Unacceptable side effects of Levothyroxine

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I was described Levothryoxine 2 years ago and my GP has increased it until I am now taking 125mcg.I have never had so many various symptoms in my life - severe weight gain including puffy face and eyes, very itchy dry skin, brittle nails, thinning hair but the major items are the pains in my joints and muscles - especially in my knees and my hands. The doctor said I have carpal tunnel syndrome and also now have high cholesterol,,,,,,, When reading other peoples' experiences it would appear that many people have all of these symptoms so why is it that GP's do not take this illness more seriously. I recently asked if I could have a full blood showing all readings and also if I could be prescribed Armour and was told no. It also scared me to find that several pharmacists in major chemists haad never even heard of Armour. Has anyone felt like they have had enough and just stopped taking Levothyroxine and what was the result?

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  • Posted

    I really feel for you. Unknown causes of symptoms can be frightening and frustrating.

    I decided 3 weeks ago to stop taking levothyroxine! Fortunately I was only taking 25 mcg towards the end. I realized something must be causing my body to need it and although this reason will be different for each person, I decided to research it.

    I'm currently working on helping my gut to digest minerals, which I believe I am also deficient in some related ones.

    I now take a good multivitamin with minerals to cover the basics and anything else that assists thyroid production ensuring that I get enough iodine and selenium each day to see if my body could use it.

    How have I felt since coming off levothyroxine? Well not a hundred percent because I've not found out yet what else may be at the root cause of my thyroid problems however, firstly, I noticed that I sleep better most nights without levothyroxine and I'm not losing as much weight. Whilst I don't recommend coming off levothyroxine without medical advice, I sure think it's worth researching. I will check back here soon for anyone's updates.

    • Posted

      Hi Bill, I've gotten some relief taking amino acids. I addition to helping with the thyroid stuff, it's helped enormously with hthe gut health. It isn't perfect, as my thyroid disease is very advanced, but the amino acids seem to help a lot.

    • Posted

      Hi bill, please can I ask how you came off Levo? I've bought some natural thyroid support formula with iodine and selenium it says to take 2-3 capsules per day, I've also got some sea kelp 400mg. I'm currently on 100mg of Levi with horrid side effects with zero unstanding of what has caused me to have low thyroid (the docs never tested) but I have severe headaches lasting days at least a few times a week and also neck and back stiffness and pain, all seemed to start when I started levo. And advice would be welcome x

  • Posted

    My doctor just started me on Levothryoxine (Synthroid) 6 weeks ago.  The body heat and severe hot flashes and sweating is intolerable.  I went through menopause 12 years ago and it was nothing compared to this.  I asked to be switched to Armour, but was told it isn't available, but Medicare wouldn't pay for it anyway.  So I'm supposed to stop taking it and suffer with hypothyroidism, which will eventually wear out my pituitary gland.  Why isn't there an alternative medication?  Apparently,  most patients suffer sever side effects with Synthroid.  Beyond frustrating

    • Posted

      Yes, totally ridiculous. Try OTC ThyroGold. It's worth every penny to use something that works. Also, there are many diet and nutrition changes that will help. Take charge of your health, use the resources available and empower yourself to get well.

      Synthroid causes horrible autoimmune disease and worsens thyroid condition. NDT is contraindicated for elderly or in large doses because of the high T3 content. None of the meds are truly biodentical. Don't waste your time and health fighting for something that doesn't work.

    • Posted

      Ditto WP Thyroid. Though both made me swell up whereas ThyroGold doesn't. It may be because they are both from pork whereas ThyroGold us from beef. Everyone's different. That's why we need alternatives.

    • Posted

      Hi Barbara please can you PM me how to get thyroid gold, my energy is really low and from looking at the nature thyroid blend I'm not sure it's enough.

      Many thanks x

    • Posted

      Hi, I've sent you a pm with details of how to get ThyroGold and the three free chapters of ThyroGold doctor's book and the overstimulation form.

      One thing to bear in more and is that many people with hypothyroidism need more thyroid hormone in the winter than in the summer. My summer dose last year (June 2016) was 450ngmg whilst my winter dose is between 262.5mg (Dec 2016 and 750mg (Dec 2015). I started ThyroGold on 23rd June 2015 so have now been on it for 20 months.

      I hope it works well for you too. Please let me know how you get on. Barbara x

  • Posted

    It's funny that people think because I live in California, I live in a warm environment.  Only warm for 4 months in summertime.  Right now, we're hitting 14 to 16 degrees F at night, and in the 30's - 40's during the day.  We get snow usually from January thru the first part of April, sometimes on into May.  We have some of the most popular ski resorts in the country.  And I live in snow-capped mountains most of the year.  It's called Yosemite National Park.  But I appreciate the reply.  In California, there's a saying - if you don't like the weather, travel 5 miles down the road.  

    • Posted

      Ha ha ha, yes, I'm in Cali too, near SF.  Extra cold this year for us. The thyroid disease was much easier to cope with when I lived in So Cal bc it's so much warmer.

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