My tsh came back as borderline hypothyroid (something around 5.0 or so). I was prescribed 25 mcg of Levothyroxine. After a couple subsequent tests, it was still borderline and then I was prescribed 50 mcg. It is now down to around 3.0. My question is, I feel pretty much about the same, except my hair has fallen out more and has now become dry and brittle, and my scalp itches like crazy sometimes. My hair was in better shape before taking this. Has any one else had this problem? I am about ready to quit taking this to see if things improve. I'm starting to think I'm just allergic to this medication? Any ideas/suggestions?
Levothyroxine side effects?
Question posted by jellybean71 on 21 June 2012
Last updated on 8 September 2012
5 Answers
Inactive
9 July 2012
If you are having trouble getting another "natural" thyroid, aside from Amour Thyroid, which I believe is the gold standard of thyroids, (but endo's don't like to prescribe it because it is natural, made from cows, not synthetic), there is another thyroid out there called Tirosent. It doesn't come in all the actual doses of the more popular synthetics, but it is as close to natural as you can get, and not too expensive. I have to take a fairly high dosage... 175, so I have to order .100, and then .075, which then costs me twice as much. The boxes are approx. 23.00/28 days worth. It's worth a try, and perhaps your doctor has samples just to make sure that it works.
Regardless, I hope that you are seeing an endocrinologist, and not just a regular internets. They tend to under treat thyroid problems.
Best of luck to you!! Hopefully you will be feeling better soon!
endlessPred
9 July 2012
Hi. I talked with my doc about the Armour thyroid. I was told that we don't use it here because each batch is somewhat different than the last one. The lack of consistency plus the possibility of prions contaminating it keeps them from prescribing. Hence the insurance companies don't pay either. So it is not about not liking something natural, it is about the lack of control in its manufacturing. When each batch is a little different, treatment is not constant and has to keep adjusting. Thought you should know. Karen
Inactive
9 July 2012
Yes, I am aware of that as everyday we also produce different amounts of thyroid in our system. That is why so many people prefer that brand. It is not exactly... mg daily, just like your system is not exactly ... mg daily. If you research it, you will find that your system takes what it needs, and discards the rest. That is why it had been used for many, many years until big pharma realized that hey, they can make money off of this stuff and talk doctors out of using it. I have learned through many medical "mistakes" not to always believe what your doctor tells you, but to do the research yourself. Only a few doctors actually do their own research, and the ones who do will prescribe the Amour Thyroid. It's the ones who depend on their "pharma vacation workshops" who don't look into alternative methods. Same way with premarine. (sp?) My mom was very happy on it for years, it is made from pregnant horse urine.
They decided that it wasn't consistent so they went synthetic. She was never happy after they took her off of premarine. Again, your system takes what it needs, and discards the rest. Synthetic is always better... so long as the patent is still on...
endlessPred
9 July 2012
Sorry. I was misunderstood. This was not for you personally but for general readers. My Endo is one of the top guys in the state and does his own research projects as well. Been in this a long time. We had a thorough discussion and I was told that the danger of prions and other diseases are his reason. He has seen the results of bad batches and it is heart breaking. Many sides to this story. I do not have a major in biochemistry so leave it for the experts. (I did study microbiology back in the day and all the buzz was about prions). We each have to find our own way with how our body feels. For those of us with highly weakened immune systems, we are stuck with science products that are least threatening. Glad it works for you. Just giving info so others can judge. Write me any time Msfino and we can have a side chat. Love your spunk. Karen
Inactive
10 July 2012
Love yours too, Karen!! I guess we all have our passions!!
ohmyachinashe
14 July 2012
I started out with Armour Thyroid but, it wasn't helping me, my doctor was more than willing to let me try it. I had to switch over to Levothyroxine, I think we all respond differently to different drugs and different circumstances.Thyroid issues aren't any fun... Good Luck !
Inactive
7 Sep 2012
Absolutely right!
HeadStarter
21 June 2012
Hi jellybean -
I want to add here that when I was on synthetic thyroid, I got sicker instead of better. I was on both Synthroid and Levo and I want to ensure that you should be getting your thyroid from an endocrinologist who specializes in conditions relating to the endocrine system... those adrenal glands and that tiny little thyroid that makes all the difference in how one feels. The wrong medication (the synthetics) have been known to also cause liver problems and other anomalies (like hair loss) if given too much, too little or just wrong type. That happened to me when a rheumatologist thought it would be a great idea to help me lose weight by adjusting my thyroid medicine in both type and dose. Really got very sick and had to be taken off of that and had a toxic liver that wasn't real happy with my doctor's approach to weight lose. I thought I was gonna die!! Don't just stop though...
you could get really sick but get yourself help with a doctor who will work with you, like an endocrinologist... if you are seeing one... then get to another one quick or ask your doctor what is going on because you are having side affects you shouldn't be having!!!
My newest endocrinologist approved of the thyroid medicine I was trying to get a hold of from the book I recommend below which is Westhroid and it can only be compounded any more. What a world of difference it made for me and it has to be given slowly at first for the body to adjust to it. You don't just throw a body on the same dose as for synthetic. The body utilizes the two types differently. The natural thyroid medicine, if given too strong right off the bat can cause the body to crash. Most doctors don't even know or understand that concept except for the endo doctors. And, not all of them agree any way.
Being an advocate for your own health and care is important, too. I wanted my doctors to work with me and respect me as a person and not just as another "body" without a care or concern for the person in front of them. That was a hard road because a lot of doctors don't respect you and don't like being questioned. I have had that displeasure as well. I don't want anyone giving me something without explaining all the ins and outs of it and how it is going to affect me in the long run. If your doctor doesn't have the time to explain... boy would I find another one who did.
I also told my doctor about this book I had been reading and had lots of questions regarding symptoms that mimic illnesses when it was hypothyroidism all along. That, too, was an eye-opener and the book is an easy read. It is:
THYROID POWER: 10 STEPS TO TOTAL HEALTH... the amazing program to help millions conquer fatigue - depression - overweight - and other chronic conditions. Authors are a husband and wife team who reside in Florida, I believe. Richard L. Shames, M.D. and wife Karilee Halo Shames, R.N., PhD.
This book is really inexpensive and can be gotten through amazon, for instance, and for around $2-$3 bucks for less.
I swear if I hadn't gotten a hold of this book, I would be treated for another ugly disease instead of what I am dealing with. My endocrinologist loved this book and the part of the book that is written specifically for doctors in a question and answer type forum. It was an eye-opener, but written for all of us to understand. Gosh, I keep this book on hand because I keep finding new things of interest to unravel, and study.
I know every "body" is different and not everyone can take the synthetic over the compounded or natural version and vice averse.
This is a LOT OF FOOD FOR THOUGHT and sorry for the novel-length answer. The thyroid issues are one near and dear to my heart and I like to study it and analyze the problems related to it. I wish you better health, a fabulous doctor to help you and know that you have people here who care, too! Please keep us informed so we an support you and hope all of these answers have helped you rather than confuse you more.
Mary
Inactive
9 July 2012
Excellent answer, Mary, and I am going to get that book ASAP!! If your thyroid isn't right, NOTHING in your body is right, that is for sure!! I know that my dosages are constantly changing, and therefore after 30 years on thyroid, I still have to get my blood checked every three months to "tweak" the dosage. If only most doctors would still believe in Amour Thyroid. I never felt better on that one, but I can't find a doctor in my area to prescribe it to me. I guess big pharma doesn't make any $$ off of it!!
HeadStarter
9 July 2012
Hi msfino - do you have a compound pharmacy near you??? I am glad you are getting this book, too. It was because of this book that my doctor even permitted the adjustments I make on my "own". I take a 2 grain capsule and another 1/2 grain, if needed. The script was written for both dosages. Awesome book!!! And, thank you for the kind and supportive response. I hope this person gets relief and benefit soon. These "endo" doctors are a really odd bunch, if I must say so my self!! I've had a few call me weird so I am returning the honor back at them... At least after reading the book, I didn't feel so ignorant on the subject.
Mary
survivorsink
7 Sep 2012
Thank you Mary for this post. I am miserable and newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I have severe fatigue and constipation, and my hair has been falling out since I was very young. I've been on synthroid 50mcg for 3 months and now I feel worse. I'm definitley going to discuss this with my doctor on Monday. I really needed some hope today-I can hardly function.
HeadStarter
8 Sep 2012
Oh my goodness, you poor dear!!! You should not be feeling worse but 3 months is really not a long time... it does take time to get settled. How often are you being tested to see how you are doing on synthroid??? I just couldn't take it... it made me sick! I hope you get that book and write down some questions from it so that you have the best possible conversation with your doctor and one where you are more in control of what steps are next and what you should expect from it. I do wish you well and hope it goes very well for you. Synthroid isn't for everybody and not everybody does well on armour. One of the reasons for that is... you cannot take the same dose of armour if switching... it will be a huge shock to your system and you will become ill. More of the natural thyroid is used and that is why you cannot go milligram for milligram with this. But reading that book will help you decide, I believe. Good luck and I hope you are on the road to a brighter, healthier and more beautiful tomorrow.
Mary
endlessPred
21 June 2012
Both writers above are 100% correct. Never stop a med prescribed by a doc. Stay on your dose and get it adjusted. I totally agree with the scales skin. I am using a cream called Complex 15. Around here you have to have the pharmacist order it. Not very expensive. Extremely hydrating. I use it on face and hands. Rest of me I just tend to ignore. I told my hubby I am one big piece of dandruff.
Getting ill makes changes in our lives. Things don't always go back to the same. We adapt as we can and accept what it is. Disappointing? Sure, but so is getting older, poison ivy and boring TV shows. Some we can choose and some we can't. Your endocrinologist ought to be your best friend. You will need that doc's help for the rest of your life. It takes a long time to adjust hormones. Base it on how you feel and discuss with your doc. It will be ok. Be sure to take a list of your symptoms when you go.
Lisa01
21 June 2012
Hi Jellybean and welcome to the site. My first thing is to tell you to definitely NOT stop taking your medication. You're actually on an extremely small dose, but quitting will just make your thyroid levels rebound and you'll end up feeling worse than you do. Unfortunately, increased hair loss and dry, itchy skin are side effects of the disease. It took them well over a year to get my levels to where they were supposed to be. And until they were, it seemed like I lost more hair in a day than I used to in a month. But as my levels evened out, so did my hair loss. But stress will still cause the problem to worsen until things calm down. As for the dry, itchy skin - I could bathe in a vat of moisturizer in the morning and still have more scales than a fish by evening! The only thing I can tell you there is to buy a good skin moisturizer and perhaps try a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for your hair and scalp.
If it's bad enough there are prescriptions for your scalp that your dr could help you out with.
Well wasn't I just the bearer of good news and glad tidings!!! Truthfully, your body will adjust and some of this will subside. It just takes a little time and a lot of patience. Wow, I think I'll stop now before you decide to hate me forever... I really do hope you start to feel better soon! :)
Lisa
kaismama
21 June 2012
The first step is to get to an endocrinologist. There are other thyroid supplements that could be used. The normal TSH now is 0.3 to 3. I seriously doubt your allergic to it, first the hair problem is not an allergic type reaction. It is very unusual for your hair to get worse when you have the right amount of thyroid, usually its the other way around. The lady I take care of was losing her hair while she was lacking thyroid hormone. It got much better when she started treatment.
Related topics
underactive thyroid, levothyroxine, hypothyroidism, side effect
Further information
- Levothyroxine uses and safety info
- Levothyroxine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Levothyroxine (detailed)
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