Synthroid Questions

Is anyone here on synthroid? I have been navigating the internet but wanted to talk to people that actually use it. I hope someone can help!

1. Is is true that taking sythroid makes your own thyroid stop producing what little it might still produce?

2. Anyone here experience a lot of side effects, or any side effects?

3. Anyone here try it, then decide it wasn't for them and stop taking it? Is that dangerous?

Thanks for any help!!

Sharon

Yes, I've been on it for years. I was on Armour before that. I don't know all the answers to your questions but I would say it isn't a good idea to go off it without talking to your doctor (hopefully an endocrinologist). Sorry, this really isn't much help.

I can't take synthroid (it makes me break out in hives), but I've been on Levoxyl for about 6 years now. If you aren't comfortable with the synthetic medicine you might consider an endocrinologist that is familiar with natural hormone replacement. I'm thinking of checking into that more because I've heard of several people having better results with that. I can tell you it is nothing to play with. Mine is severe (no thyroid function from an autoimmune condition) deficiency can play havoc with your blood pressure, teeth, etc., etc....I could write a book on the problems it caused me. I would definitely stick with an endocrinologist.

Hi Sharon,
Mike (DH) has been on it for years.
He has his blood tested once (if things are normal) or twice (if he feels 'different') a yr, and based on results the dosage can be changed. often.
He's had no symptoms per se, quite the opposite.
If you have any Qs feel free to email; he can certainly be more specific..

My wife has been on it for several years with no problem. The only time she had difficulty is when she tried a generic equivalent. It wasn't equivalent (for her) and left her having more energy than if she were using nothing, but not the energy that she has when on synthroid. It was easy to convince her doctor to specify no generic substitute in the prescription because her doctor had had the very same experience.

Both my sister and I were on it at one time but both of us are not on medication currently. Thyroid problems run in our family. I find that my thyroid is controllable as long as I don't have too much caffeine in my system, especially on an empty stomach. My sister's thyroid is kept in check as long as she doesn't go too long without eating something. (If I have too much coffee I have to eat something to counteract the nervous jitters I get then I feel better-Motrin does the trick too). When my sister went on the medication she gained weight-lost it as soon as she went off of it. I found that I felt better overall if I was not on any medication and just watched the caffeine intake. Also, if I feel the thyroid jitters coming on being in direct sunlight on a hot day isn't good-makes me feel worse. I know some people have to be on thyroid medication when they have thyroid conditions...I just question how necessary it is to stay on medicine for years when you are not having problems. I'm going to stay off the medicine as long, hopefully forever. P.s. I have Hashimoto's disease and I my blood tests have consistently come back "normal" for years. P.S.S. Even though I was testing normal I originally went on medication because I was going to try to get pregnant-10 days after getting on the medication I was pregnant. It is extremely important that if pregnancy is a possibility that you take the medication because you can miscarry or have problems getting pregnant if the thyroid is off. Good luck

I have been on synthroid since I had my thyroid removed 3 years ago. I have no side effects at all. However, prior to my thyroidectomy I had lost 90 pounds..thru diet & exercise. Since then I have not lost any more weight..and although I have kept the 90 off for 4 years..it is a real struggle. I try to eat 1500 calories a day and exercise every day...either Curves or the treadmill. I would love to lose more, but it doesn't seem to be happening .The MD just upped my dosage a bit and we will see. My blood work is in the normal range.

Susan

Synthroid

Both my husband and my daughter take Synthroid. Their doctor does not let them take the generic due to the calibration problem. The generic just doesn't seem to be as standard as the original. Other then that, neither have many problems. My daughter started on it at 14 and has had to have her dosage regulated more frequently. I think that has more to do with the age though. She is now 20 and it seems to have leveled. out.