Yes, I also have never experienced that in more than 20 years on synthroid, although I have had plenty of other side effects.

I took it for years. I finally got a doctor that would do full thyroid workup on me including the t3 and a list of others. Unfortunately most just to t4 and ths. That's not adequate. I knew that but it is difficult to find a good doctor that understands the thyroid and how it should be tested. As I knew I had a problem with my t3. Drugs like Levothyroxine, synthroid do absolutely nothing to help t3. I am now on the wonderful Armour thyroid and doing much better. My original doctor that diagnosed me as a child had explained this to me and to be sure that I was full spectrum tested. It should be tested this way for everyone. So if you are not sure what tests were done ask!

On several occasions, our pharmacist has been able to answer questions more thoroughly and with better results than my doctor. Is it possible to go back to the pharmacy and ask for advice from them?

I won't let anyone but an endocrinologist advise on my thyroid. Learned the hard way many years ago ;0)

I've made the circle from hyperactive Graves in the early '90s to the predicted Hashimoto's (low to no function) about 10 years later. Seamlessly, once establishing myself with an endocrinologist - she knew my levels were dropping before I did with regular blood tests and made the med change accordingly.

Initially I took a med to block thyroid function, then after approx. 10 years found I needed some levothyroxine to supplement any I produced myself. We monitor that prescription amount closely but I've required few changes. I think I've taken levothyroxine approx. 15 years now. No side effects that point to it. That's not to say I feel flawlessly healthy every day of the week, but nothing is going on that makes the levo suspect. I've never been given any evidence that age plays a part in how much or how little thyroid med is needed to keep levels stable. In fact, my dose was reduced by 1/2 tablet one day per week this Spring. No symptoms I noticed, all lab work. I have a blood draw next month to see if that tiny reduction brought things back into my ideal range again.

I don't remember the nausea from before either so it may be unrelated-- also, hypothyroidism can cause bowel problems so it may just be a temporary thing as my system gets righted. I DO have a sensitive stomach so it's not all that much of a surprise and it could all be coincidence.

I am not opposed to going to an endocrinologist but I don't have one here (I did have one when I lived in Phila). I am in the process of changing drs so I'll discuss with the new one.

Regarding dosage changing when you age-- my grandmother's was reduced and I understand it's common to reduce the dosage in the elderly. I didn't ask why. I am not at an age where I'd expect my dosage to be decreased due to age. I am 54.

ETA: it's way too early to suspect that my levels aren't right. It will take a week or two to settle in-- and to adjust. As so many have noted, I will be returning in 3 months to have my levels checked, as is the norm.

I too had graves for 30 years and am now hypo and supplemented. One thing I learned from my endo is that what counts is how much you take over the course of a week. I feel so much better when I'm on the high end of normal vs. the low end that I am constantly shooting for that. So I'm doing pretty well with taking the pill 13 out of 14 days. At 6 out of 7 days a week, I was normal but on the low end and not happy. It's amazing how a simple change like that can help you target your best outcome.

The stomach adjustment could be because your system is speeding up the food digestion. After all, thyroid affects *everything*. I find my hair is better, my skin is less dry, my energy levels are up and I'm less achy when I'm on the high end of normal. Even in range, if on the low end, I do suffer hair loss, which I hate.

Three months seems like a long time between checks if you are trying to find and set your Rx level. So do call if you are not feeling well at all. Also, I'd do things like monitor BP and resting pulse rate which can be early indicators of hyperactivity. Another one that was always a dead give away is to open your mouth, leave your tongue resting in your mouth and look at the surface. When I was hyper, it would quiver like a bowl of jello.

Most important is that the results work for you, your body and your level of comfort. When it comes to thyroid, I'm big on treating the patient, not the symptoms.

I have been taking it for about 7 years. My levels seem to be pretty stable. I am just managed by my primary care doc and I don't have an endo. I don't really remember any side effects from when I started.

I would check with your doctor too if you are not feeling well and have concerns. That said, when I went on Nature Thyroid I experienced severe headaches for almost a week. The headaches went away and I feel much better now than pre-thyroid medication. That said, if I forget to take the meds for a few days I end up with severe headaches again. It was helpful for me to talk to my doctor to know whether or not I should be concerned with these side effects.

Funky, I don't have an endo here either. No one does, there are none in this community or our hospital. The closest is 55 miles. I choose to go to Seattle for best care, 105 miles one way making an endocrinologists appointment an all day affair...or course I can fit in a nice lunch and maybe an errand or two more fun before trying to beat the afternoon commute to the freeway.

Thanks for all the input. I will contact the dr if the nausea continues-- but as I said, I have a weak stomach so it could very well be coincidence. I am not concerned as yet. I was on this before-- and don't remember anything more than feeling better. I am eager for that feeling to return.

I have access to endocrinologists-- I just don't have one here and now. I'll consider one in the future.

Thanks again!

I’ve been on Synthroid for many, many years. I was hyper after my daughter was born 36 years ago, then my thyroid just crashed. My primary doctor refuses to prescribe the generic. He says it does not work as well. A few years ago, I go a notification from my health plan they would no longer cover Synthroid, even at a higher deductible. My doctor gave me a form to fill out to get it from the manufacturer (it actually comes from Eagle Pharmacy). It’s out of pocket, but It costs less than it did with my prescription plan—$65 for three months. Maybe the problem for you is the generic?

Yes, my endo says the same thing, deeinohio, and I pay $36 a month with coverage, so you're getting a very good deal on that.

Definitely see an endocrinologist. I went through some issues with mine until I saw an endo and all is well. I do believe their testing is more indepth. Hope you are feeling better soon on the new meds!

I've been on it for 25 years, few issues. Perhaps your symptoms are a coincidence? I do get tested every six months.

Considering it's only been a few days, I am not going to run back to the Dr. I am on the same dose I was taking before-- which may be insufficient now (we'll see after the follow up blood tests) but I am not worried about it being too much.

I am mostly asking about what to expect as I transition ON. I've read a little online -- and I know headaches are common and some interruption of sleep patterns. After a few weeks, my joint and muscle aches should improve-- and while I don't remember the transition, I DO remember a general increase in energy and well being.

Again, thanks for your experiences!

Odd side effects are always worth a conversation with the Doc or Pharmacist, IMHO. My thyroid went out after my third pregnancy. After all the tests--swallowing the pill dye etc...it started working again and lasted for about 10 years. Now it's been 15 on meds and my dose just went up. Every time I go to fill my 'scrip the price is different. It all depends on if it is on some list that Insurance companies decide about. I have had no side effects, but the very few times I have forgotten to take it--I felt sluggish all day. Energy level is a great indicator if the dose is correct, for me.

For me, the negative symptoms are when I don't take the thyroid hormone. So perhaps this is a dosage adjustment issue, as you have described. Or two separate issues. Hang in there! Keep us posted.

One thing to keep in mind, Synthroid and the generics are poorly absorbed unless you take it on an empty stomach with only water, and nothing else to eat or drink (except water) for at least 30 minutes. I take mine when my feet hit the floor in the morning, and count down the minutes until I can have coffee.

Oh yes, Same. I count the minutes until I hit 30 min-- I make my coffee, shower and do my makeup-- then grab my first cup of coffee! Ahhhhh!

Regarding what patience and funky said above, my aesthetician told me, her doctor told her to even barely drink water with her thyroid medication (I take Nature Throid). She keeps hers by her bedside table and when she wakes up to "go" in the middle of the night-she takes it then with a sip of water. She wants her coffee first thing in the morning too! I haven't tried that yet?