Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): Is it possible to stop taking thyroid medication once you start? The answer is sometimes but not always. There are some conditions which allow you to potentially stop taking your thyroid medication or to even reduce your dose.
But if you do this without the right supervision it can be dangerous.
Today, I am going to discuss 3 (or 4) different situations which relate to the idea of stopping your medication. Try to figure out which category you fit into.
#1. Those who need thyroid medication.
If you fit into this group then you will HAVE to use thyroid medication. People who fall into this group include those who don't have a thyroid (because it's been removed), those who have had their thyroid destroyed (with radioactive iodine), and those with a nonfunctioning thyroid gland.
People who have end-stage Hashimoto's fit into this category. Even though their thyroid gland is technically in their body it is no longer functioning.
#2. Those who don't need thyroid medication.
The next group of people are those who were started on thyroid medication but now no longer need it. And believe me, this group of people is actually quite large!
These people were either incorrectly placed on thyroid medication and kept on it for a long time or they are people who needed the medication at some point but no longer do (more on that below).
#3. Those who need it temporarily.
There are a number of conditions that cause a need for thyroid medication temporarily but this need doesn't stay around forever.
Conditions such as weight gain (obesity), high stress, nutrient deficiencies, iodine deficiencies, and early Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
If you have one fo these conditions it doesn't necessarily mean you need to be on thyroid medication forever because if you can treat them then you may be able to get off of your medicine.
#4. Those who may be able to reduce their dose.
Lastly, even if it isn't possible for you to stop taking your thyroid medication completely it still may be possible for you to reduce your dose by some percentage.
In order for this to work, though, you need to be addressing some of those issues listed above! For instance, if you can lose a bunch of weight then you may be able to reduce your dose of thyroid medication.
This applies to people on Synthroid, levothyroxine, NDT, and all types of thyroid medication.
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- For thyroid hormone production and conversion: +
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- For gut health:
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I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.
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This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.
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