If I have hypothyroidism and take too much liothyronine long-term what happens? Would it make me dependent on medication and slow my thyroid and metabolism down?

Question

Hello, thanks for the query. The question is really irrelevant. Levothyroxine is given to a hypothyroid patient only to supplement the lack of naturally secreted t4 or tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine. No one is asked to take any amount that one wishes. While on that treatment one has to periodically test tsh levels which should be maintained with in the normal range. That makes the person free from symptoms of hypothyroidism. Taking excess may cause very low tsh (<0.01 mu/l) leading to iatrogenic (caused due to medicine) hyperthyroidism. What do you mean by saying" slow my thyroid and metabolism down? Please understand lack of t4 or thyroxine in your body itself affects your metabolism negatively. Thanks.

Prabhakar Laxman Jathar · Accepted Answer

Hello, thanks for the query. The question is really irrelevant. Levothyroxine is given to a hypothyroid patient only to supplement the lack of naturally secreted t4 or tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine. No one is asked to take any amount that one wishes. While on that treatment one has to periodically test tsh levels which should be maintained with in the normal range. That makes the person free from symptoms of hypothyroidism. Taking excess may cause very low tsh (<0.01 mu/l) leading to iatrogenic (caused due to medicine) hyperthyroidism. What do you mean by saying" slow my thyroid and metabolism down? Please understand lack of t4 or thyroxine in your body itself affects your metabolism negatively. Thanks.

S.K. Tandon · Answer

No by taking medicine your thyroid become active and normal your metabolism will be normal.

Milind Patil · Answer

Nothing will happen if you are taking correct dose. There are many such misconceptions about thyroid.

Ravi Kant Saraogi · Answer

Is liothyronine available.