Understanding Possible Side Effects
The best way to determine if you have problems in your digestive tract is to complete a stool analysis. I order stool tests on all of my patients with thyroid problems so we can if there is a gut-thyroid connection. This test will tell you if you have any infections that could be affecting the thyroid gland. This test will also reveal if you have intestinal dysbiosis which is basically an imbalance in the bacterial colonies in the gut.
How To Maintain A Healthy Gut
Women may also notice that it takes days (or in some cases) weeks longer to have their period. This is an underreported side effect, but one that female synthroid users are likely to notice. Depression is a serious medical condition in and of itself, and should be interpreted as a sign that something is either amiss with synthroid dosing and/or that alternative options should be pursued. Anecdotal reports indicate that depression may become so severe (as a result of synthroid), that it may prompt suicidal thoughts and feelings of hopelessness.
So in order to help you get the most from your Synthroid treatment, it’s important to understand a few facts about Synthroid and what you can expect. Acid reflux is a common symptom of Hashimoto’s and is often caused by food sensitivities and H. Over the years, I’ve also had lots of people who have had IgG tests done that did not correlate to their symptoms.
thoughts on “Synthroid (Levothyroxine) Side Effects & Adverse Reactions”
Should you experience diarrhea as a side effect, it should be discussed with your doctor – especially if severe. Keep in mind that adjuvant administration of an over-the-counter agent such as Imodium may prove helpful in normalizing your bowel movements and minimizing gastrointestinal distress. Also understand that diarrhea may be transient and subside with continued synthroid usage. Deficits in cognitive function may be caused by too high of a synthroid dosage, leading to anxiety and inability to focus.
Foods high in fiber, such as beans and vegetables, can cause gas and bloating in some individuals. Eating too quickly or drinking carbonated beverages can also contribute to these symptoms. Keeping a food diary and identifying trigger foods can help manage gas and bloating.
SYNTHROID® (levothyroxine sodium) tablets, for oral use is a prescription, man-made thyroid hormone that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism in adults and children, including infants. It is meant to replace a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the tissues of the thyroid gland. Over time, this causes chronic inflammation in the thyroid and leads to hypothyroidism. People with hypothyroidism have an underactive thyroid gland and reduced thyroid hormone production. Therefore, Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism is defined as a hypothyroid condition caused by Hashimoto’s.
- When stomach contents reach the esophagus, it causes painful heartburn, which patients describe as chest pain with a burning sensation.
- Understand that synthroid dosing adjustment and/or continued treatment may reduce feelings of irritability.
- Lastly, it is important to be aware that symptoms of hyperthyroidism include cardiac (i.e heart) problems.
- The fatigue experienced while taking synthroid may be accompanied by brain fog, inability to think clearly, and/or cognitive deficits.
Gas and bloating occur in the body when there is excess gas trapped in the digestive system. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Gas can be produced in the stomach or small intestine through the digestion of certain foods or the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates by gut bacteria.
Does thyroid affect stomach acid?
Additional problems can be created by antacid medications called proton pump inhibitors. They shut down your acid production which is extremely vital for a healthy gut. Birth control pills also cause gut problems because they deplete your body of important nutrients for the gut such as folic acid. Issues with stomach acid, such as reflux and heartburn, can lead to your doctor diagnosing you with gastritis, which synthroid seasonique is basically inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It is important to note that gas and bloating can also be caused by certain foods or eating habits.
Some practitioners out there claim that food sensitivity tests are unreliable and worthless. Once I started working with an integrative doctor and tested for food sensitivities, I was found to have a gluten and dairy sensitivity. Both of these can be important reflux (and Hashimoto’s) triggers, but for me, the dairy was especially aggravating to the reflux (and carpal tunnel I was also experiencing). In 2014, Americans filled more than 170 million prescriptions for PPIs, and they are generally over-prescribed. 19 This treatment is often based on the assumption that there is too much stomach acid, but actually, this is rarely the case. I’ve seen a strong connection between reflux and Hashimoto’s, and the two share many similar possible root causes, including food sensitivities, gut infections, and nutrient depletions.
Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking it based on information found here. Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should take your thyroid medication first in order to make sure you are receiving the proper dose from your thyroid medication.