Myth: Synthroid is the Best Treatment for Hypothyroidism.
“The endocrinologist did diagnose hypothyroidsim, and put me on Synthroid, but the symptoms didn’t improve.” “She said “your labs are fine, there’s nothing wrong with you, you’re okay’”.
–Karen P.
But Karen wasn’t okay. Her doctor told her that she should feel normal on Synthroid, but she didn’t. Karen had rapid weight gain, patchy hair loss, and debilitating fatigue, and she wasn’t feeling any better. Does this sound like you?
Why Synthroid is Not Effective
Often patients who have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism will complain that they still have fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, depression, constipation, and cold hands and feet, even though they have been placed on Synthroid. This is a very common occurrence, and here’s why.
Synthetic thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine, are found in the brand names Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, and Levothroid. Levothyroxine is a synthetic (man-made) version of thyroxine (T4), the inactive thyroid hormone, that is made and released by your thyroid gland. Your cells must be able to convert T4 to T3, the active form of thyroid hormone, in order to produce energy. For this reason, many people still experience all the symptoms of hypothyroidism even though they are taking this medication.
At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we treat hypothyroidism with bioidentical compounded T3/T4, which includes both the inactive thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4), as well as triiodothyronine (T3), the active thyroid hormone.
Karen got her life back.
Many women, like Karen, experience hair loss as one of their symptoms, which also happens to be a common side effect of Synthroid. Karen decided to take charge of her health and research other options for treatment. After coming to the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, Karen got her life and energy back! Watch her story here.
If you are frustrated with your thyroid treatment, don’t lose hope because there is a solution and you can get rid of these symptoms once and for all.
Have you been taking Synthroid? Tell us about your experience below.
Click on the button below to get your complimentary e-book, Hypothyroidism 101!
Kristine Sullivan
Hello,
I have had issues with my thyroid for many years and have been prescribed synthroid years ago but it did nothing for my symptoms. My test results fall in the normal range but I have a small goiter which I had ultrasound done today. Is the natural desiccated capsule something my physician can prescribe?
Sincerely,
Kristine
Hotze Team
Dear Kristine,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We find that Synthroid is often ineffective at treating hypothyroidism. It is synthetic T4, the inactive thyroid hormone. Our doctors have great success with desiccated thyroid, which has T4 and T3, the active thyroid hormone. Here is a good video of our doctors explaining this: http://makeshift-worm.flywheelsites.com/2011/07/desiccated-thyroid-vs-synthetic-thyroid-dr-hotz/
Yes, your doctor can prescribe desiccated thyroid for you. We compound it at Hotze Pharmacy at https://www.hotzepharmacy.com/, and you may call them at 877-640-5248.
Also, our doctors focus on listening to your symptoms, not relying on a blood test. The TSH test often fails the patient because the lab range is so wide. Here is a good article on this: http://makeshift-worm.flywheelsites.com/2018/01/why-your-doc-misses-the-hypothyroidism-diagnosis/
If we may be of service to you, please call our Wellness Consultants for a complimentary wellness consultation at 281-698-8698. We will be happy to help you!
To your health,
Hotze Team
Renee
I’ve begged my doctor to do more extensive test because I still suffer from ALL the symptoms. I’m extremely tired, hair loss, weight gain, memory is getting worse, can not focus or concentrate, highly agitated, no libido & can go on. I’m on .555 levothroxine & have been on this dose for several years.
She just ran another thyroid test & it came up normal. She sent me a letter saying everything was fine…and nothing open to discussion. I live in a small town & don’t know where to go for help. I’ve tried to share research & articles with her in hopes that she might understand but nothing. Can you give me some advice?
Beth
I’ve had a thyroidectomy and hysterectomy (kept my ovaries)in the past 6 months. I’ve gained 15lbs in 2 months, despite eating 1200 calories per day and walking 3 miles six days per week. My Endocrinologist added Cytomel to my Levothyroxine (175 mcg) for better absorption but I feel heavy and lethargic, afraid to keep stepping on the scale.
Thank you for the info, I am going to ask about the hormones and dissected thyroid. If she cannot help me, is there another type of Dr I should seek out? Is it possible for me to become a virtual patient?
Thank you!
Hotze Team
Dear Beth,
Thank you for reaching out to us. If you gaining weight despite your exercise efforts, that is an indicator that your metabolism is off. You may not be on the right dose or even the right kind of thyroid medication for your body’s needs. Our doctors have had much greater success in using desiccated thyroid, which is identical to the hormones made by our thyroid gland. Levothyroixine is only synthetic T4, the inactive thyroid hormone.
Also, even if your ovaries have been spared, ovarian dysfunction or atrophy commonly occurs within two years following removal of the uterus, causing a predictable decline in progesterone and estrogen levels. Here is an article that may be helpful: http://makeshift-worm.flywheelsites.com/2017/07/what-happens-to-your-hormones-after-a-hysterectomy/
We will be happy to help you. Please call our Wellness Consultants for a complimentary wellness consultation at 281-698-8698. It would be our privilege to serve you.
To your health,
Hotze Team