thyroid, compounded T4/T3 medications). Some people with Hashimoto’s, may not be able to properly convert levothyroxine (T4), the active ingredient in Synthroid, to liothyronine (T3), the more metabolically active thyroid hormone, leading to unresolved thyroid symptoms, including fatigue, depression, weight gain and hair loss, despite being on medications. For more information on various thyroid medication options, here’s an article I wrote: Which Thyroid Medication is Best?
  2. Medication Monitoring: Thyroid medications are “Goldilocks” hormones, which means that they have a narrow therapeutic index. They are dosed in micrograms (1/1000th of a milligram), and very slight changes in doses can lead to symptoms due to under-treatment or over-treatment. The most common side effects of the medications such as the ones listed in the package insert are often due to overtreatment (rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, weight loss, diarrhea, excessive sweating, ) or under treatment (hair loss, fatigue). Careful dosage titration is necessary to avoid the consequences of over- or under-treatment. In addition to tracking your symptoms, you should have the following tests done: TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 to monitor your response to medication. While reference ranges of what’s “normal” may vary depending on the lab that produces the test reports, most thyroid patients feel best with a TSH between 0.5-2, and with Free T3 and Free T4 in the top half of the reference range. Postpone your thyroid medications on the morning of the test as some medications (esp. T3 containing medications) may skew your numbers.For a symptom tracker and a letter to your doctor about medication adjustments, see my article: When Your TSH is Normal, But You Are Anything But.
  3. Switching Medications: Switching between brands of thyroid medications, though sometimes necessary, can mean that a person who was previously stable on a particular dose of medication may require a higher or lower dose of the new brand. Retest your thyroid 4-8 weeks after switching from one brand of medication or dose increases to be sure you are dosed appropriately. For more information read my article Switching Thyroid Medications.
  4. Thyroid Drug Interactions: Thyroid medications are notorious for drug interactions with other medications. This means that some medications can cause alterations in thyroid hormone levels and side effects, and in turn, thyroid medications can impact the effectiveness and toxicity profiles of other medications. Always be sure to check with your pharmacist when taking new medications or over the counter drugs. Ideally, you should fill all of your prescriptions at the same pharmacy so your pharmacist can do a check of your drug interactions every time you fill a prescription.
  5. Addison’s Disease and Thyroid: Testing for Addison’s disease involves sodium, potassium, cortisol, and ACTH blood tests. However, these tests will be NORMAL until 90% of your adrenals glands have been destroyed by the immune system! Testing for 21-hydroxylase antibodies, which are antibodies against the adrenal glands, can tell you if you have Addison’s disease up to a decade before the traditional tests reveal that diagnosis and may prevent a life-threatening adrenal crisis. As most thyroid conditions are autoimmune in nature, and autoimmune conditions tend to go hand in hand, I recommend adrenal antibody testing for all thyroid patients!
  6. Pregnancy and Thyroid: Thyroid medications are Pregnancy Category A, which means that they are considered to be safe medications for using during pregnancy. Being on a correct dose of thyroid medication can actually help women conceive as well as prevent miscarriage. If you get pregnant while taking thyroid hormones, be sure to see your doctor ASAP to test your levels. You will very likely need to increase your dose, as pregnancy increases the requirement of thyroid hormones. If you are thinking about pregnancy, be sure to read this guest post: Hashimoto’s and Pregnancy.
  7. Fillers in Medications: Some people may react to fillers in Synthroid (corn starch, confectioners sugar, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, talc and color additives). People who are lactose intolerant, in particular, may have trouble absorbing many of the thyroid hormones that contain lactose. Tirosint is a new thyroid medication that does not contain lactose and may prove to be a better option for those with lactose intolerance (article on lactose intolerance and thyroid coming soon). In the meantime, you may want to read my article Which Thyroid Medication is Best?
  8. Absorption (External Factors): Thyroid medications absorption can be impacted by many things, including food, other medications, and supplements. Thyroid medication should be taken on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to one hour before eating, taking other medications, supplements or coffee to ensure appropriate absorption. Antacids such as Tums, iron and calcium supplements can impair the absorption of thyroid medications. Thus, you need to have at least 4 hours of time in between your thyroid medications and these agents.
  9. Absorption (Internal Factors): Thyroid hormones are absorbed in the small intestine. Conditions like untreated celiac disease, lactose intolerance, malabsorption and infections in the small intestine may prevent proper thyroid hormone absorption. A person who is not responsive to the usual doses of thyroid replacement hormone should be investigated and treated for the above-listed condition. Once someone addresses these conditions, she/he may need to have a dose reduction in medication. Read more about gluten and optimizing your diet in my article on Best Diet For Hashimoto’s.
  10. Prognosis: Thyroid medications are considered lifelong for most cases of hypothyroidism, but spontaneous remission has been reported to occur in up to 20% of patients… however addressing root causes can help increase the rates of remission. If you do not address the underlying root causes of your condition, your own thyroid’s hormone production may deteriorate over time, meaning that you may require dose increases over time. Symptoms of worsening thyroid function can sometimes be subtle (such as gaining a little extra weight every year or being just a tad bit more tired), so you will need to test your thyroid function labs at least every 6-12 months to monitor your thyroid hormone levels.For more information see the following articles:  6 Hashimoto’s Root Causes & Are Thyroid Medications Lifelong?
  11. Beyond Medications: There’s a lot more to healing thyroid disease than medications. Most causes of thyroid disease, are due to autoimmune conditions including Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease. These conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity persists in most cases. Additionally, people with thyroid disorders are at greater risk to develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, and others if they do not treat the underlying cause of the immune imbalance. Most times, it’s a combination of adrenal dysfunction, food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, impaired gut function, infections and toxins that lead to the development of autoimmune disease. In addition to discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book, Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

For more info, here’s an article on What’s Really Going on in Hashimoto’s?

Overcoming Hashimoto’s can seem like a lot of moving pieces. I usually recommend starting off with optimizing medication, then addressing nutrition and adrenals. Here’s a full overview on Where to Start with Hashimoto’s.

Optimize Thyroid

To help you even further, I’ve created an eBook Optimizing Thyroid Medications you can download for free. Limited time!

PS. You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 Thyroid friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter for free by going to www.thyroidpharmacist.com/gift. You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.

References

  1. http://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/synthroid.pdf
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Comments

  1. Hi Isabella
    I just looked at my last blood test and it says my TSH was 16!
    Free T4 – 9, free T3 – 3.9, aThyro’gb 130, aPeroxase 3400.
    This is the highest I’ve ever seen my tsh. Perhaps I took my thyroxine before the test, but what do you think?
    Reply

  2. I take eltroxin. For low thyroid. I am still very tired all the time. I have no energy. And can’t make it through the day without a nap.
    Reply

    • Adale- I am so sorry to hear that. You may like to check out the doctors that other patients recommend on this list:

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

      When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I felt so alone. My doctor didn’t think it was a big deal, and none of my friends or co-workers had it. It wasn’t until I started to research online that I found others who were going through the same thing.

      A couple of years after my diagnosis, I found Hashimoto’s 411, a closed Facebook group run by Alice Berry McDonnell. This group is amazing! It is comprised of an army of highly motivated, smart, supportive women and men (now 45,000+ strong), and each of them sharing ideas of what worked for them, things they were planning to try, and offering support to one another. The comfort I received from knowing that there were others going through the same challenges as I, was enormous.

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashimotos411/

      Ask questions. Post your thoughts. Scan the files. It is an absolutely amazing resource. Best of all it’s kept private from spammers.

      Reply

  4. hi i hope you are getting the right treatment now, i know its sometime since your post but i thought i would answer you anyway
    i have hashimotos ( 7 years) and up until today i have been taking thyroxine. today i started a T3-T4 compound, basically amour, there are doctors here that can do this for you, they are just not very common. I’m in Tas and see Dr. Sally Chapman she is wonderful and does a full range of bloods, including dhea,all the inerals and vitamins, progesterone, estrogen, i think she did about 15 in total and sends you a copy of the results as well, they showed i was reverse T3 dominate so no matter how much thyroxine i was taking the body wasnt converting it into T3 only reverse T3 that eant no energy and low mood, if you call the compounding pharmacy in melb they may be able to give you the name of a doctor near to where you are ( this is the pharmacy that makes the thyroid extract medication in Australia there name is
    Nationwide Compounding Pharmacy
    ph…03 95328555
    Good luck hope you feel better soon 🙂
    Reply

  7. I was diagnosed with hypothyriod/graves disease. Had high doses of radiation n am taking synthroid 125mcg daily. I still struggle with heart pulpatation, sweating, anxiety n weight gain. My levels are at the .4-.6. I’m also still losing hair… am I on the right dose n how do I lose weight?
    Reply

  8. I too did as you did. 15 yrs! I Quit taking synthroid and started ordering T3 from Mexico( called cytomel here, cynomel there. Much cheaper and no script needed) I only take 1/2 tab am 1/2 tab pm. I am much better- sleep great and lost that pesky 10!lbs. I do not convert t4 so it was useless except for giving good looking bloodwork, and yucky hyper symptoms.
    Reply

  10. I have Graves’ and radiation as well…i struggled for years taking levo…I did an elimination diet..found out I am dairy, gluten, soy, yeast, and nightshade intolerant…I am now switching to Armour…my incessant headaches have almost disappeared I am feeling a lot better but am now doing things to help my adrenals…I’ve found an integrative doc and am excited to actually have found someone who actually has knowledge and treats the whole body instead of a symptom
    Reply

  11. My doctor prescribed Cytomel for me, and it helped tremendously. Just ask your doctor about it. Personally, I wouldn’t trust any medications that didn’t come from a pharmacy.
    Reply

  12. PCOS could be present and making it difficult to lose weight and not enough progesterone for losing hair. I have these issues and my dr is having a hard time regulating this but my symptoms have minimized since 2010. Hope this helps.
    Reply

    • Talia- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.

      1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.

      2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.

      3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.

      BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism

      HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos

      Reply

    • Sandy- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

      The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

      Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol

      Reply

      • Dr. says my T3 T4 is normal & leaves it at that! I have excessive sweating all the time,feeling tired & has gained weight. Dr doesn’t seem to think I have a problem but I do! The sweating has gotten worse,I’m always looking for a cool area wherever I go. I’m active & only time I don’t sweat is when I’m just sitting!Is there tests I can bring forth to the Dr & maybe she will consider them?

        Reply

        • I am taking Armour 60mg and do believe that it is helping me, but not really sure. I don’t know if I have hypo or hyper thyroid issues period. To be honest, I don’t really have the symptoms of one or the other. It seems that I have some of each off of the hypo and some of the hyper.
          I sweat profusely and that is just me sitting. It drives me crazy and wish that I could figure what to do because it can come on me at anytime. I literally get drenched and my clothes get soaked. 😮

          I have a hard time regulating temperatures too. I can’t tell if it is hot or cold in my room. Good thing that I keep a thermostat in my room or I’d never know.
          No matter how well I eat, it is difficult for me to lose weight too. I have this 10-20 lbs that stays on me and hard to get off. I used to fluctuate and go up/down during the year, but now…it just has determined to stay on me. It doesn’t want to leave, but I’m older too and thought that maybe it is the reason why. :/
          I also have the knots under each arm and believe they are connected in some way. Since I’ve been using Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood essential oil directly on them, they have gone down a whole lot. Essential oils have really helped me and I’ll stay with them!! I do have Lyme disease and adrenal insufficiency. I take Hydrocortisone–10 mg every morning.

          Should I even be taking the Armour, when I am not sure if I have a hypo or hyperthyroid issue? It does seem to be helping me, but afraid my thyroid will stop working because I’m supplementing my body with it. In the long-term, could it be causing more symptoms or become a problem? I don’t know that I have anything wrong with my Thyroid because my Lyme doc put me on it back a few years ago. I’ve been on it for over 2-3 yrs now. Thank you in advance for any answers and thank you for this information!! ^_^

          Reply

          • Oh btw…I have severe insomnia(I fight sleep), tremors(hands & feet), clammy skin, fatigue, stress and irritation too. I get migraines too. I do eat gluten-free and have for the past 2 yrs. It has helped me tremendously, but this year, I have fudged a little and added some things back in. On occasion, I will have a hamburger or pizza. I am getting back to eating healthy again because I want to lose the weight. I feel better, when I am smaller. Oh..and I do eat dairy. I love cottage cheese and strawberries or blueberries. It hasn’t seemed to affect me negatively.
            I do know that the adrenals are connected with thyroid and pituitary, but by having chronic Lyme disease, it can cause these problems to occur. It can mimic any disease!! 😮

          • Karen – thank you for reaching out. Triggers depend on the person and their individualized food sensitivities. Some people go into remission just by going gluten free, others may have to go as far as autoimmune paleo. The most common triggers in Hashimoto’s are: nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), stress, an impaired ability to get rid of toxins and in some cases, infections. Optimizing your health starts with food. Figuring out which foods nourish you, and which ones cause you harm is the single most important thing you can learn in your health journey.

            I’ve found that recognizing and eliminating reactive foods can be a life-changer for most people with Hashimoto’s.

            Reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity in particular has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten.

            Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods that they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are some articles which I wrote:

            BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
            https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism

            TAILORING YOUR THYROID DIET
            https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/tailoring-your-thyroid-diet-to-your-needs

            DAIRY AND HASHIMOTO’S
            https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/got-hashimotos-you-may-want-to-reconsider-dairy

          • Karen – Please understand I am not able to respond directly to these types of questions here, but I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.

            FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
            https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

            CLINICIAN DATABASE
            http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html

            FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
            https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

  15. Please help me, I’ve never felt good in my entire life, I was diagnosed with hashimotos when I was 7 years old, I am now 39 I have been on synthroid and levothroxin. I wish i could throw them away, it makes me want to scream. I feel so lazy and also have, I have the worst pms ever, I got through tampons every 5 minutes, I get boils on my chest and on my peri area, it hurts so bad, I cry often, my hair falls out, I can’t ever have a solid bowl movement, I can’t sleep, I’m so stressed out, nothing makes me happy, I fake that I feel good. I put on a mask at almost all times. I am getting so over weight. I have completely no energy, my face and eye lids and throat are swollen. Please please help me.
    Reply

  16. I am not doctor but I suggest you go back to your Dr. and he do something different, If I was having a reaction as you do I would stop taking them, I am NOT suggesting that you should do that in anyway.
    Write this all down and take it to your Doctor.
    Reply

  18. Nicole I recomnend you get the book or at least read through their web page “stop the Thyroid madness”. It has really helped me knowing what to ask for
    Reply

  19. hi Nicole. I’m so sorry you are feeling so poorly. Have you changed your diet? I have recently removed gluten and most sugar from my diet and I feel soooooo much better. I started seeing a naturopathic physician also, and he switched me to the Nature-thyroid. I highly suggest a diet change and go from there. Good luck.
    Reply

  22. i know how you feel Nichole, I did do some changes and switched to Armour and am starting to feel better, have you switched or are you still on Levi
    Reply

  23. Look into plexisslim.com/jenn1222. I looked at all the testimonies and have been taking probio 5 and the pink drink and no longer have acid reflux or IBS. Have more energy and have lost weight. My thyroid levels are the best they have ever been. I’m on Amour thyroid. I know am trying the vitamins. Very happy with my results. Also I was addicted to sugar and this has cut the craving way back. Feeling good. I do not sell these products. I started ordering from this person. Hope this helps.
    Reply

  24. Nicole, take $20 and invest in her book please!!! I am almost through it now. I went undiagnosed for almost 4 years. I am bald, literally and wear a wig. There is so much more to this than TSH. I found I am low on iron and may be able to grow my hair back, I am low on several things and now am taking supplements in addition to my Nature Throid. Please get her book and take your life back, I am doing the same. Don’t let this get the best of you. I used to cry with my 2 year old at my feet saying mommy play with me and I had no energy….have that back now, but working on the rest….
    Reply

  25. I resemble your remarks only not so severe… I started selling Plexus because of the way it changed my life…I Have secondary hypothyroidism. I lost weight, sleep better, and feel so much better. It has changed so many people’s lives. I’ve tried a lot of different things to feel better and this did it.. It’s been helping people with different Heath issues- it gets you healthy from the inside out. It’s been a God send to me. I have family and friends taking Plexus and I’ve seen first hand what it does.
    Reply

  26. I have felt like you. I feel better on nature thyroid. You must to follow the autoimmune protocal diet…read isabella’s “root cause” and read “why do i still have” by Datis Kharrazian
    Reply

  27. Nicole Jackson, try eliminating gluten. My daughter suffered from boils (Hydradenitis) for years…horrible and painful. Almost every period cycle…Within 6 months of eliminating gluten she quit having them and after gluten free for 3 years…its been so many months since one even has tried to swell up that I can’t recall.
    Reply

  28. Omg , pls go to an integrative doctor and fight insurance for $ for it. I know what u mean and u don’t deserve to feel like this . U can also make a payment plan w doctor.
    Reply

    • Dr.Wentz I was recently taken off Medicaid. My Dr told me after I re- apply and if I am approved I can see her again. I cannot have any refills of my Synthroid until then. I have Hypothyroidism, andHashimotos, what will happen to me until I get meds again?

      Reply

      • Deborah – thank you for reaching out. I am so sorry you are not able to get your medications. Without thyroid medication you could suffer very serious health risks. I encourage you to seek out free health clinics, urgent care or any way you may be able to get your thyroid hormones. <3

        Reply

  29. My mother had all these symptoms and ended up in a myxedema coma. Go to an endocrinology specialist
    Reply

  30. I had thyroid cancer and had a thyroidectomy in 2012 i take synthroid 125, my question is im always tired,gain a lot of weight,my hair falls off a lot, my main question is my back hurts a lot, as time passes it hurts more and more,what do i do?
    Reply

  31. Well first of all I’m sorry you are feeling bad! I am hypothyroid and I have been on levothyroxine for about 8 months and I feel a little better but I also have really bad back pain like you were saying. Does yours get worse when sleeping? That’s when mine is the worst. Also the anxiety is still there but not as bad.
    Reply

  32. Maggie,
    I just wanted to say how I feel your pain on this. I was diagnosed in 2011, had 2 separate surgeries to remove tumors. I also had parathyroids taken so I suffer from hypoglycemia in addition to pcos and anemia. I AM a mess to say the least. I don’t think I have felt energetic at all weight is an issue hair falling out. I am on syntroid 150 mcg and Sunday I take 225 mcg. I have recently been experiencing shooting pains in the back of my right knee. Wish I had some advice for you I know how frustrating and depressing it can be. Try to stay strong!
    Reply

  33. It sounds like the dosage is to high, I had the same problem, lower dose made a huge difference.
    Reply

  34. Can you tell me – is this the sand if my thyroid is removed?
    I’m on Levo throixin and would like to try nature thyroid, is that possible?
    Also, how do I check if my adrenals are too tired?
    Thanks
    Reply

  35. I had my thyroid removed in 2008,i had cancer and hurthel cell carcinoma, I have been gaining weight, tired and having heart palpitations, are there any weight loss pills on the market for people without a thyroid, or have thyroid issues.
    Reply

  36. I take a thyroid medications. I have a hard time talking to my siblings. in getting together. I know the medication in I need to take it.
    I feel aches a lot and my my mom thinks I’m her to but I’m a male I’m different person. she thinks she knows if I’m hurting in different ereas it could be my back but the a.c.l. m.r.I gos down the calve and the thigh more up the thigh. it was so confusing in get this muscle tear ache fixed. I have so many questions to ask.
    Reply

  37. i am notncurrently taken meds but have beenn in the past. Uv gained 50 lbs in 6 mp.thsnad i feel horrible. Cant find a good doc to help no ins
    Reply

  38. I have been diagnosed with Hoshimoto a couple of years ago but was in misery for quite some time after Hurrican Katrina. I’ve been through several doctors and had to do my own research on my health. What a huge disappointment in the health care system. I have for about the last couple of years felt better than I have in years. Still working on the weight issue though. Just one comment about absorption.
    I went in to see my current doctor with all the test that I wanted done and she did not hesitate. One of the test is MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase). I still don’t know a whole lot about this but it has to do with absorbing. Just a little info your readers might want to check out.
    Reply

  40. I started with an overactive thyroid at age 14 at sixteen had a partial thyroidectomy have had many health problems ever since am on lots of different medication. Have a soft lump on neck close to ear never really seem to feel well and doctors don’t seem to listen to me. What else can I do?
    Reply

  41. I’m a 53 yo female put on Armour a thyroid about a year ago. I began feeling even worse, totally gad no energy and had feelings of depression. In September I switched to Nature thyroid, it is a kettle better but I just don’t feel well. I am a runner for years and on these meds I have to force myself when it used to just be natural. I work full Tim and have an 8 yo child. I am considering going off this medication. I want to feel good and have energy. I get HRT and that use to help but not so much anymore. It’s as if I can’t feel happy. I don’t like this. I want to feel better and lose this extra weight that I have gained in the year being on thyroid medication. Any advice?
    Reply

  42. I am taking Amour- that is the only one that helped. But I was still tired and couldn’t lose weight. I started selling Plexus because of what it’s done for me. It’s a God send what it’s done for me. Energy, sleep better, better moods, weight loss, not losing so much hair, not so much brain fog anymore… It’s changed me for the better. I’ve had it all- tired- weight gain- can’t sleep at night -sleepy in the day – puffy- brain fog – no drive- I will use plexus forever.
    Reply

  43. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism 10 years ago but I think I have had since I had my daugh terms 35 years ago. I’ve been through 3 different meds taking Armour now 150 MG I still am tired I have no energy, confused aCurious why you keep asking me that at times, can this be my meds there’s times I have energy but goes. Under a lot of stress still gaining weight . What to do Dr just keeps uping meds. Help
    Reply

  44. I just started taken synthroid, 2 months ago, I still am tired all the time, gained 20 lbs, depressed all the time, had them check blood and Dr. said it was good. I’m like all these women, so sick of no energy, I have to make myself get up to do anything. There has to be something that can help us, there is a Dr. on TV saying that he can make all this go away, but my insurance does not pay for this, Its HRT. can this really help with thyroid problems? I also am taking hormones pills the lowest dose out there. I don’t have a problem with my hair falling out, it has started growing really fast, before the thyroid pills my hair would never grow. We all need help. Praying that we get it.
    Reply

  45. i have an over active thyroid. I Am gonna be having surgery sometime in the new year. I stay tired all the time sleepy and I stay hot most of the time and sweat so bad. I have gained weight and can’t lose it. What should I do?
    Reply

  46. My levels keep coming back normal but I have all of the symptoms. Weight gain not sleeping g well Ect. Also three of my sisters have low thyroid and are on medications. I Jane a multnodular
    Reply

  48. I have not been diagnosed yet I have had sub clinical hyperthyroidism I just have a little node on one of my thyriods glands which the VA has checked for over five years I occasionally get abnormal reads but then a normal read I have been like this since I was in my 20s and I am now 56 with no weight problems I also have a naturally fast medibolic rate No heart problems other than me sometimes not drinking enough water and I have very thick hair. I do suffer from depression now and than and have PTSD
    Reply

  49. I have my thyroid removed totally. I have Graves Disease also. I am also on 175 MG Synthoid. I still feel tired all the time, I have no energy & I have gained so much weight it’s not funny anymore. Can you give me advice what to do?
    Reply

  50. I had my thyroid completely removed and I also gained Graves Disease. I am currently on 175 MG Synthoid medicine. I am Always tired, have no energy and mostly I have gained so much weight it’s not funny anymore. Can you help me please? Can you give me new hope or point me in the right direction so I can start feeling better
    Reply

  51. Barbara. I had been on 220mcg of Synthroid for Thyroidectomy due to Thyroid cancer over 10 yrs ago. Felt same as you. tired all the time and gaining alot weight losing hair …I read an answer on this blog, I was approved to switch to Armor and I feel soooo much better!!unbelievable!
    Reply

  52. I have it and my hair is falling. My voice change my skin so dry I need help I have lower thoyri medicine maybe not right plz help me. Been on this for ever. Nothing change why I feel it is not Right. Help asp.
    Reply

  53. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism 10 years ago but I think I have had since I had my daugh terms 35 years ago. I’ve been through 3 different meds taking now 150 MG I still am tired I have no energy, confused aCurious why you keep asking me that at times, can this be my meds there’s times I have energy but goes. Under a lot of stress still gaining weight . What to do Dr just keeps uping meds.
    Reply

  54. I had blood tests about 2 months ago and my doctor’s office called with results. They said average thyroid is -4.0 to – 0.5. Mine came back as 4.5 which they said would require a very low dose of synthroid (.25). Can someone tell me what type of thyroidism I have? My doctors office was no help whatsoever so I don’t know if I should be taking any medication. My doctor’s office said I could try the medication if I wanted. I am lost on this condition and which thyroid condition I have, whether hypo or the opposite of it. I am just lost on this and would welcome any advice or explanations. The only thing I do know that my hair has become very, very, thin. I welcome your he’ll. Thank you.
    Reply

  55. hello, I have Medullary Thyroid Cancer, and have had Hoshimotos 14 years prior. They removed my thyroid and lymph nodes. I am on the same synthroid 125mcg 6 days a week and 2 tabs of 5mcg of cytomel everyday and prior to surgery my TSH was 1 and free T3 1.6 after surgery it’s been around TSH .33 Free T3 1.6 and today my results came back TSH .09 Free T 3 3.0. The only thing I changed this month was go on a lower dose birth control pill and my pain medicine was changed to Morphine Sulphate 15mg ER (12 hour). But I feel Hypo, hair loss, cold hands and feet (even in so. Cali I’m wearing gloves in my house) and constipation, fatigue, depression, insomnia. I’ve been like this since before surgery and getting worse since. Any suggestions? Should I switch synthroid (lower or try something else?) should my T3 be increased (that was the first time it was that high)
    Reply

  56. I have all the symptoms bit no diagnosis. Been to many doctors and endocrinologist and they all tell me I am in the normal range. My mom and aunts all have hypothyroidism and diabetes. I discuss my history and the Dr’s just tell me to lose weight and I would feel better. Easier said than done when the energy is so low you feel like napping with 2 hours of waking after sleeping for 10 hours. Not to mention any thing I eat or even walking by a carb is stored as fat. How frustrating!
    Reply

  57. I had graves disease before I had my thyroid removed at 28. My levels are out of control and hasn’t been regulated in a year. What am I suppose to do?
    Reply

  58. I was taking meds for hypo,went to i u they took me off all meds,i was hyper,not on any meds,but tired and can’t lose the 40 lbs?
    Reply

  60. I live close to Columbus and I see Dr Assem Houssein. He has an office in Westerville. phone # is 614-392-5160. He is very nice and listened to me when none of the other doctors would. My case was very strange and he helped me find a solution.
    Reply

  61. Lori, try to find a Functional Medicine MD on their website and maybe they can help. They are Allopaths with additional education in diet, nutrition, supplements, and are willing to do testing to look at you as an individual and figure out together what works for you.
    Reply

  62. Talk to your doctor about switching to Armour thyroid. Its a natural thyroid I can’t take the synthetic it started to shut down my liver and so glad they switched me my energy level is back, no more headaches, joint pain is almost non existent I also take Magnesium for the joint pain but it really really worked for me. Also, I’m not cold all the time. Its a little harder to regulate but worth the effort. It addresses your T3 and T4 which as I understand it your synthetic thyroid only works on one of these. I’m not a physician just a grateful patient that my doctor realized the synthetic thyroid was shutting down my liver before it was too late and made the switch and gave me back my life
    Reply

  64. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos in my middle 40’s. It was found accidently by a doctor I had never seen before. I was having periods where it felt like my throat was closing, especially during stress. My PC was treating me for allergies. The doctor who did an antibodies test told me he didn’t like the way I looked. I am 72 and I don’t think I have ever been symptom free. I’m on 125mg synthroid and 20 mcg cytomel, when I first started taking Cytomel I lost almost 40 lbs and I wasn’t trying to diet. I have not been able to find a dr who will listen to me. All I hear is, ” your numbers are right where they should be.” So much for the numbers!!!. I really don’t think the doctors know what they are talking about`. I’ve done a lot of research with med journals from all over the world and the treatment hasn’t changed in at least 50 years. I think that speaks volumes about the medical profession.
    Reply

  65. I was diagnosed with Hypo in 1996. My brother and two sisters were diagnosed with hyper. Brother also had Graves. I have had Hashi off and on. My siblings had treatment to destroy their thyroid. Recently my daughter has been diagnosed with Hyper and is on PTU, that keeps her hot, with chest pains, shortness of breath, chronic arthritis pain and skin rashes that dermatologists cannot diagnose. My niece has just been diagnosed with Hypo. HELP!!!
    Reply

  66. Does anyone have a good doc in the Chicago area? So tired and overweight and no answers. I’m on Naturthroid now.
    Reply

  67. My tsh levels is 9.2.symptoms is very High.any suggestions please.now I am use thyrorich 100(sodium thyroxine)
    Reply

  68. Iv tryed all the medicines and my body won’t allow it doctors had to take me off ….my body and breathing felt so heavy couldn’t hardly speak with out gasping ….what can u do to help me non medication wise
    Reply

  70. Taking T3/T4 is not a magic pill. What are you eating? Eliminate sugar and all of its forms (if you don’t know all the forms/names ‘google’ it) Start cooking from scratch. A lot of our issues are due to the stuff used in processed food. Heal your gut. Avoid inflammatory foods. You have to take charge of what goes into your body that is causing all the suffering. The doctor can’t do that for you.
    Reply

  71. Why Am I still feeling Low energy after being on 50mcg of Levothyroxine. Cant seem to lose weight yet all my #s are good. I work out at the gym, do Zumba a few times a week, Walk in the neighborhood but nothing. Its a terrible thing to have happen to you! you don’t wanna feel this way! Dr’s just say you are overweight, need to do a diet modification and tell you you have a sluggish thyroid. Any suggestions? Have very low BP.
    Reply

  72. I was just diagnosed with hashimotos. I’m being treated by a np through supplements and levo 100mcg. I keep insisting that i be back on naturethroid. Im sad; tired, lifeless and snap at my kids all the time. Is levo the wrong drug ti be on? I really want to feel normal for my kids and husband!
    Reply

  74. I am on Armour compounded per a progressive nurse and feel better than when I was on Synthroid or Levithyroxin. However, my last hormone test showed very low dhea and testosterone, so my new dr. is having me do shots for that plus a cfeam. Just starting to have hot flashes too. did you post an article on how to get rid of heavy metals? I’d also like to know about that. Thanks so much!
    Reply

  75. I have hyperthyroidism with graves disease had radiation therapy will I gain weight and everything smells bad
    Reply

  76. I had stage 3 thyroid cancer. My great doctor has me on levothyroxine 175. My problem is i gain 10lb every year. He says its my eating habits well i 3 meals plus 2snacks. Lots of water. For the most part they are health foods. All home made. I have a hard time working out due to arthritis in all my joints. What can i do?
    Reply

  81. Get tested for celiac disease. is autoimmune like hashimotos. Do not let dr talk you out of it.
    Reply

  82. I read “The Root Cause” eliminated Gluten, found a very expensive but wonderful doctor and got on Gena Lee Nolin’s websit called Thyroid Sexy. There is a patient advocate that you can call. She is the website administrator and her name is Linda. Thyroid Sexy has a Facebook page where you can access tons of information. Nicole, I suffered for 15 years. I am so much better. I’m not skinny but I’m up and moving and enjoying life. It will cost you 30 dollars to speak with Linda. I read her my lab results and she told me exactly what to say to the doctor and what to ask for. That was 10 months ago. I really started to feel better six months ago. I promise you there is hope.
    Reply

  84. Kathy, I have taken. Armour since 2000 had TT for pap cancer and did fine on it until 2 years ago. They put me on 5 different blood sugar lowering drugs anc they made my Armour race so now per GP control by low carb diet. Now I get a little jittery and do a little chewable calcium to calm down but then get brain foggy. Just took a DHEA 10mg compounded time release and that perks me up. Also take Adrenal Complex. Vit B Complex. Zinc 10mg. Vit C Vit E. Read the ingredients and reviews on Plexus and it scares me especially since I know that mixing things with Armour effects Armour
    Reply

  85. Exactly what I am doing..30 days no sugar..whole foods..grass fed beef..organic non gmo..etc..suppliments to support low thyroid..lost 3 lbs only, but hot flashes stopped, and I feel better…a different dr..prescribed nature’s throid…not resorting to that unless I absolutely must…
    Reply

  88. My daughter, Jennifer, is on Levothyroxine 100mcg and Armour 45 mg. Internist thinks she may be having Parathyroid problems. Jennifer will be tested for this next time she sees her hematologist. Have read your book and plan to buy one for my internist (I use to work for her). AntiTPO end of May went back up from 399 to 459. She started the NAC and Zinc the day following the lab draw, hopping levels will be down when labs are drawn on 6/24. When her antiTPO was > 4000 plasmapherisis was ordered. That was the only time her levels dropped. Thank you for pursuing and sharing your findings.
    Reply

  89. I have never been diagnosed, I was only told my thyroid quit working. In summer 2005 I had my first child and by th new year I was in the Dr demanding they tell me what was wrong. finally they tested my blood, I had a TSH of 281. I was immediately put on an anti depressant and low dose of levothyroxine gradually increased. I still have most of my symptoms and no clue what really caused my condition. Is it really possible it was the stress of giving birth, or is there other things I should be looking into?
    Reply

  90. I had a thyroidectomy 4 years ago for Hashimoto and thyroid cancer. Am cancer free! Was on Synthroid all that time to suppress TSH. Now they want me to reduce dose. From 100 microg to 88/day Every time I try, I feel like I can barely put one leg in front of other to walk, rather than happily jogging. Also I feel like I am out of breath when I lean over or squat down. SO, I have on two occasions tried Armour. 1.5 G (90). Felt like someone put too much wood in the stove (me)… sweating, headache, exhausted, 2 naps each day, more anxious than even with synthroid. Maybe it was too high a dose for me at 62 and 138 pounds…. but I am afraid to try it again…I suppose I should try a lower dose?
    Reply

  91. Hello, I was able to convince my doctor to give me T3 as well as T4, as the T3 always showed too low. At first it was very helpful, gave me more energy and balanced the T4 T3. Now I have increased my T3, but the T4 has over a couple of months gone way down. Is it necessary to keep T4 in the optimal normal range, since T3 is the active thyroid supplement? Since the T4 is in the normal low range is this okay? Or should the T4 be raised as well so that both are in the high normal range?
    Reply

  92. I am currently on levolthroxine .075 mg. My current dr is only monitoring my TSH, every 3 months. My TSH count has been steadily going down over past year. Over last 3 months it went from 1.98 to .73. I have been making changes in diet, taking a good probiotic, and other supplements that I believe are causing decreased TSH. I would like to get off thyroid med, or at least take a more natural holistic path. Do you think that with a tsh of .73, it would be feasible to be able to reduce the dosage. Thank you. 🙂
    Reply

  93. I’ve been on synthyroid since probably ’08. In January it will be 2 years That I noticed my hair coming out. The Drs. dont know what’s wrong. I’m seeing a Chiopractor who has and still studies alternative medicine I’m taking iron and vit D , but my hair is still coming out. I’ve lost about half my hair. I don’t know what to do. Can you give me some advice?
    Reply

  95. I’ve been diagnosed with Graves Disease and Iodine radiation was mentioned. I’m currently talking Propanalol, Methimazole, and T3 and I’m super tied and have only slept 5hours since Tues. My heartbeat is so crazy rapid, and along with shortness of breath, I’m not managing. I’m constantly feel like any breath could be my last.

    Should I talk to a doctor or go to the emergency room?

    Reply

  97. You are a really persuasive writer. I can see this in your writeup. You’ve a way of writing compelling info that sparks significantly interest. cbffkefdfeddddce

    Reply

  98. Been taking Natural Thyroid meds for 5 years, having to adjust dosage, and method lately. Have been experiencing vibrating in what I think are my thyroid glands. Comes in waves and can run down my arms. Should I be concerned?
    Richard

    Reply

  99. I just got my blood work results back today. My doctor said that my thyroid level is “sluggish” so she’s going to start me out on some medication. My friend had thyroid problems before and the medication caused her to gain a lot of weight. My doctor said it should cause me to lose weight but all the research I have done… everything says it causes weight gain. So will it cause weight gain or loss? I don’t want to gain weight.

    Reply

    • Jan – thank you for following this page.

      We greatly appreciate that you brought the “incomplete sentence issue” to our attention. It has been forwarded to our content manager for correction. 🙂

      Reply

  101. What about NP Thyroid added to the list of NDT? I had stomach issues with fillers in Nature-Throid so I switched to NP, no issues.

    Reply

  102. Hi I have this rib cage pain nauseas dizzy weak hair falling out are taking 100mq eltroxin went for a bloodtest laSt year November didn’t go for the results stiil takin the eltroxin.

    Reply

  103. I had my thyroid removed in 1991 due to hyperthyroidism/Grave’s Disease. I did fine on synthroid until last year. I developed gastroparesis several years ago and malabsorption syndrome. Last year my TSH was 60 something and I was in ICU with myexdema crisis. After being put on T3 (cytomel), my labs returned to normal. Today, my labs came back: TSH is over 100, T4 is under 0.5 and Free T3 is 0.8. I’m worried b/c of the malabsorption issue and not having a thyroid at all. Are there any options for me? Injections? IV’s? I’m seeing my endocrinologist tomorrow, but wondering if anyone has been thru similar or has any idea if I can be helped. Thank you so much, Julie Henry
    Like · Reply · 11 mins

    Reply

  104. I have Hashimoto’s disease. So tired of my forearms hurting and my thighs hurting all the time. Especially when I’m on my period I hurt worse. Is there anyone out there that experience this pain too. My
    endocrinologist doesn’t believe that it is due my thyroid.

    Reply

  105. I just have a comment about thyroid meds. I have been taking levothyroxine on/off for the past 25 years, well I started out taking synthroid the first couple of years. I was first diagnosed when I was 27 (I am 52 now) with sub-clinical hypothyroidism in which I had to beg my primary doc to test me. I am negative for hashimoto’s disease. At times my thyroid condition has gone into remission, but for the past 7 years I’ve been on the medication consistently (starting dose was 75mcg of levothyroxine). Then about a year ago I read an article on a small study group where they had patients take their meds at night resulting in lower dosages. Your digestion is different when you sleep. I tried it a year ago and within 3 months I was able to lower my meds to 50mcg with the same TSH reading. I stop eating by 7pm taking my medication at 10pm. Hope this helps others who are frustrated and hopefully, this will encourage them to try this doctor’s advice. Just making this small change helped me! Now I’m going to order her book and try her diet suggestions. Maybe I can get my thyroid into remission again.
    Thank you Dr. Wentz for your suggestions!!!

    Reply

    • LeeAnn -thank you for your support and for sharing what has worked for you! <3 I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes.

      Reply

  106. How do you feel about the use of t3 in the elderly? My mother is 90 and
    her recent tsh was 1.13, she is prescribed 100mcg of levothyroxine.
    Constant fatigue, insomnia, weight gain etc. Doctor said t3 therapy is too
    dangerous for someone her age. They don’t even want to consider changing
    her med level. Any thoughts on how to approach this with her doctor?
    Ron

    Reply

  107. Hi, just curious, is it possible to have Hashimotos if you have no thyroid at all? I had it removed 22 years ago from thyroid cancer. I was assuming not but thought I’d ask. I’m just so sick of feeling like crap all the time. She says my blood levels are actually low (making me hyperthyroidism) but i feel like i have feelings of both hypo & hyper. Constant belly issues like constipation, achy body, skin rashes like dermititis, and now I’ve gained so much weight and always am getting exercise but cannot lose a pound all of a sudden. Which isn’t like me. And the hair loss is so much worse. But she always says it’s a part of ageing. Which i am 44 years old. Ugh frustrated, lol. So any insight for me by chance?? That would be great. Thanks a bunch 🙂

    Reply

    • Shannon – thank you for following this page. Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people) – Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

      The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

      Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine, the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The information I present is based on my own research, in my journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  108. The article mentions nothing about a thyroid glandular. This is another excellent option. My doc switched me from Armor to Allergy Research Thyroid glandular several years ago and it made a huge difference! That plus homeopathy have done wonders. Next is getting the fluoride out of the water (hah, how long will that fight take?) and then a homeopathic detox of the fluoride and I’m hoping I’ll be good to go!

    Reply

  109. i have increased around 10 kgs than before but my thyroid levels are normal. i am planning to take a homeopathic medicine which can help me to reduce fat deposits but it contains a thyroid controlling medicine as apart. My question is does that thyroid controlling medicine occurs any side effect to the person whos thyroid level is normal?

    Reply

  110. I am having hypothyroidism with a TSH of 8.4. I don’t want to take synthyroid for life time. Can’t I heal my thyroid without medication? From today I have started taking synthyroid. Plz help!!! Do reply mam. ( I don’t have hashimoto thyroiditis)

    Reply

  111. Anyone have any experience taking thyroid med with breakfast for a short timeframe? My doctor recently started me on thyroid medication. I am about 20 days in and taking Levothyroxin. My levels were only a little high so he’s starting me at 50mcg. My husband and I will be going on a 10-day cruise in a couple of weeks. (we’re so excited, we’ve been saving up and planning this trip for the last year and a half!) However, while on the cruise, I am thinking it is very unlikely that I will be able to stick to the rule of waiting 30 minutes – 1 hour before eating after taking this medicine. We splurged for excursions and will arrive at most of our ports at 7 am in which we have to get up much earlier to eat breakfast and get in line to depart the ship to meet our guides for the excursions. It doesn’t help that I am in no way a morning person so getting up even 30 minutes earlier than needed is probably unrealistic thinking for me. 🙂
    I have read that taking this medicine with food/breakfast can cause adverse reactions because your body has difficulty absorbing the medicine. I don’t know if that means I could get sick or have uncomfortable side effects during our excursions. Do you think I would be worse off by trying to take the medicine close to breakfast time or do you think it best for me to skip taking the medicine the days I can’t wait an hour to eat? I realize nothing is a guarantee either way and each individual reacts differently to medications, but I was hoping for some insight on this. Has anyone had a similar situation? What did you try and how did it turn out for you? Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • Candy – thank you for following this page. I wish I could give you more direct advice but, each person will react differently. I would advise you to ask your personal pharmacist or a trusted clinician who’s care you are under. I am not able to respond directly to these types of questions here.:)

      Reply

  112. I am on 75mcg of Levothyoxine and my doctor says that my levels are normal but why do I still have symptoms of hypothyroidism? I have seen 2 different doctors and they both say the same and blame my symptoms on something else. I believe my T3 low. Doctors are not listening to me. I feel horrible.

    Reply

  113. Hi Izabella! Thank you for all the information and all your help, i need an advice, because i don’t know what to do, the thing is that since 3 years ago i started to feel a little bit tired and my nails are very thin, i gained a little bit of weight and i also suffer from acid reflux since i was very very young, i am 24 yo by the way, well the thing is that i went to see my ginecologist and we asked for blood work and a tyroid ultrasound, the ultrasound shows multiple bilateral colloyd cysts very very small ones the bigest one is 3 mm and just a little bit of tyroiditis, and my TSH is higher than usual, it has been getting slightly higher with time , now my TSH is 4.6 uUI/mL, my T3 is 101.9 ng/dl , FT4 1.8 ng/dl , anti TPO negative, my doctor said that i have to take levotiroxine 50 mg, but i didn’t know what to do because i am very young and i didn’t want to take a pill for ever! I went to anorher doctor looking for a second opinion and. That doctor said that the colloyd cysts are normal and my boold tests are normal too so there is no need to take hormones, so now i dont know what to do, i want to do the best for me and my health , what would you do if you were in my situation?
    Thank you very much

    Reply

  114. Wow, this is exactly what I needed to hear! What really bothers me is that my normal doctor would NEVER walk me through all of this about my thyroid medications. I definitely need to keep myself informed and know everything I can about my medications. Thanks again Dr. Wentz!!

    Reply

    • Emma – you are very welcome! Having worked with over 1000 people with Hashimoto’s, and surveyed my community of over 250,000 Root Cause Rebels, I’ve developed a streamlined approach to help you strengthen your body and start eliminating symptoms in as little as two weeks! I lead you through self directed protocols that are beneficial to you, regardless of your root cause. I also walk you through the maze of identifying your individual triggers to autoimmune thyroid disease.

      It took working with 1000+ clients, dozens of functional medical trainings, reviewing thousands of scientific articles and consulting with over one hundred health experts over the course of 7 years to put the protocols contained in the book together for you:

      Hashimoto’s Protocol : http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq

      Reply

  115. I have had Hashimotos disease for 26 years and my doctors have never told me to avoid soy or gluten, but a lot of websites say I should. I have read that soy can impede absorption so I minimize it and I only eat several hours after taking my meds. I’ve also had food sensitivities tests that say I don’t react to soy (or legumes, or nightshades – which are common to eliminate with AIP), and I have only a mild IgG reaction to gluten. So is it really necessary to remove these foods from my diet? I don’t have concerning symptoms, really, just feeling cold all the time and some fatigue in the evenings when I should be working out. But I also talked with my endocrinologist and he said that if I reduce my thyroid antibodies, that won’t reduce my need for medication. I can have the same dosage with lowered antibodies – it’s TSH and T4 that they look at to really determine my medication needs. Is this true?

    Reply

  116. Thank you so so much Dr. Wentz this information makes me feel so much more confident when walking into the doctor’s office. Sometimes I feel like I’m left in the dark, and so many people trust everything their doctors say without even asking any questions!

    Reply

  117. Dr. Wentz:
    Your newsletters are substantially more informative than any materials provided by my healthcare clinic. In fact, I’ve shared your research with my medical provider who admitted she was unaware of recent developments in thyroid-specific care. Thank you for sharing your inspiring stories and thorough research.

    Appreciatively,
    K. Ann Campbell, Esq.

    Reply

  118. My hypothyroid became normal from 2 years but still m on medication( 32.5 mg dose) .my doctor told me to continue it. Also my weight is normal , my BMI is normal .. what should i do to stop medicines .

    Reply

  119. Will i have more or less energy since they lowered my levothroxine from 100mcg to 88mcg. I have no thyroid. Thanks

    Reply

    • David – thank you for reaching out. I wish I could give you more direct advice but, each person will react differently. I would advise you to ask your personal pharmacist or a trusted clinician who’s care you are under. Please understand I am not able to respond directly to these types of questions here. 🙂

      Reply

  120. Hi. Good evening. Iam from Pakistan. Fresh graduate Pharmacist. I need Help.My father has subtotal thyroiductomy done by surgeon 6 month ago is after radioactive iodine therapy now he is on levothyroxin takin 100mcg per day his t
    T3 level 0 and T4 is 10 and TSH 1.31 and Thyroglobulin <0.2 but patient take thyroxin at 6 Am and test done at 10 Am week ago. Dr said that he will turn increase dose gradually upto 4 tablets of 50mcg while patient cannot tolerate 100mcg and feeling tired muscle cramp. depresion. anxiety. feeling sad.. please give advise and guideline to get ride of this conditions

    Reply

    • Muhammad – thank you for reaching out. I am sorry to hear your father is struggling with this. Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target.

      We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this. Sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition. Here are the links to my books:

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://amzn.to/2DoeC80

      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq

      Reply

  121. Dr. Went,
    I have had a thyroid condition for a long time. First hyper, then radiation treatment, and after that hyperthyroidism from the treatment.
    My question is this. How long does the medication stay in the body? I know I take it daily, but what happens if I miss a number of doses? Just curious.

    Reply

    • Constance – thank you for reaching out. It is never advisable to stop taking your medications, or alter your dosages, without the advice of your practitioner. T4 thyroid hormone medications have a half-life of about 1 week. This means that when a person stops taking them, the amount of the hormone activity in their body, from the medication, will decrease by about 1/2 each week. For T3 medications, this half-life is only about 1 day. Generally, within three weeks (or a few days for T3), most of the hormone will be out of the body. This could result in increased symptoms, an increase in the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and extra stress on your body and the thyroid.

      Thyroid hormones affect every organ, tissue and cell in the body. Appropriate medication management will allow you to recover from the effects of hypothyroidism, giving you the energy, vitality and support to continue working on optimizing your health. Please do not change your medications without speaking to your doctor first.

      WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/

      TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/

      Reply

  122. Dr. Wentz, I had an “attack” in June last year, after seeing my doctor, she noted that my TSH was 36. She started me on a dose of 90 (?) Levothyroxine. She said I had Hypothyroidism. I never felt better on the meds, but wasn’t having attacks either. Few months later she upped my dose to 100. I had no tolerance to heat, no patience, tired all the time…then one day had the same type of attack as before. Felt a shock through my body with heat associated middle of my chest radiating outward and up my neck, tingling head, shaking/trembling, radiating to my upper arms and upper legs. Lasting for approx. an hour. After a few visits to ER, not having a stroke, or heart attack…I stopped taking my Levothyroxine. Started to feel better within a few days. My doctor talked me into starting it again, same attack only more intense after 3rd day of taking it. Went off it completely for 2 weeks & felt better, even dropped 20 lbs in the process – however my TSH test after that 2 weeks went up to 44.98. Doctor decided to try me on Armour, which I has super high hopes about …. after 4th day, SAME ATTACK AGAIN! Is it possible I’m allergic to the thyroid meds? I haven’t really seen anything on here about that? I am 52, completed menopause. I have an appt with endocrinologist, but not until April 10th. Worried about between now and then with no meds and such a high TSH. Thank you for your time. Rhonda

    Reply

    • Rhonda – thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey. I am so sorry you are struggling with this. Allergic reactions and sensitivities to thyroid hormones are rare. Usually, it’s the fillers, and inactive ingredients in the thyroid hormone preparations as well as the dose that can lead to an adverse, sensitivity or allergic reaction.
      However, some people do experiences hypersensitivity reactions. These reactions usually present as itching/hives, palpitations, difficulty breathing, skin eruptions, fever and liver dysfunction.

      A group of doctors in Turkey published an oral desensitization schedule for people with hypersensitivity reactions that starts the person on 0.01 mcg of levothyroxine, or 1/10,000 of the usual daily dose, and increases the dosage gradually over the course of 2 days, with each dose increase taking place every 30 minutes. My Optimizing Thyroid Medications eBook [free download this week] has the desensitization protocol that was used. I’ve also found that liver support and addressing gut infections can reduce adverse reactions to medications, fillers and supplements.

      What if my medication contains Gluten?
      IS YOUR MEDICATION GLUTEN FREE?
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-your-medication-gluten-free/

      Reply

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