What happens if I quit taking levothyroxine?

[tpigg]

I was diagnosed with Graves at 27. In a years time I had a complete thyroidectamy(?). I have been taking levothyroxine ever since. What would happen to me if I just quit taking the medicine all together? I hate taking a pill everyday and sometimes to get refills for up to a week. Just curious......

[hopebeastlie]

Hi, I'm 20 and I'm dealing with Hypothyroidism, stress and depression. I'm a college student going to Law School. I got this Disease my freshman year of College and everything came out of nowhere so suddenly. Right now, I haven't taken my medication for four weeks, almost a month. I still feel the same except pain in my chest of and on and tiredness to the point its hard to wake up.
The reason I haven't taken my medication is because my Doctor has scheduled to see me until another 2 1/2 months and I know this is an emergancy. But the pharmacy won't give me my medication until my Doctor prescribes them. She won't sign the release of 150 kg. Is there any way to stay alive until she sees me? What other options do I have?

[DavidJ135]

First, its not something you catch on the street or airborne, its heriditery.

[flushhinggirl]

I also had no symptoms whatsoever of hypothyroidism and my doctor noticed my blood work levels of TSH were 16:08.  I am 55 years old, I eat healthy and excercise.  I have more energy than the 25 year olds I work with.  I went on levothyroxine and have gained weight; especially in my stomach area.  I'm glad you mentioned the bone loss due to this drug: thank you.  I am reconsidering whether I need to take my meds or not.  

[DavidJ135]

Unless you have a death wish, you will die without them and possiibly go into a comma first.  It controls your whole body

[Zbiguy]

My thyroid ceased to function (my doctor believes it was killed off by my own white cells, due to auto-immune issues) some time in 1991. Not sure how long I was without the hormones the thyroid produces, but can tell you I ended up in the hospital in November that year, unable to walk, for five days before the problem was diagnosed. I have been taking synthroid or levothyroxine ever since. I recently went ten days without levothyroxine, due to problems getting a prescription filled. I began noticing numbness in my hands and feet after about seven days. Due to the aforementioned hospitalization, I wouldn't want to have to find out exactly how long I could go without medication, before finding myself semi-paralyzed again.

[gloryjane]

See another Dr get freeT3 and free T4 tested with TSH and antibodies, I know folks on the natural hormone Armour, they have no problems. My Dr had me on levo for 7 months gained 17 lbs hair loss and worse yet heart beats irregular. I stopped 3 days ago heart went back to normal. Seeking out a doctor who will run all blood work and prescribe Armour. Good Luck!

[Peterborough]

i am so wondering what the outcome was... this was over a year ago.

Kate

[debbiehough1]

I'm so glad I live in the UK! I don't have to pay prescription charges for my 200mcg thyroxine and 20mcg liothyronine. (T3 and T4). My thyroid shrivelled and died 23 years ago and went undiagnosed for six months. My weight went from about 10st to 21.5st in that time. I couldn't speak properly and was unable to brush my own hair because of the pain when I tried to use my arms. I couldn't walk and had to have help changing my baby's nappy because he could crawl away faster than I could catch him!
After six months, I was finally diagnosed. My heart was failing and my brain had slowed down to dangerous levels.
My life has now changed completely. I feel well and have lost most of the excess weight. I am so grateful for the medication I take, Don't ever be upset that you are on medication for life. It's so much better than the alternative!

[zuzupetals2u]

I've been on thyroid meds for 25+ years. My mail order prescription was delayed and I just didn't want to bother with calling the doctor & having a few prescribed at the drug store.I thought I'd just wait as I never noticed anything different from it anyway ever. Well it was only 4 days off of it and it seemed like nothing happened but now a week later I went into A Fib. I am wondering if there is a connection?? Maybe so! Now I have to go to a cardiologist and have a heart monitor for 30 days & have it all evaluated. I wish I had bothered just in case if was a factor I would know.