{"id":629931,"date":"2024-10-08T09:30:01","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T13:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629931"},"modified":"2025-07-24T14:06:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T18:06:28","slug":"can-you-die-if-you-stop-taking-levothyroxine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-you-die-if-you-stop-taking-levothyroxine\/","title":{"rendered":"What happens when you stop taking your thyroid meds?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid condition\u2014affecting <\/span>5% of the U.S. population<\/span><\/a>\u2014that occurs when your thyroid gland doesn\u2019t produce enough thyroid hormone. If you have felt tired, experienced unexplained weight gain, or are sensitive to cold temperatures, you could be one of millions of Americans with an underactive thyroid. The good news is that this condition is treatable with daily prescription medications like <\/span>Synthroid (levothyroxine)<\/span><\/a>. These drugs replace the body\u2019s missing natural hormones with synthetic hormones to alleviate symptoms. However, there is no cure for hypothyroidism. If you stop taking levothyroxine, your symptoms will return. On top of that, suddenly stopping treatment can lead to potentially serious side effects, such as heart palpitations, hair loss, and dangerously high blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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What are the different types of thyroid medications?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When patients are diagnosed with <\/span>hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a>, or an underactive thyroid gland, it\u2019s because their body is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone. There are many causes of hypothyroidism, including autoimmune thyroid diseases, like Hashimoto\u2019s thyroiditis.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, happens when too much thyroid hormone is produced. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, loss of appetite, fast heartbeat, nervousness, and irritability.<\/span><\/p>\n

If a thyroid disorder is suspected, your healthcare provider can order blood tests to measure the <\/span>level of thyroid hormone<\/span><\/a> (TSH levels) being produced. \u201cThyroid hormones regulate aspects of metabolism, heart function, and temperature regulation, among other bodily functions,\u201d explains <\/span>Nirmal Nair, MD<\/span><\/a>, an internist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism with Franciscan Health in Munster, Indiana.<\/span><\/p>\n

The goal of thyroid hormone medications is to replace the missing thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), says <\/span>Maria Pagan-Mendez, MD<\/span><\/a>, an endocrinologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. These hormones are produced in response to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) being released by the pituitary gland. The three main types of thyroid meds are:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Levothyroxine: <\/b>Levothyroxine is the first-line treatment since it is a synthetic form of T4 that the body naturally converts to T3, the active thyroid hormone. \u201cIt\u2019s preferred because it is easy to dose accurately, has minimal side effects, and closely mimics natural thyroid function,\u201d Dr. Pagan-Mendez explains.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Liothyronine: <\/b>\u201cLiothyronine is a synthetic form of T3 and may be used alongside levothyroxine in patients who continue to experience symptoms despite adequate T4 replacement,\u201d Dr. Pagan-Mendez says.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Desiccated thyroid extract: <\/b>This extract is derived from pig thyroid glands and contains T4 and T3. \u201cIt is less commonly used due to difficulties in regulating the exact dose and increased potential for side effects,\u201d Dr. Pagan-Mendez says.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication for the treatment of hypothyroidism.<\/span><\/p>\n

    What happens when you stop taking levothyroxine?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Like with any medication, levothyroxine has potential side effects such as nausea and fatigue. If you\u2019re experiencing side effects and your hypothyroid symptoms have improved, it can be tempting to stop taking this daily Rx.<\/span><\/p>\n

    However, if you stop taking levothyroxine, symptoms of hypothyroidism may return, including:<\/span><\/p>\n