T4 (Levothyroxine) Medication - Do I have to stay on it forever?

[HanOng]

Hi Everyone

Having been on T4 Levothyroxine for nearly 1 year with a dosage of 100mg daily (divided into 2 X 50mg), my thyroid panel has been pretty consistent with the typical results of:-

TSH: 0.04 mIU/L
T4: 10.9 pmol/L

Free T3 was within range but my doctor advised me against running the test as it will fluctuate throughout the day.

My question is if I have to be on this protocol forever or is there a way to come off it? If I continue my daily T4 dosage, I am sure my TSH will remain suppressed but if I come off it, my T4 will dip and I will go back to hypo.

By the way, I am on TRT for over 3 years with dosages of 200mg test cyp. weekly.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to all insights.

 

[captain]

You don't need to divide Levothyroxine dose its long acting. You are not really doing anything by dividing it. If your doctor doesn't want to check T3 find a different doctor. I have heard of people getting off of thyroid after supplementing with iodine. It depends on why you are on thyroid meds.

 

[HanOng]

Thanks Captain.

Noted that the division of dosing doesn't make much of a difference; I was just playing it safe for absorption as I understand that it's best to be taken on an empty stomach but as I consume many small meals over the day, I slot them in between meals (1.5 - 2 hours after) as I eat every 3-4 hours.

I have also been on kelp (650mg iodide) and 200mcg selenium daily before I was on levothyroxine and continue to supplement while on it.

My doctor also runs my T3 a few times (not as often as T4 / TSH) and they were always within range while on levothyroxine.

Is there anyway to get off medication or am I on it for life?

 

[Vince]

I would have to say that hypothyroidism is a life long illness, it should be treated for the rest of your life.

 

[HanOng]

Thanks Vince for the insights once again

 

[captain]

I think your kelp is probably 650mcg not 650mg. I would look into taking both iodine and iodide such as iodoral or lugol's. Vitamin C is a good idea to take with it. I recall reading that it will take 6 months for your thyroid numbers to adjust. Go to YouTube and look for Dr. David Brownstein and Jorge Flechas for iodine and thyroid info.

 

[HanOng]

Hi Captain

Thanks for the referrals, the information's really insightful.

Unfortunately, like what Vince had said, this problem is probably a lifetime illness.

Cheers!