Levothyroxine and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• ACB...
• May 12, 2013

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was affected by the Levoxyl recall and was devastated. I had been on Levoxyl for Hashimoto's for about 3 years, it was the only thyroid med that made me feel what I thought at the time was 'good'. Looking back, I wasn't good at all...no sex drive, weight gain, swollen face, extreme anxiety. I switched to Tirosint about a month ago, and when I noticed these side effects dissipating, I was ECSTATIC but also so confused! I had no idea the Levoxyl was causing so much negativity in my life. Tirosint has NO fillers, and for that reason, all those negative side effects from Levoxyl were gone. I dropped 5 lbs almost immediately, taking me back to my post-Hashimoto's weight. Sex drive was back, anxiety decreased. Best of all, I'm just happy again!"

• Doe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 3, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "This stuff is just awful! I’ve had my TSH go as high as 52.0 (wasn’t aware it was that out of control) and felt better than I do now on years of treatment on brand name Synthroid! Endocrinologist just doesn’t seem to agree? And now I have a whole new set of symptoms such as itchiness all over, horrible anxiety, headaches, weight gain, the list goes on and on, and nothing new has been added to my daily routine, I know it’s this medication, I hate it. Just throwing this out there for anyone else so that you know you're not crazy! Good luck!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "My pharmacy changed me to this brand after being on levothyroxine. My hair has been falling out, weight gain, brittle nails, and more side effects. This does not work for your thyroid. Had my TSH done in March, and it was pretty close to the normal range. After that, the pharmacy changed my levothyroxine to this one. My TSH is low, and this is why I am having the issues. I am upset that the pharmacy can just change things without checking with you first. Don't take this brand of medication."

• Paw...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 18, 2018

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Had my thyroid removed 2 years ago. Was put on Synthroid and have felt terrible ever since. Weight gain, joint and muscle pain, blurred vision, tremors, hair loss, constipation, irregular heartbeat, stomach problems, and the list goes on. Doctor tells me my numbers are fine, and I should be put on an antidepressant. Really. That's because they don't know enough about thyroid disease and keep pushing the drugs. This drug is next to poison, but no one listens to us. We are held hostage to these doctors that don't care. Where do we turn to because we are suffering. Help!"

• DCG...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 28, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I went on Tirosint when Levoxyl stopped working after they changed the formulary. It worked great until March or so of this year. Now my hair is falling out, I’ve gained 8 lbs., my temp is 96, I’m exhausted, etc. Because of the pandemic, I didn’t figure it out right away. Obviously hypothyroidism and I’m so bummed. Awaiting test results and a consult with my doctor. What did they do to Tirosint? Synthroid or Levoxyl don’t work for me. What do I do next? What a nightmare."

• hap...
• October 14, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I've had my thyroid removed 10 months ago, and I started taking the lowest dose of Levothyroxine (generic) six weeks after the surgery. I had my blood work done and dosage adjusted every six weeks until I ended up at 137 mcg daily, 5 months after the surgery. Then I switched to Synthroid brand. All this adjusting was done by an endocrinologist. I feel great, definitely much better than before the surgery when I suffered from severe hyperthyroidism. I did gain some weight right after the surgery, but once the dosage was correct, I was able to lose the pounds easily. All of my other symptoms (hair loss, abnormal sweating, fatigue) were gone once the dosage was correct. The right dosage is extremely important."

• Ann...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 2, 2018

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was taking Synthroid for three years. I was extremely ill during that time and it worsened. I could not eat, walk without falling, gained 30 pounds, and my numbers did not go down. Finally, my endocrinologist agreed to put me on Armour Thyroid medication. I lost all the weight I had gained in two weeks, could eat, and walk. My whole life changed dramatically. Doctors are giving Armour a bad name, but I can tell you from my experience, it changed my life."

• Anonymous
• March 17, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Synthroid is terrible, it gave me an exacerbation of mental health symptoms! Nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, fatigue, constant dark thoughts, and depression. My TSH dropped from 0.50 to 0.02, and still no symptoms of hyper, just the same symptoms of hypo: weight gain, tiredness, and depression. I thought I was losing my mind! Trying to adjust my psych meds, thinking that was the issue, didn't work because it was the levo causing the problem. It's difficult to separate symptoms of mental health problems from thyroid problems because they can be similar. I got a referral from my PCP to see an endocrinologist. They switched me to Armour. Significant improvement. Levothyroxine stinks! I'd rather take no thyroid medication and suffer the consequences than take Levothyroxine."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2021

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I've been on Levothyroxine for over 10 years and haven't had any issues. All my levels have been great. Wal-Mart pharmacy prescribed Euthyrox in place of my Levothyroxine, stating it was the same, and it is NOT THE SAME!! After two months of missed periods, weight gain, brain fog, moodiness, depression, etc., and now my blood work has CONFIRMED my levels are all off balance for the first time in over 10 years!!! DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE!! Wal-Mart, please STOP using this!! My Dr. has switched my prescription to Walgreen's, and I am now back on Levothyroxine once again and throwing Euthyrox in the TRASH!! Beware, it is not the same, and you will be messed up!! Euthyrox should be removed, and I am reporting it everywhere I can report it!!"

• And...
• October 10, 2018

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have Graves' disease and took RAI (radioactive iodine (I-131)) to treat the disease, which means now I have to top up my thyroid levels. I've previously taken Levoxyl, Synthroid, and lastly Armour. I always felt miserable with Levoxyl and Synthroid, which is why for the last three years I was taking Armour. Within the last year of taking Armour, I've had terrible inflammation, joint pain, anxiety, insomnia, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, and the list goes on. It was coincidental that I forgot to take an Armour pill and realized how in one day all my symptoms went away. The next day I took my Armour and they all returned. It was so bad that I couldn't even bend my knees. I was miserable! I've been reading about Tirosint for the last few months, and my endo was more than accommodating to let me try it. WOW! What a difference! I'm not as hungry, losing weight, no anxiety, sleeping through the night, and overall just feeling great, as I've never had thyroid issues. However, I did have some heart palpitations last night. I'm going to get my lab work done today, as I feel the dosage may be too high."

• Lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 23, 2016

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was on levothyroxine for a year after my cancer surgery/thyroid removal. It was the worst year of my life. I was seriously hating life because I hurt every single day. Muscle aches, swelling, every symptom you can imagine. Weight gain was the worst. I fired my endo and waited two months to see the new one. If I wasn't married, I'd propose to the man. In three weeks, my life has changed. I can go to the gym and not feel like I have been hit by a truck. No muscle aches. I have lost 9 lbs. Brain fog is lifting. I sleep better, and I don't feel like a 47-year-old stuck in a 90-year-old body. I will pay ANY amount of money, and I will NEVER go back."

• Deb...
• January 7, 2014

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had my thyroid irradiated in 2005 due to Graves' disease caused by Hep C treatment (Ribavirin & Interferon). At first, I saw an endocrinologist that prescribed Armour Thyroid, but loss of job and insurance forced me to go to a free clinic, where I received Synthroid. The clinic doesn't seem to understand the difference between experiencing low thyroid levels from naturally occurring hypothyroidism and complete loss of thyroid. My NP says to me, incredulously, 'You take an awful lot of thyroid!', and at that time, I was only taking 75mcg a day. Finally, after three years of 75 to 100mcg, when I felt absolutely crazy (tired, confused, hair loss, cranky, paranoid, angry, enormous weight gain), she now has me on 150mcg which seems not perfect but better."

• Peb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 25, 2019

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I do not notice any difference with the medicine. I’m still suffering from depression, and I have extreme hair loss and weight gain even if I don’t eat more than 1500 calories a day: high protein, low carbs."

• bba...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on several thyroid medications for over 8 years. I was always tired, had fatigue, experienced hair loss, and extreme weight gain. I started Tirosint, and instantly I started feeling better."

• tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I started taking Levothyroxine around 2 months ago, building up from 50 to 75. Recently had blood test back, and my results have come back as normal now! I went from nearly collapsing while out walking my dog. Having aches and pains. Brain fog, no energy at all... falling asleep at the drop of a hat! Fights with hubby, because I was so fatigued! Was going on like that for years, until Doctor gave me the blood test, and realized it was a medical condition. I thought it was me, just being tired and irritable. Now I am starting to recover, slowly, weight gain. Went from 9 stone to 12.2. 3 stone. now I have to lose all this weight because of hypothyroidism... nightmare! But I feel more awake, more energy, hope this review helps someone!"

• Bud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Very similar to other reviews offered. I was switched by Walmart to Euthyrox from Levothyroxine back in June. I didn't question the change (I should have and researched). I've had three primary side effects, which are sleeplessness, daily headaches, and weight gain (approximately 20 lbs in 5 months). I actually was issued Levothyroxine today as my refill. I had asked to speak with the pharmacist prior to noting the change back, so apparently Walmart got the message. When I got home, I decided to research and was somewhat relieved to read the other reviews. This is by far the worst medication I have ever taken."

• Str...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 1, 2015

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1999. First, I was given antidepressants for being tired and gaining weight (eyeroll). I have been on 88mcg of Synthroid daily. My blood work has always come back with my TSH at the high end of normal. Former doctor retired years ago, so no continuum of care (walk-in clinic). Recently, a new doctor suggested we adjust meds to bring down the TSH level. Started with 100mcg of Levothyroxine 5 days & Synthroid 88 - 2 days a week. In a few months' time, I suffered some pretty severe side effects - extreme dizziness/weakness, lack of energy, mood extremes, weight is either climbing or stagnant, racing pulse/heart rate. We checked levels, and now TSH reads at the extreme low end of normal. I'm scared, please help."

• LoL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I have had Hashimoto's for 8 years. Tried Levoxyl, Synthroid, Armour thyroid. Finally went to generic since they all seemed about the same and the cost was far less. I felt great, very stable TSH, etc. Walmart switched to Euthrox with my last refill, and I feel absolutely horrible. Low energy, weight gain, complete brain fog, and many, many more. Since it was a new med, I alternated it every other day with my old generic and this. Felt okay, so I switched to Euthrox daily and honestly feel as if I am taking NOTHING. Glad to hear it seems to be an almost universal complaint. I plan on visiting Walmart tomorrow to see if there is anything they can do about replacing this horrible medication."

• Lil...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 4, 2019

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on Levothyroxine a long time. Have heat intolerance, lightheadedness, get very weak, feel like a zombie, nauseous, headachy, insomnia, and gained 60 pounds. Doctor won't let me try something else. Time for a new doctor."

• NoT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Was on Tirosint for 4 years, and in the past year and a half, I developed severe hypertension (160/100), severe abdominal bloating, extreme weight gain, a stress ulcer, high blood cholesterol, severe leg cramps, muscle inflexibility, angina, chronic headache, shortness of breath, and several other serious symptoms. The very same day I started Thyquidity, my blood pressure dropped significantly to 130/90, and after 3 weeks on Thyquidity, my B/P is now 120/85, I have effortlessly lost weight and one dress size (!), and all the other previous horrible symptoms have disappeared. I now feel completely normal with a metabolism that works! The only explanation for the change to such bad side effects with Tirosint is that it was switched to a new manufacturer."

• Pum...
• December 12, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "Took levothyroxine for 32 years. In the last 3 years, the weight gain, bloat, insomnia, and overall funk became unbearable. Saw everyone is having similar trouble. Quit cold turkey, 2.5 months ago. Feeling much better, immediately began losing weight. They say stopping was supposed to be dangerous, but I had no issues. Am not taking any other supplements."

• Mim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2018

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I've tried several different thyroid meds for Hashimoto's, and this is the worst I've felt by far! I couldn't go to the bathroom, couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, felt a lump in my throat, gained weight, was freezing cold, and ended up in the ER because of my stomach pains. I switched back to Armour Thyroid, but now need to see a gastroenterologist because my stomach is still suffering because of that dreaded Tirosint!!!!!"

• Mis...
• August 29, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was on name brand Synthroid from 2008 until 2019, my doctor switched me to Tirosint thinking that I would have less heart palpitations and better absorption. I was on 200 mcg of Synthroid, TSH was 0.01, I am now on 112 mcg of Tirosint with a TSH of 0.1. I gained a significant amount of weight, so my endo doctor added 5 mcg of T3, I have not lost any of the weight. Since starting Tirosint, my weight has increased from 116 lbs to 130-131. I exercise and move a lot and do watch what I eat, although I do allow sweets in moderation as I always have. I have also noticed an increase in hair loss, a lot of hair loss, and very dry hair, thankfully, I have thick hair, but the dryness is awful. Long story short, I don't believe Tirosint is the right medication for me as I have gained so much weight and lost a large amount of hair, even with the added T3, which didn't help to change the weight issues. I will be requesting to go back to name brand Synthroid with the added T3 to see if this helps."

• Jen...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 30, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking this levothyroxine for about 5.5 years now, and it has never made me feel any better than before I started. I have never lost weight and actually have gained! I have no energy at all, I, in fact, feel like I’m dying a slow death!! I have told my doctors over and over again that I don’t feel better, and yet they continue to feed me this rubbish along with some supplements, and still nothing works!! I have cried to the doctor about my symptoms, and they tried to give me depression medicine, which I refuse to take. I am not a depressed person, the only thing that brings me down is this medicine! I think I’m going to stop taking it altogether! This is absolutely despicable. I have a feeling it’s this rubbish medicine! There is not enough info about this disease!!"

• Jou...
• February 20, 2017

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was started on levothyroxine, then Armour, and my symptoms were worse than before medication. Tirosint literally gave me my life back. Then new insurance made me try Nature-Throid. Back to the same misery that plagued me the better part of the year. Whatever the cause or effect in chemistry, I am immediately changing back. Brain fog, sore muscles, lethargy, fatigue, constant hunger, weight gain. Never again will I try another medicine."