If your endocrinologist has diagnosed you with hypothyroidism, you've likely been advised to take thyroid medication. But why is it so critical, and what happens if you stop?
The Essence of Hypothyroidism and the Role of Thyroid Medication
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located in your neck, doesn't produce enough hormones. These hormones are integral in keeping your bodily functions ticking along smoothly.
Research has shown that changes in thyroid hormone levels can impact various bodily systems, highlighting the importance of maintaining stable levels for overall health. When your thyroid hormone levels dip you might experience a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, cloudy thinking, and pain in your muscles and joints. In some cases, you might even see changes in your hair, skin, menstrual cycle, and cholesterol levels.
That's where thyroid medication steps in—it fills the gap by providing your body with the right quantity of thyroid hormones. Maintaining this hormonal balance helps keep your body functioning optimally, thus aiding in good health and vitality.
However, it is important to underscore the need for careful monitoring of patients on thyroid hormone medication. Your healthcare provider will monitor your symptoms and thyroid hormone levels, adjusting your medication dose accordingly. Some studies have suggested a possible association between long-term levothyroxine usage—a commonly prescribed thyroid hormone replacement medication —and an increased relative risk of developing certain types of cancer(Wändell et al., 2020; Wu et al., 2021). Therefore, regular check-ups and discussions with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure the management of your thyroid condition is appropriate and effective.
Making Sense of Various Thyroid Medications
Too many choices can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when it comes to medications. While sorting your best option, it helps to remember that thyroid medication is mostly differentiated based on the hormones it replaces – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Ordinarily, your doctor might suggest beginning with a T4-only medication, working on the assumption that your body will convert sufficient T4 into T3. If you still have symptoms, then introducing a T3-only supplement might be next. Alternatively, you might be put on a combination pill, comprising both T4 and T3. This type of medication includes natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) or a compounded formulation tailored to your specific needs.
Risks of Stopping Thyroid Medication
Before debating, "Can you die if you stop taking Levothyroxine?" let's delve into what happens when you halt your medication intake.
It might not severely impact those with subclinical hypothyroidism - this is when you don’t have any hypothyroid symptoms but your blood test results show that your thyroid hormones are not in balance. However, it's important to note that the impact of stopping levothyroxine can vary depending on individual factors, and it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
If you suffer from overt hypothyroidism (a more severe form of hypothyroidism where you have noticeable symptoms)and you suddenly stop taking your medication the risk of adverse outcomes is amplified. Because levothyroxine has a relatively long half-life (about 7 days) i.e., it stays in your body for a while. So you may not notice any symptoms for the first couple of days. Most likely within the first week of cessation, you might feel drained and dull as your body's thyroid hormone levels dwindle. The longer you continue without your medication, the more severe these symptoms become.
Long-term non-treatment of overt hypothyroidism can expose you to life-threatening health issues, including a myxedema crisis—a rare but severe complication of hypothyroidism. It results in swelling across the body, and skin thickening, and can trigger symptoms like difficulty breathing, low sodium levels, shock, coma, and even seizures.
Finding Your Happy Medium with Thyroid Medication
Thyroid hormone deficiencies can sometimes go unnoticed for years, with some vague hypothyroid symptoms quietly affecting your well-being. However, without proper medication, you might experience significant discomfort that affects your mental and physical health.
Once you start on thyroid medication, remember that it takes around 4-6 weeks for your body to fully experience the effects. If you don’t feel like your symptoms are improving right away, be patient and continue taking the medication as advised by your healthcare provider. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose—in that case, just skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. If you often forget doses, setting an alarm may help remind you.
Ascertaining the Right Dosage
Even when you've determined the right type of medication, finding the optimal dosage is critical. Your healthcare provider will give you an initial dose based on your age, current health condition, and blood tests.
An overdose of thyroid medication can occur for various reasons, such as accidentally taking too much, an inappropriate prescription, or interactions with certain foods and medications. This may reverse your hypothyroid symptoms, making you feel like you have an overactive thyroid. These may include unease, jitteriness, sleep troubles, elevated heart rate, weight loss and more. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately contact your care provider.
Looking Ahead with Eureka: Your Companion for Thyroid Health
Halting your thyroid medication can lead to a resurgence of hypothyroid symptoms, emphasizing the importance of timely medical tests, visits, and medication compliance. Your best guard against this is proactive care.
Eureka, your trusted partner in health, makes your journey smoother by offering personalized recommendations. With Eureka, you can get free advice and strategies to enhance your thyroid health. This platform enables you to monitor your thyroid biomarkers, choose from an at-home kit, or get a local lab test.
Tracking your health with Eureka ensures that you remain in control of your wellness, helping you chart the course of your treatment. Eureka professionals specialize in hypothyroidism and collaborate with you, shaping a treatment plan comprising tailored medication, nutritional inputs, and lifestyle changes – all aimed at restoring and maintaining your well-being.
In a world where health conditions can prove to be challenging, experts like those at Eureka come as a breath of fresh air, always steering you towards a healthier, happier you.
References
1. Levothyroxine treatment is associated with an increased relative risk of overall and organ-specific incident cancers. (Wändell et al., 2020). Read more.
2. Risk of cancer in long‐term levothyroxine users: Retrospective population‐based study. (Wu et al., 2021). Read more.
