Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Asymptomatic hypothyroidism, can you skip the treatment?

If there are NO symptoms of hypothyroidism, but TSH levels are high (T3/T4 normal), is it O.K. not to take Levothyroxine (or other thyroid treatment)?
Husband is happy, peaceful, energetic, healthy, in shape, etc.
Only "symptoms" of hypothyroidism are high cholesterol and peripheral neuropathy. Both are usually from something else and neither goes away when he takes Levothyroxine.

About 7 years ago, doc told him he had peripheral neuropathy  (possible causes were B12 deficiency and hypothyroidism and beginnings of arthritis). No pain, but almost no feeling in hands or feet.

He was diagnosed with hypothyroidism because TSH was high (tests have shown as high as 20). He was given Synthroid, got to a dosage that lowered the TSH to normal (can't remember now). Neuropathy never improved, he doesn't like taking pills, he sees no point. He sometimes says he feels better if he doesn't take it.  About 3 years ago, at my urging, he got a referal to an endocrinologist who said to try Cytomel. Our insurance didn't cover it without a note from the doctor, which the doctor never did and never returned calls (later read reviews about the doc, not one positive one). Husband says, forget about it.
Now new doctor, she wants him on it, he went back on it, slowly increasing the dosage. He wants off of it again, doesn't like taking pills, says he doesn't like the way he feels.
I really don't want to urge him to do anything I don't know enough about, but I am wondering what the benefit is of taking a medication based on test results, but his body is telling him the opposite.
Thanks.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
He just started the upped dosage of .1 mg synthroid. Initially his TSH was 31, at .75 mg synthroid, TSH was down to 9. (Just done, that's why he is now starting upped dosage).

We saw general doc today, she thinks he's "responding" to the Synthroid, but thinks maybe Cytomel would be better for him, but she referred him to a new Endocrinologist, which we will see in April.

On the Synthroid, he doesn't feel any different in terms of the numbness in hands/feet, but he also has commented that the Synthroid makes him feel tired (but it's not a big difference, otherwise he would just not take it).
Helpful - 0
393685 tn?1425812522
A few questions first -

In your last sentence you say the doctor wants him on it. On Cytomel or Synthroid?

When was his last tests done? Do you have the results?

How is he feeling on the med? You say he doesn't like the way he feels??
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.