5 Easy Ways to reduce Thyroid Medication
The Day My Thyroid Was 'Barely There': A Journey to Reducing Medication
I was laying back on the clinic table, the cold smear of ultrasound gel spreading across my neck as the technician hovered the wand up and down, searching for signs of atherosclerosis along my carotid artery.
He casually asked, “Do you have a thyroid problem?”
Here we go, I thought… “Yes, why? Is it inflamed?” I knew I hadn’t exactly been on the straight and narrow lately.
“Oh no,” said matter-of-fact Mr. Technician. “It’s barely there.”
And that was certainly not the takeaway I was expecting from this health check.
When our thyroid doesn’t have to do its job, it gets lazy. Why bother making hormones when they’re already being supplied? Cool, right?
And yes, I hear you yelling at me: “But I have to take it!!!”
That’s true, and it’s not your fault. But there’s a sad side effect to any medication—no matter how “medically required” it is. It clogs up our liver. And a sluggish liver means poor conversion of thyroid hormone into its usable form.
For the first 15 years of my thyroid journey, I was on a whopping 250 mcg of Thyroxine daily. No matter how many tests I had, that was where my doctor said I needed to be. So that’s where I stayed.
Until…
I read about fluoride and its effect on the thyroid. I was fascinated.
Since it was an easy thing to test, I went out that very day and purchased some non-fluoride toothpaste. Six weeks later, for the first time since being diagnosed, my medication needed reducing. And so began a journey of possibilities.
Today, I sit between 75 and 100 mcg daily. And yes, it’s taken me years, but hey, I was going to get to this age anyway—why not get here with less medication?
Why Would You Want to Reduce Thyroid Medication?
While thyroid medication is often life-saving, long-term reliance on high doses can have unintended consequences. Studies suggest that excessive thyroid hormone replacement may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, and liver stress. For example, a 2017 study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that overtreatment with thyroid hormones is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and fractures, especially in older adults. Another study highlighted the liver's critical role in converting T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) into T3 (active thyroid hormone) and how medication overuse can burden this process, leading to less effective hormone regulation.
The goal isn’t to eliminate medication entirely if you need it—it’s to optimize your dosage for better long-term health outcomes.
Want to Reduce Your Thyroid Medication? Here’s How:
Take Medication on an Empty Stomach For years, I took mine at night before bed—it was the only time I’d remember. But thyroid medication is best absorbed in the morning on an empty stomach, away from food or supplements. Now, I take it the minute I stumble into the bathroom in the morning. By the time I’ve showered and started my day, an hour or two has passed before I eat.
Drink More Water Yes, we all know this one. But for thyroid folks, water isn’t just about hydration—it’s about medication delivery. Thyroid meds need water to travel and be absorbed properly. Aim for at least 12 glasses a day.
Take a Probiotic Next to liver health, gut health is the thyroid’s next best friend. Around 20% of thyroid hormone conversion happens in the gut. While bone broth and collagen are great, a solid probiotic (I use ionic silver) can do wonders for your thyroid health.
Change Your Toothpaste This one’s easy. Ditch fluoride toothpaste. You don’t need a health food store or a practitioner—just grab a herbal or non-fluoride option from the supermarket shelf. Swap it out and move on.
Use Organic Body Products Our skin absorbs 60% of what we put on it in under 30 seconds. If your lotions, potions, and creams are full of chemicals, your liver has to sort them out. A congested liver struggles to convert thyroid hormones effectively.
Take Action—One Step at a Time
Five simple, doable steps. You can tackle one at a time for six weeks and track your results with a blood test or Basal Temperature Testing. Or you can dive in and do them all at once.
It doesn’t matter which step works best—because they’ll all work. Each small improvement means a healthier liver, better hormone conversion, and potentially less medication.
And less medication means a happier liver, a more responsive thyroid, and—most importantly—a healthier you.
So, what step are you starting with today?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan. Individual needs may vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
