Thyroid Medication?

J1006 · April 2014

Hi Everyone,

Last week my doctor put me on levothyroxine due to an underactive thyroid. She thought that was the main cause of why my husband and I aren't getting pregnant (SA pending and HSG - all clear). I've been having side effects since I have been on it. Just wondering if anyone has had experience with this, how long it took for side effects to go away, or anything you did to help with the side effects.

sundaybrunch · April 2014

I've been on levothyroxine for 7 months now and have not noticed any side effects. In fact, I feel much better now than I did prior to taking it: more energy, able to focus for longer periods of time, no more handfuls of hair falling out in the shower. What sort of side effects are you experiencing? Are they listed in the list of possible side effects?

kushie77 · April 2014

I've been on levothyroxine for years. I've never had any side effects. What are you experiencing? Hypothyroid can definitely cause issues TTC.

J1006 · April 2014

All of them are listed as "mild" side effects: headache, nausea, GI issues, etc. They seem to be worse in the morning after I take my medication.

kushie77 · April 2014

are you taking them on an empty stomach and will a full 8oz glass of water? Not sure as those were symptoms I had prior to starting the med and they all went away after starting levothyroxine.

ksgsmu · April 2014

try switching to the name brand synthroid... talk to your doctor!

tumbleweed123 · April 2014

My RE insists that the name brand be used for this. Even the pharmacist told me that he prefers this med as the name brand. He said some people have issues with the generic. I started taking Synthroid almost a month ago, and have had no side effects. I feel more energetic and am able to get more done. I just don't feel like I'm dragging all the time.

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J1006 · April 2014

My doctor actually prescribed Synthroid, but the pharmacy gave me the generic brand without my request. I may call my pharmacy and see why I didn't get the name brand. I know it will be more expensive, but I'd rather pay a little extra than feel like this all the time.

tumbleweed123 · April 2014

J1006 I'd definitely ask the pharmacist about it. There is no reason they should have substituted the generic without asking, especially for this med.

SweetieShellieH · April 2014

I'm on synthroid and don't have any side effects. But I've also been on the generic version and didn't have any either. I guess it depends on the individual? Hopefully switching to Synthroid will get rid of your side effects!

KristenG2011 · April 2014

I was actually told by my endocrinologist since I wanted to get pregnant..switching to Synthroid would be best because that drug is better regulated. You are getting the same amount of medicine each tim you take it, whereas a generic brand isn't regulated as strictly and the amount of medicine in the product would vary. Feeling so much better on Synthroid. I'd ask to be switched.

aves0708 · April 2014

I have been on levothyroxine for just over a month now. For the first week and a half a had a huge change in my appetite. I just wasn't hungry and at 2pm I would realize that I never ate lunch. This is very unlike me as I'm normally counting down the hours until lunch time. This side effect went away after that first week and a half, and now I don't notice anything.

J1006 · April 2014

@aves0708 I've noticed that too. I pretty much have to force myself to eat because my appetite has changed so much. Hopefully, I'm just adjusting and everything will even out soon.

Hpearl · April 2014

I have been on the generic for around three weeks now.

Not to be gross, but my GI tract was sluggish before.... so I have had some issues with loose and frequent BM's. I think my body is just catching up.   I also noticed some appetite changes.

I was borderline, but def hypo.. hachimoto disease was the diagnosis.

I hope you feel better!   My appetite disappeared for a but, but its back.    I have noticed small, but impactful changes. Such as when I get up to use the restroom in the morning, my feet don't hurt.    I woke up with sore achy feet for years and had just adjusted.

Also, I ran/walked a 5k yesterday and did not end up with hives and swollen painful feet...which is a certainty after a 5k a few months ago. That is huge!

I hope your symptoms subside and the meds do the trick!

Question for the hypo crowd.   How long do you wait to eat after you take the meds? I was waiting 30 mins, but someone told me today I should wait a full hour.

tumbleweed123 · April 2014

Hpearl I only wait 30 minutes. My RE said 30 was fine, as long as you drink a full glass of water with it. I've read that you should avoid high fiber and calcium within four hours of taking it, so I now wait to take my vitamins until lunchtime. I haven't really avoided the fiber thing though, since I generally eat a high fiber breakfast. I think the main thing is to be consistent with how you take it. Once you get a routine, you should stick with that way of taking it. I am waiting to see how the first month affected my levels, I should know next week.

BunnyBerry · April 2014

My mom was on Synthroid for a couple decades doing great, and when her insurance changed she started getting the generic. She immediately felt the difference and had a lot of side effects like you mentioned (plus her Crohn's got worse) but she decided to stick it out and see in order to save money. A couple months later it's not any better; she really thinks the Synthroid works much better.

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Thyroid Medication?

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March 2014 - RE appt.
April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormal
May 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm

12/2014- Surprise natural BFP EDD 7/31/15 Plan: Starting foster to adoption, natural cycles

March 2014 - RE appt.
April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormal
May 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm

12/2014- Surprise natural BFP EDD 7/31/15 Plan: Starting foster to adoption, natural cycles

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Want a personalized experience?

Thyroid Medication?

Re: Thyroid Medication?

March 2014 - RE appt. April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormalMay 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm

12/2014- Surprise natural BFP EDD 7/31/15 Plan: Starting foster to adoption, natural cycles

March 2014 - RE appt. April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormalMay 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm

12/2014- Surprise natural BFP EDD 7/31/15 Plan: Starting foster to adoption, natural cycles

Choose Another Board

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March 2014 - RE appt.
April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormal
May 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm

March 2014 - RE appt.
April 2014- Saline sono all's good, terrible SA results - 8 sperm found all abnormal
May 2014- Fert Urology- Bilateral varicoceles, recommend Donor Sperm