Signs You Can Stop Taking Thyroid Medication

Early research suggests that up to 30% of thyroid patients currently taking thyroid medication may not need it. That's great and all but what does that mean for you? How can you tell if you are in that lucky 30%? Well, if you've ever wondered about that I've got some good news for you:

We have some signs that, if present, indicate that you have a higher likelihood of getting off of your thyroid medication. In addition to these positive signs, we also have some negative ones as well and today I'm going to go over both.

Before we jump in, you should be aware that this data is still emerging so it's subject to change as we get more information. If it does change then you can bet I will provide you with that updated information but, for now, this is what we have.

These positive signs indicate you have a higher likelihood of getting off and staying off of thyroid medication:

- If you've been using thyroid medication for less than 4 years.
- If you had a normal free T4 on diagnosis.
- If your current TSH is less than 1.8.
- If you are taking a low dose of thyroid medication (usually less than 50 mcg).
- If you are a woman (women are 2x more likely to get off their thyroid medication).

These are unfavorable signs:

- If you have a heterogenous thyroid on ultrasound.
- If you have positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies with diffuse echogenicity on thyroid ultrasound.
- If your TSH was greater than 8 at the time of diagnosis.
- If your treated TSH is greater than 9.
- If you were diagnosed at a young age.
- If you had a positive thyroglobulin antibody level at the time of diagnosis.

The presence or absence of any of these signs doesn't guarantee anything so don't get discouraged if you have a lot of negative signs and few positive signs.

#thyroid #thyroidmedication #levothyroxine #synthroid #thyroidproblems #hashimoto #hashimotosthyroiditis #hashimotosdisease

Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:

See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:

Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here:

Disclaimer:

This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's

[rev.dr.heatherm.ruggiwi]

My sign: I started to forget to take it, after taking it for 7yrs. Then I became extremely anxious when I took the medication. When I thought to taper off (half the pill), the anxiety got worse with each half-pill. I did that for 3 days and just stopped taking it altogether and no problems. That was over a 1 week span or so. I was on the lowest dose and didn’t bother with labs. Thankfully I didn’t need to resume and no longer take any pharmaceuticals or any drugs whatsoever. My body doesn’t want the chemicals (can’t even take a Tylenol). Listen to your body 🙏🏻

[-livingjesusever-]

This is exactly the kind of video we all need, thank you! Most of us are asking, “Ok, I’m on it but how do I get off???!” Thank you!! Keep it up!

[robinvargas]

Thank you! You are a wonderful person! Just the fact that you take your time to make these videos for people who aren't your patients shows your kind heart!

[patriciaosullivan]

After 14 year's I had enough from side effects of medication. Stopped two months ago. I had heavy legs full of fluid, puffy face, exercise intolerance. I feel much better off medication.

[cathietonkin]

I stopped taking my thyroid meds after 52 years 3 days ago! The side effects of all the thyroid meds I have tried ruined my life!!!! I have been to more thyroid Drs who can’t or won’t help me than I can remember!!! My numbers have always been either very good or just a needed to go up while taking it! I just spent close to 90 days on a new script of NY (natural thyroid) and I was worst with the side effects! I also have been sleeping 18 hours a day!
The other day I had a major blowout, that’s when I said enough, even taking anti diarrhea meds don’t help control the issue! I can’t go out to walk, shop, dinner etc! ENOUGH!!!! I’m sick of it ALL, l just can’t take it anymore! I know I’m over weight but I can’t be too far from a bathroom…. It’s all uncontrollable! One of my kids suggested swimming but I can have a blowout there too! What don’t people understand about ‘uncontrollable diarrhea’! I type this with tears rolling down my face….. one thing I’ve noticed since I stopped the thyroid meds I have no constant stomach or intestinal pain for the first time in 52 years! It feels strange but is very freeing and so welcoming! I actually felt good today…. It feels wonderful! 🤗. If it causes health issues I do not care!!! I can’t wait to poop normal again! Let’s be honest, there is no cure because the pharmaceutical companies would lose 27, 000, 000 patients as would the doctors! After the con with Covid I don’t trust nor believe any of them! God bless us All!

[UniverseEarthSpirit]

Grateful for your ongoing education as a doctor on the subject, and for bringing messages of hope.

[-Hooman-]

5 days ago, I decided to stop cold turkey. I feel more alert and energetic

[dragonqueen]

I got put on Levothyroxine for a +TPO and after 2 and a bit years on it at 75mcg I feel awful every day (on top of other chronic conditions). After doing some reading up I don’t believe I should have been put on it yet and feel it’s caused more problems than it’s fixed. My TPO continues to rise but all other markers still within range. My body is telling me to stop this medication but trying to have a rational conversation with a U.K. GP is proving difficult.

[marilynnoseworthy]

Our daughter developed Graves’ disease because she wasn’t on any thyroid meds for too long. She was put on medication that made her feel not mentally like herself. She had her thyroid removed and feels better but, not 💯. I myself at the age of 20 developed a thyroid problem. My mind shut down, ended up in a psychiatric hospital until they figured out it was a thyroid problem. I’m 67 now and still on low dose thyroid medication. Blood tests constantly to ensure I’m on the proper dosage as it can change.

[maryabraham]

Once a year, my doctor want to check my thyroid by doing a blood work and she said to me oh now we have to raise your dose. I was taking 50. She said we have to put you on 75 which I didn’t listen. I just kept going with 50 and then after six months, she said let’s check your thyroid to see where you are and it was back where it was, so the body can do it job and I’m gonna try to get off of them, but I have to check everything else too because I have Hashimoto

[Theowlhawk]

Its very sad so many people including myself suffering from thyroid issues.
No one in my family history ever had this. Only me

[TheSocialSmilingMonkey]

Heterogeneous is just the condition of .
As always your content has great information and vital for comprehension of how people can manage thyroid disorders.
❤

[pcopeland]

I've been on 150 -200 mcg levothyroxin for 20 years. I am a sluggish, somewhat overweight person, who has a hard time concentrating. I am going to try to get off meds.

[barbaratankersley]

Hi my husband never had any thyroid problems until he was operated on for colon cancer
Why is that?
Thank you

[bskitchenriffs]

I'm on 125mg of levothyroxine with a TSH that has risen from 11 to 92 along with every increase in levothyroxine. I started on 50mg. I'm so sick of it. I feel awful

[ReetaKhleeta]

I was placed on thyroid meds because I told my doctor I was feeling tired, but I was working many hours. I hate taking it and want to get off, but my doctor saying I have to be on it for the rest of my life which I highly doubt

[spookyfish]

I wish i had never been aware of my thyroid.

[IdolEyes]

Thanks for all your info.

I’ve been on levo since pregnancy, as Hashimoto’s/under active started then.

I think my levels all improved while breastfeeding and now Bub is on goats milk the symptoms are crazy.
Tsh is 5, it’s up and down between 1-6.
Free T3 and free T4 have always been in a normal range.
Going to try less gluten less dairy and more vitamin d as levels are better in summer.
I want to look better and feel better. I definitely need to work on eating more often/nutrients, getting more sleep and less stress.
I love singing yet I get a sore throat or dryness, I’ve had larengitus too.
Going to try to go from 50mcg to 25
In a week and see if that helps.

[williamwalters]

I'm on 1.5 mcg of levothyroxine and my TSH 0.6 ! I've been on it for 20 years however I was put on it because I took a hepatitis B vaccine and it crashed my thyroid and I ended up my in ICU for w week! I was health until then!

[Simonamoroganmonica]

Speak about the possibility to have a thyroid storm. And how much time take to a normal TSH to change, to goes down at any emotional disturbance even if you are under medication, if you have Graves . In hours, days or weeks ?