how to get off thyroid meds

[MissAnnieM]

I have been taking synthroid for at least 10 years, I take an 88 mg + a 50 mg every day.  The dosage never seems right, every time it is checked it is way too high or way too low and all over the lot, it went from 0.01 to over 7.0 in 30 days.  My weight is climbing have gained about 30 pounds although I have been extremely diligent for low carb no sugar small portions etc, my eyebrows and eyelashes are gone and my hair is falling out like crazy that I won't go out of the house without a hat, I get almost violent hot flashes look like I have a sunburn (my husband says I radiate that he can feel the heat coming off me) even my eyes burn, I am tired crabby feel bloated.  I am way past menopause but still take a low dose of estrogen.  Dr keeps saying it is fine it is fine and refuses to try another medication.  There is no endocrinology specialty within 300 miles of us (except one that deals only with people who are diabetic).  I am very very sorry I ever started taking thyroid meds and would like to get off of it altogether to see how I do without it.  Do I taper off over several weeks or months or is it safe to drop it abruptly ? I'd like to find another Dr but in this very small rural town my choices are limited especially for what my insurance will cover.  Suggestion appreciated, thanks.

[Jasper1966]

If you have been clinically diagnosed as being hypothyroid then it is not a good idea to stop your medication.  Your body needs it to function normally or you will develop more serious health issues.  It sounds like you need to find a medical practitioner that is willing to work with you.  An endo is not the only option (if you only have one in your area) so try consulting with a general physician or nurse practitioner.  Explain your situation and see how they respond - it's worth a try.  If you can share your recent lab results with reference ranges, we can offer some insights.  Good luck!

[Barb135]

Do you know the cause of your hypothyroidism?  Typically, once we're diagnosed, we need medication for life.  Thyroid hormones control our metabolism, heart rate and other body systems.  Without adequate hormones our entire body will slow down.  

It sounds like your doctor is only testing TSH, not the actual thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3?  If you've had those tested, please post the latest results, along with the corresponding reference ranges.  TSH is pretty immaterial when it comes to managing replacement medication.  We have to go by the actual hormone levels.

If you can let us know where you live, someone might know of a good thyroid doctor in your area.  If you prefer not to post your location here, you can send it to me via private message.