9 Synthroid Side Effects That Might Mean Your Dosage Is Way Off

Low-dose synthroid users are less likely to experience side effects from the medication and more likely to still experience symptoms of hypothyroidism (or another condition being treated with synthroid). At lower doses, it is easier for the body to accommodate the non-bioidentical, synthetic material and tolerate some hormonal stimulation. That said, when a certain threshold of hormonal stimulation is surpassed with high-dose synthroid – side effects are virtually guaranteed. Some individuals report that bloating experienced on synthroid is also accompanied by weight gain. To minimize the likelihood of bloating while taking synthroid, be sure to eat a clean, healthy diet (devoid of processed foods – as these can exacerbate existing bloating).

• Have your doctor reassess your synthroid dosage and reevaluate your TSH plus other thyroid parameters.
• For instance, consuming foods that produce gas — like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, or beans — can worsen bloat.
• Acupuncture can affect the internal organs by stimulating the somatic nervous system.
• Did you know that many diseases can be traced to a breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract?
• Instructions for dosing with synthroid should be reviewed prior to initial administration.

It is also recommended to avoid taking other medications or supplements within four hours of taking levothyroxine, as they can interfere with its absorption and effectiveness. Hypothyroidismdecreases gastroesophageal motility, causing symptoms of acid reflux. If the symptoms continue, it can lead to the more severe and chronic form of acid reflux called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Hashimoto’s disease leads to esophageal motility disorder, which manifests as symptoms of acid reflux such as heartburn, bloating, and sour taste. Thyroid problems such as autoimmune thyroid disease or Hashimoto’s disease can cause autoimmune gastritis. Autoimmune gastritis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which antibodies destroy parietal cells of the stomach.

Most individuals won’t swell to gigantic proportions, but it may be obvious that some swelling has occurred. For certain users, swelling may be most noticeable when first beginning treatment and thereafter, it may completely subside. That said, the swelling may be significant enough to cause joint and/or muscle pain – especially if it worsens over time. While sleep may normalize after weeks (or months) of synthroid treatment, a hypnotic may be prescribed to ensure that sleep disturbances aren’t taking an additional toll on your health. You may also want to make lifestyle changes to ensure a healthy circadian rhythm.

Instructions for dosing with synthroid should be reviewed prior to initial administration. Many people taking synthroid listen to their doctor’s dosing instructions, as well as those given by a pharmacist, but fail to actually implement them. Time of dosing as well as whether synthroid is taken without food – are important factors that affect therapeutic response rates and side effects.

Got Acid Reflux? And Hashimoto’s?

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy can improve esophageal motility and reduce symptoms when low thyroid hormone levels are the primary cause. Over-the-counter remedies, including antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, may provide symptomatic relief. They should be used cautiously, though, due to their potential interference with thyroid medication absorption. Lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and losing weight, can also alleviate symptoms. For individuals with persistent acid reflux or GERD, addressing thyroid health alongside targeted dietary and medical interventions may offer effective relief. Excess estrogen in the body can suppress thyroid hormone function by increasing proteins that bind to thyroid hormone.

Day Thyroid Meal Plan

Also, any disordered eating behaviours (such as skipping meals, ignoring hunger, eating a really low-calorie diet etc.) can also contribute to stomach issues. Some experience more reflux when they are not eating enough, or often enough (smaller snacks may work better than fewer, large meals). Whether you have high or low stomach acid issues, you will likely benefit from exploring why exactly, before immediately going to acid suppressing medication. Yes, stomach acid that is allowed to move past the esophageal sphincter (the gatekeeper between your throat and your stomach) causes the burning sensation. But when you have adequate stomach acid, this sphincter will receive a signal to close and not allow the passage of acid or food to make its way into the throat. Although millions of people have hypothyroidism, there are many misconceptions around managing it.

Learn more about thyroid and digestion issues HERE.

Be sure to let your doctor know if there are any changes to your diet or to the medications you take. You can see a list of the foods and medications that can affect the way Synthroid works here. Dr. Wentz has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease, after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2009. As a patient advocate, researcher, clinician and educator, she is committed to raising awareness on how to overcome autoimmune thyroid disease. My hope is that this article has given you solution-driven tips on how to eliminate the painful, annoying, and persistent symptoms of acid reflux, and uncover the actual root cause(s).

She is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology. Dr. Brighten synthroid eyelids is an international speaker, clinical educator, and medical advisor within the fem-tech community. Dr. Jolene Brighten, NMD, is a women’s hormone expert and prominent leader in women’s medicine.

Conventional Approach to Treating Acid Reflux

The acid reflux medication should be taken about an hour after your thyroid medication. Doctors recommended everything from raising the head of the bed to prescription reflux medications. But these were just “band-aid” solutions and did not get to the root cause of my reflux!

Advanced Testing for Acid Reflux

Then I realized that along with adjusting my diet, I also needed to do more to address stress. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) can find histamine producers, including mold and Candida, that can result in reflux. I cannot stress the importance of doing the right test, as there are various types of food reactions out there, governed by different branches of the immune system. I remember telling a coworker about how I resolved my acid reflux by doing a food sensitivity test. He was really hopeful to get rid of his acid reflux and asked his allergist to do testing for him.