Common side effects of levothyroxine include heat intolerance, a fast heart rate, and diarrhea. More serious levothyroxine side effects are also possible. If you experience side effects like tremors or mood changes, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you can.
What are the long-term effects of thyroid medication? The long-term effects of thyroid medication include weight fluctuations, sensitivity to heat, joint pain, changes to your menstrual cycle, and possibly even autoimmune dysfunction.
Yes, it's safe to take levothyroxine for a long time, even many years. However, high doses of levothyroxine over a long time can sometimes cause weakening of the bones (osteoporosis). This should not happen if you are on the right dose. It's important to have regular blood tests to make sure your dose is not too high.
You should start to feel better a few days after you begin taking medicine. But it may take a few months for your thyroid hormone levels to get back to normal. If your levels get better, but you still have symptoms like fatigue and weight gain, your doctor may need to change your treatment.
Thyroid patients who consistently take the right dose of thyroid replacement medication can lead healthy lives and may even have increased longevity.
ANSWER: For mild cases of hypothyroidism, not all patients need treatment. Occasionally, the condition may resolve without treatment. Follow-up appointments are important to monitor hypothyroidism over time, however. If hypothyroidism doesn't go away on its own within several months, then treatment is necessary.
If you suddenly stop your thyroid medication, you may be at risk of potentially serious symptoms, including: Blood pressure changes. Fatigue, muscle weakness or joint pain. Depression.
While undertreatment with levothyroxine can lead to weight gain, overtreatment can result in weight loss as well as adverse effects including bone and muscle loss and heart problems, especially arrhythmias. Once the excess hormone is stopped (that is, the dose is adjusted downward), the weight is typically regained.
Both weight gain and weight loss are possible side effects. Many people do not take the right dosage of levothyroxine, and both undertreatment and overtreatment can have an effect on weight. Levothyroxine weight gain may be tied to undertreatment, according to the ATA.
Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid, which can cause weight gain. Taking medication for this condition may help a person lose excess weight. Treating an underactive thyroid may cause a person to lose some weight, but thyroid medication is not a weight loss drug.
With thyroid fatigue, you may feel like you can't get through a day without a nap. You may sleep more than usual but still feel completely exhausted. You may not even have the energy to exercise. At times, you may fall asleep during the day or very quickly at night.
But your thyroid hormone levels can be sensitive to changes and taking levothyroxine can cause your levels to rise too much. This can cause side effects like heat intolerance, a fast heart rate, and mood changes. Let your healthcare provider know about any symptoms that bother you while taking levothyroxine.
An underactive thyroid is a lifelong condition, so you'll usually need to take levothyroxine for the rest of your life. If you're prescribed levothyroxine because you have an underactive thyroid, you're entitled to a medical exemption certificate.
While some studies indicate that hypothyroidism is associated with increased risk for dementia, others find no association, or that thyroid hormone therapy increases risk [11; 12; 13].
Side Effects of Thyroid Medication
Increased sweating. Mood swings/irritability. Nervousness. Fatigue.
Levothyroxine is considered the gold standard for hypothyroidism treatment. Experts consider levothyroxine to be the first-choice medication for treating hypothyroidism. This is because it works well and doesn't have too many side effects. Levothyroxine is generally preferred over medications like Armour Thyroid.
Weight gain
Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.
When you start taking thyroid medication like levothyroxine, don't expect instant weight loss. The first barrier is getting the right dose of thyroid medication. Once you have reached your ideal dose, you may notice some weight loss after around three to six months of continuous use.
Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism, making it more difficult to lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy body weight. But weight loss is still possible with hypothyroidism.
In most cases, thyroid hormone medication works quickly to correct symptoms. People with hypothyroidism who take thyroid hormone medication usually notice: Improved energy level.
The most commonly prescribed thyroid hormone is called levothyroxine (Synthroid®), but there are others available. Thyroid hormones increase the body's metabolism which may cause weight loss.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Symptoms of thyroid storm include: Feeling extremely irritable or grumpy. High systolic blood pressure, low diastolic blood pressure, and fast heartbeat. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
A thyroid disease is often a life-long medical condition that you will need to manage constantly. This often involves a daily medication. Your healthcare provider will monitor your treatments and make adjustments over time. However, you can usually live a normal life with a thyroid disease.