Does Levothyroxine Cause Acne
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I have been taking 25mcg for about 6 weeks and feel much better, no weight loss, but no gain. I have developed acne on my chin and around the right side of my mouth...is this a side effect? Anyone else had this happen?

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Me too, my doctor just raised my dose from 50 to 75, I have been on it for 4 days and am having a bad breakout on my chin and the area around it. I have had clear skin my whole life until now and am in my mid 40's.... This is really unusual for me and it started with the higher dosage.

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Dr. switched me from generic to Levoxyl, hoping for better results.


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Update - after speaking with my doctor, who agreed it was related to the Levothyroxine, I stopped taking the meds and my rash cleared up in a few days. From what my doctor said, it's not the prescription, but the filler that is added to make the pill large enough to ingest. I am now on Armor Thyroid and am not having any problems at all

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I hope somebody comes out with the answer!!

I have started also taking medicines... 3 weeks ago and its all over my face .. near ears and back.. I am taking levoxin 25mcg. Its really frustrating.. to have them.. does anybody have a home remedy to cure them?

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I thought I was wrong too...but seeing all this post about it. I myself have been taken levothyroxine for 3 mths.I first started on 100mcg now I'm on 75mcg but still have been breaking out on my forehead, cheecks, breast, back, its really grooss! I've asked my doctor too and all they say is that its not the meds but I know it is haven't had this before. Any suggestions on what to take or do???

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I'm so glad to see these posts, I thought I was crazy! I'm Levothyroxine 53 yrs old, was put on 100 mcg and about a month after I started, even though all of the other symptoms were immediately better, my face (particularly the entire forehead) is completely broken out with what looks more like a rash than even acne, some near the mouth, chin, nose. I have never had acne in my entire life! Have an appointment w/the dr. soon and will discuss, thanks for these posts as back-up info!

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Levothyroxine provides only T4 not T3.

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I had been on the common thyroid meds for 9 years. I take 175mcg. I broke out in acne on my back, my jawline, my chin, and upper shoulders and arms. I went to a holistic Dr. And she told me it was from the med. She took me off the med and put me on the natural thyroid T 3 T4 med called Armour Thyroid. Levo only provides T3 no T4. You need both. Also, I only take 150 mcg. On this natural thyroid. All my acne went away on the natural Armour Thyroid. Also, my Dr. Gave me the book, Stop the Thyroid Madness. GET A COPY!!! Well worth it! Also, the blood test for thyroid is archic and only a GUESS at what is a "normal". My Dr. Treats the symptoms and doesn't go by the bloodwork numbers. I had dry skin, acne, hair loss, always cold, and one thing that seems fun y but is also a symptom of hypothyroidism, is a cold butt!!! I also had brain fog, and fatigue. it all went away on the right dosage of Armour Thyroid. I HIGHLY recommend the book!! Arm yourself with knowledge and questions for your next trip to the Drs.!!!!

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I agree 100%. I developed cystic acne on my face and acanthosis nigricans on my stomach, breast, and neck since, I started taking medication. How much research is conducted on a medication? Any input from health insurance to emphasize the prescription of the same?

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You can stop taking the medication. But, ask your doctor for a different medication. Believe me, I am vain. I spend tons of money on my face to prevent progressive aging. But, thyroid can make your life even worse. whether hypo or hyper. You can develop myxedema, goiter, hair loss, eyebrow hair loss, fatigue, light sensitivity, body skin hyper pigmentation, acanthosis nigricans, weight gain, brain fog, you name it. unfortunately, your thyroid is very important.

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yes. I have been taking 50mcg of levothyroxine and I developed cystic acne on my chin and forehead. Quite common, but doctors still maintain denial on the topic.

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I take 125mcg of Levothyroxine and i have developed acne on my back. Not sure if this is why, because i have also stoped taking my birthd controll pill, which also could be the reason.

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And...
As for all the doctors who claim there is 'no' connection between thyroxine and pimples...

Shouldn't they really say 'there is 'no known' connection between thyroxine and acne."

If they dare to say more than this, they simply don't understand the scientific method!

Or else, our doctor ought to present us with scientific studies which have 'proven' that there is no causal relationship between thyroxine use and acne...

I find it highly unlikely that any such study has ever been conducted, by an independant body, since there would be little financial benefit in such a study. Also, to prove that there is NO causal link would be impossible to do, even if you did undertake such an experiment, since you could only go as far as to say that there was no causal link for the sample of people who were involved in the experiment. Scientists have to give their results in terms of +/- 'percentage' accuracy etc - despite the way science is presented to us in the media - results are never beyond re-investigation.




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Add me to the list.
I had been taking 50mcg thyroxine for 3 years without any noticable side effects, but when I increased my dose to 75mcg two months ago I began to develop pimples on my chin. I am hoping they will get better as my body gets used to the new dose. If not, then what...???!

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Me too!! I have always always had clear skin, even as a teenager. But since starting Levothyroxine, my skin has gone crazy - new breakouts every day, cystic acne, also my skin is taking so much longer to heal itself. It's making me so unhappy I'm going to stop taking it.

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I have been taking 50mcg generic Levothyroxin for 4 weeks and have cyctic acne on my nose. Doctor said there is no connection. I have always had clear skin. Has anyone had better luck with a name brand?

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Been on 50mg Levothyroxin (Almus mfr.) for 3 weeks due to under active Thyroid. . Now developed rash under arms and breasts. Phoned Dr. to report this. She said not the drug, but as I have never had problems before in my life, I know it is. The leaflet also says report any rash. Others on here speak of rash on face - not so kind, so good luck. Can anyone provide any guidance relating to my problem, please?

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I have been on levothyroxin for 15+ years and have had these acne symptoms but never made the connection. I have finally found relief by taking a low dose of doxycycline daily.

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I have been taking Levothyroxine for 4 days and started developing acne.

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I have been on levothyroxine 50 mcg for 2 months now. I have oily skin but only had bad acne on my teens years. Now, at 36yo and I am having really bad acne breakout. I tried different acne medication, but nothing seems to work. My doctor stated the same thing.. acne and levothyroxine have no connections. But, i believe there is one. Possible increase of estrogen levels?

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