Doing Without Thyroid Medication and Getting Going Again

Thyroid Medication Mistakes To Avoid

• Skipping a Dose|
• Discontinuing Medication|
• Poor Absorption of Medication|
• Overprescribed Medication|
• Alternative Medications|
• Bottom Line|
• Recommended Products|

Thyroid hormone replacement medication, like levothyroxine (Synthroid), is prescribed when your thyroid gland isn't making enough thyroid hormone. The medication provides needed thyroid hormone, which helps with symptoms of hypothyroidism, similar fatigue, weight gain, or hair loss.

If you lot take Synthroid and y'all've ever wondered how long you can go without thyroid medication, you're not alone. Generally, if you lot accept a synthetic thyroid hormone like Synthroid and accidentally skip a dose, at that place's piffling harm. But non taking your thyroid medication for longer periods of fourth dimension can atomic number 82 to bigger problems and long-term risks.

On the other paw, overdiagnosis and overtreatment of hypothyroid are very mutual. [1 Trusted Source PubMed Go to source ] Additionally, with the right health support, some patients may be able to reduce or discontinue their thyroid hormone replacement. In this article, we'll assist you answer the question, "How long can you lot go without thyroid medication?"

Skipping a Dose

If y'all miss your dose of synthetic thyroid hormone (Levothyroxine), don't panic. Supplemental T4 hormone circulates in your blood for several days, so i missed dose won't impairment yous.

Synthetic thyroid hormone (Levothyroxine) does work best if you take it consistently, on an empty stomach, and at the aforementioned time every 24-hour interval. It's a good idea to develop good daily medication habits.

Notwithstanding, if you forget to take your thyroid medication on time, it'due south mostly OK to take information technology after in the day. The exception is if you missed a dose past more than 10 or 12 hours, in which instance you should look until your next scheduled dose.

Notation: If yous had a thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer or radioactive iodine therapy for Grave'south disease, your trunk no longer produces thyroid hormones. In this case, staying on top of your thyroid medication schedule is even more important. Missed doses of thyroid medication could lead to a noticeable increase in thyroid symptoms, such equally fatigue, feeling cold, dry skin, and weight gain.

Discontinuing Thyroid Medication

If you are truly hypothyroid, discontinuing your thyroid medication for a longer period of fourth dimension can have serious consequences. Within a few days to weeks, you tin can look symptoms of hypothyroidism, including:

• Fatigue
• Encephalon fog
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Constipation
• Dry skin and hair
• Hair loss
• Weight gain

Longer term, untreated hypothyroidism can atomic number 82 to more serious problems like heart illness, infertility, and cognitive problems. Severe hypothyroidism tin atomic number 82 to Myxedema blackout, a potentially fatal slowing of metabolism. Fortunately, this condition is rare.

There's no practiced reason to let overt hypothyroidism go untreated. Standard T4 hormone replacement is a safe medication with few side effects when taken at the right dosage.

How Well Are You Absorbing Your Thyroid Medication?

Certain foods, medications, or wellness conditions can cause yous to absorb your  thyroid hormone  poorly, finer lowering your dose.

According to a 2017 research review, the post-obit can decrease your ability to absorb the thyroid hormone levothyroxine [two Trusted Source PubMed Go to source ]:

• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac affliction, lactose intolerance, and H. pylori infection. [three Trusted Source PubMed Go to source , 4 Trusted Source PubMed Go to source , 5 Trusted Source PubMed Go to source , 6 Trusted Source PubMed Go to source ]
• Soybeans
• Java
• Certain medications: cholestyramine, colesevelam, ciprofloxacin, aluminum hydroxide, sevelamer, or proton pump inhibitors
• Sure supplements: calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium acetate, and iron sulfate

Vitamin C was found to increase thyroid medication absorption. [vii Trusted Source PubMed Go to source ]

The treatment of GI disorders can lead to increased absorption of thyroid medication. [8 Trusted Source PubMed Become to source ] This tin can also happen when you lot change your medication or even your diet.

Better absorption tin lead to as well much thyroid hormone. If y'all take a medication similar Synthroid and notice symptoms of hyperthyroidism (palpitations, anxiety, weight loss, and even high blood pressure), have your physician test your thyroid hormone levels.

For patients who cannot resolve the reason for poor medication absorption, liquid T4 may exist a better choice than standard T4 medication.

Thyroid Medication Is Overprescribed

A subset of people who have thyroid hormone replacement would likely be better off without this medication, as overdiagnosis of hypothyroid conditions is very common. [nine, 10 Trusted Source PubMed Go to source ]

One study showed upwards to threescore% of patients may exist taking thyroid hormone replacement unnecessarily. [xi Trusted Source PubMed Go to source ] In this study, 291 patients taking Levothyroxine (Synthroid) were asked to break their medication for 6-viii weeks. Many of these patients had been taking thyroid medication for years but did not have stiff diagnostic indicators of thyroid disease.

• After going without constructed thyroid hormone for several weeks, patients were given blood tests for thyroid function. 60.8% of patients had normal levels of thyroid hormone, meaning they did not require thyroid medication.

When Medication Is and Isn't Required

Standard claret tests for TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and free T4 are very reliable indicators of who needs thyroid hormone replacement [12]:

• TSH levels are abnormally loftier, and your free T4 levels are abnormally low: This means y'all have true hypothyroidism. T4 medication is required.
• Slightly elevated TSH levels and normal free T4: This is called subclinical hypothyroid. This is an early form of hypothyroidism and requires monitoring but not T4 medication.
• Low gratis T3: This is a sign of inflammation, digestive problems, or a nutrition too low in carbs or calories. T3 medication is not normally required.
• Elevated thyroid antibodies with normal thyroid hormone levels: In this instance, y'all practise not need thyroid hormone replacement. Hashimoto's disease does not ever atomic number 82 to hypothyroidism. [13 Trusted Source PubMed Go to source , xiv Trusted Source PubMed Go to source ]
• Low free T4 and normal TSH: This is a sign of dysfunction in the pituitary gland. Consult an endocrinologist.

Whether your thyroid condition requires medication or not, many thyroid conditions tin exist improved through better gut health. [15 Trusted Source PubMed Go to source , sixteen Trusted Source PubMed Go to source , 17 Trusted Source PubMed Become to source , 18 Trusted Source PubMed Go to source , 19 Trusted Source PubMed Go to source , xx Trusted Source PubMed Go to source , 21 Trusted Source PubMed Become to source ]

Alternative Thyroid Medications

Online search results frequently recommend culling thyroid medications similar Armour Thyroid and T4/T3 combination therapy. While alternative thyroid meds have their place, their potential for resolving thyroid issues  is oft overstated. [22 Trusted Source PubMed Go to source ]

Additionally, thyroid hormone replacement therapy helps to balance your hormones, but information technology doesn't go to the root cause of thyroiditis and autoimmunity.

Don't chase the next miracle supplement or the all-time thyroid medication. Thyroid patients do meliorate when they follow a simple, step-past-step process that addresses health fundamentals first:

1. If you are truly hypothyroid, go on standard thyroid hormone replacement.
2. If thyroid medication alone doesn't resolve your symptoms, take steps to improve your gut health.
3. Once your gut is in better shape, fine-melody your medications and thyroid supplements.

Bottom Line

Many people with thyroid problems wonder, "How long can you go without thyroid medication?"

While information technology'southward good to develop a consequent routine for taking your thyroid medication, it'southward generally not a problem to occasionally miss a dose.

Standard thyroid medication like Synthroid is generally rubber and effective when used in the correct doses. Annotation that improving your gut health may help you absorb your medication.

Go along in mind there'southward more to thyroid health than maintaining your thyroid hormone levels. For case, thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's disease are a sign of imbalances such as gut dysbiosis, gut infections, and immune dysfunction. If you take steps to improve your gut health, your thyroid gland will likely benefit.

For professional help with your thyroid health, schedule an appointment at our center for functional medicine.

➕ References

1. Livadas S, Bothou C, Androulakis I, Boniakos A, Angelopoulos N, Duntas 50. Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy and Overuse: A Timely Diagnostic Arroyo. Thyroid. 2018 Nov 30. doi: 10.1089/thy.2018.0014. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 30351232. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

2. Skelin K, Lucijanić T, Amidžić Klarić D, Rešić A, Bakula Thou, Liberati-Čizmek AM, Gharib H, Rahelić D. Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Assimilation of Levothyroxine: A Review. Clin Ther. 2017 Feb;39(2):378-403. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.01.005. Epub 2017 Jan 30. PMID: 28153426. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

3. Ribichini D, Fiorini G, Repaci A, Castelli V, Gatta L, Vaira D, Pasquali R. Tablet and oral liquid 50-thyroxine formulation in the treatment of naïve hypothyroid patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Endocrine. 2017 Sep;57(3):394-401. doi: ten.1007/s12020-016-1167-3. Epub 2016 November 15. PMID: 27848196. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

4. Bugdaci MS, Zuhur SS, Sokmen Chiliad, Toksoy B, Bayraktar B, Altuntas Y. The role of Helicobacter pylori in patients with hypothyroidism in whom could not be achieved normal thyrotropin levels despite treatment with high doses of thyroxine. Helicobacter. 2011 Apr;16(ii):124-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-5378.2011.00830.x. Erratum in: Helicobacter. 2011 Dec;16(6):482. Albayrak, Banu [corrected to Bayraktar, Banu]. PMID: 21435090. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

5. Centanni M, Gargano Fifty, Canettieri G, Viceconti N, Franchi A, Delle Fave Yard, Annibale B. Thyroxine in goiter, Helicobacter pylori infection, and chronic gastritis. Due north Engl J Med. 2006 Apr 27;354(17):1787-95. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa043903. PMID: 16641395. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

6. Talebi S, Karimifar Thou, Heidari Z, Mohammadi H, Askari G. The furnishings of synbiotic supplementation on thyroid function and inflammation in hypothyroid patients: A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Jan;48:102234. doi: x.1016/j.ctim.2019.102234. Epub 2019 Nov 3. PMID: 31987229. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

7. Skelin Grand, Lucijanić T, Amidžić Klarić D, Rešić A, Bakula Thousand, Liberati-Čizmek AM, Gharib H, Rahelić D. Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review. Clin Ther. 2017 February;39(2):378-403. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.01.005. Epub 2017 Jan thirty. PMID: 28153426. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

8. Bugdaci MS, Zuhur SS, Sokmen M, Toksoy B, Bayraktar B, Altuntas Y. The part of Helicobacter pylori in patients with hypothyroidism in whom could not be achieved normal thyrotropin levels despite treatment with high doses of thyroxine. Helicobacter. 2011 April;xvi(2):124-thirty. doi: ten.1111/j.1523-5378.2011.00830.ten. Erratum in: Helicobacter. 2011 Dec;sixteen(6):482. Albayrak, Banu [corrected to Bayraktar, Banu]. PMID: 21435090. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

9. Melville, N. A. (2019, May 16). Mild Hypothyroidism Beingness Overtreated, Avoid Pills, Says Panel. Medscape Medical News.

10. Livadas S, Bothou C, Androulakis I, Boniakos A, Angelopoulos North, Duntas L. Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy and Overuse: A Timely Diagnostic Arroyo. Thyroid. 2018 Nov 30. doi: 10.1089/thy.2018.0014. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 30351232. Trusted Source PubMed Get to source

11. Livadas S, Bothou C, Androulakis I, Boniakos A, Angelopoulos N, Duntas L. Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy and Overuse: A Timely Diagnostic Approach. Thyroid. 2018 Nov 30. doi: 10.1089/thy.2018.0014. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 30351232. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

12. Sheehan MT. Biochemical Testing of the Thyroid: TSH is the Best and, Frequently, But Test Needed – A Review for Primary Care. Clin Med Res. 2016 Jun;14(2):83-92. doi: 10.3121/cmr.2016.1309. Epub 2016 May 26. PMID: 27231117; PMCID: PMC5321289.

13. Ehlers M, Jordan AL, Feldkamp J, Fritzen R, Quadbeck B, Haase M, Allelein S, Schmid C, Schott M. Anti-Thyroperoxidase Antibiotic Levels >500 IU/ml Bespeak a Moderately Increased Risk for Developing Hypothyroidism in Autoimmune Thyroiditis. Horm Metab Res. 2016 Sep;48(10):623-629. doi: x.1055/s-0042-112815. Epub 2016 Sep 8. PMID: 27607246. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

14. Amouzegar A, Gharibzadeh S, Kazemian E, Mehran L, Tohidi Thousand, Azizi F. The Prevalence, Incidence and Natural Course of Positive Antithyroperoxidase Antibodies in a Population-Based Study: Tehran Thyroid Study. PLoS 1. 2017 Jan 4;12(1):e0169283. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169283. PMID: 28052092; PMCID: PMC5215694. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

15. Bertalot G, Montresor Thousand, Tampieri M, Spasiano A, Pedroni One thousand, Milanesi B, Favret Chiliad, Manca North, Negrini R. Decrease in thyroid autoantibodies after eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2004 Nov;61(five):650-ii. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2004.02137.x. PMID: 15521972. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

16. Ribichini D, Fiorini G, Repaci A, Castelli 5, Gatta Fifty, Vaira D, Pasquali R. Tablet and oral liquid L-thyroxine conception in the treatment of naïve hypothyroid patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Endocrine. 2017 Sep;57(3):394-401. doi: x.1007/s12020-016-1167-3. Epub 2016 Nov 15. PMID: 27848196. Trusted Source PubMed Get to source

17. Bugdaci MS, Zuhur SS, Sokmen M, Toksoy B, Bayraktar B, Altuntas Y. The role of Helicobacter pylori in patients with hypothyroidism in whom could non be achieved normal thyrotropin levels despite treatment with high doses of thyroxine. Helicobacter. 2011 Apr;16(2):124-xxx. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-5378.2011.00830.x. Erratum in: Helicobacter. 2011 December;16(6):482. Albayrak, Banu [corrected to Bayraktar, Banu]. PMID: 21435090. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

18. Centanni M, Gargano 50, Canettieri Chiliad, Viceconti N, Franchi A, Delle Fave Grand, Annibale B. Thyroxine in goiter, Helicobacter pylori infection, and chronic gastritis. N Engl J Med. 2006 Apr 27;354(17):1787-95. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa043903. PMID: 16641395. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

19. Asik G, Gunes F, Binnetoglu Due east, Eroglu M, Bozkurt N, Sen H, Akbal East, Bakar C, Beyazit Y, Ukinc K. Subtract in TSH levels subsequently lactose restriction in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients with lactose intolerance. Endocrine. 2014 Jun;46(2):279-84. doi: 10.1007/s12020-013-0065-1. PMID: 24078411. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

20. Virili C, Bassotti G, Santaguida MG, Iuorio R, Del Duca SC, Mercuri 5, Picarelli A, Gargiulo P, Gargano Fifty, Centanni M. Atypical celiac disease as cause of increased need for thyroxine: a systematic written report. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Mar;97(iii):E419-22. doi: x.1210/jc.2011-1851. Epub 2012 Jan xi. PMID: 22238404. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

21. Rajič B, Arapović J, Raguž K, Bošković M, Babić SM, Maslać S. Eradication of Blastocystis hominis prevents the evolution of symptomatic Hashimoto'southward thyroiditis: a case report. J Infect Dev Ctries. 2015 Jul 30;nine(7):788-91. doi: x.3855/jidc.4851. PMID: 26230132. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

22. Wiersinga WM. L-T4 and Fifty-T3 combined treatment vs L-T4 alone. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2007 Sep;68(iv):216-ix. doi: 10.1016/j.ando.2007.06.008. Epub 2007 Aug 8. PMID: 17689474. Trusted Source PubMed Go to source

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