When treating a chronic condition like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, sticking to your medication as the doctor prescribed it is crucial to ensure the drug’s effectiveness. Time-critical scheduled medicine typically needs to follow strict instructions for better health outcomes, so missing a dosage can compromise your treatment plan in more ways than one.
What Happens When You Skip Thyroid Hormone Replacement Medication?
If you’re struggling with hypothyroidism, you must keep track of your doses since missing your medication can seriously affect your health. Forgetting to take one dosage won’t necessarily lead to harm since the body has hormone reserves, but skimping two, three, or more doses can deplete them, resulting in the following adverse effects:
- Blood pressure irregularities;
- Increased cholesterol levels;
- Low body temperature;
- Fatigue;
- Muscle weakness;
- Joint pain;
- Depression;
- Memory problems;
- Weight gain;
- Inability to lose weight;
- Menstrual irregularities;
- Reduced sex drive;
- Constipation;
- Hair loss;
- Swollen extremities;
Additionally, forgetting to stick to your prescription can deprive your body of thyroid hormones, which can ultimately be life-threatening when left unchecked.
What Happens When You Skip Antithyroid Medication?
On the other hand, for individuals suffering from hyperthyroidism, your body produces an overabundance of thyroid hormones that can be equally fatal since it skyrockets the heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature up to dangerous levels.
Similarly, you need to firmly stick to your antithyroid medication since discontinuing your treatment plan can lead to the following detrimental side effects:
- Alarming weight loss;
- A sudden increase in appetite or thirst;
- Nervousness or anxiety;
- Prone to panic attacks;
- Heat intolerance;
- Fatigue;
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting;
- Enlarged thyroid glands;
- Insomnia;
- High blood pressure;
- Heart palpitations;
- Itchiness;
- Tremors;
- Hair loss;
- Protruding eyes;
- Menstrual irregularities;
Remember that both medications for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can take between days to weeks to make a difference. But if you notice your condition persisting even after several months, it’s best to consult with your doctor since they will prescribe proper adjustments to your treatment plan.
Never take matters into your own hands and stop your routine just because you don’t notice any body changes.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Sticking to the Proper Dosage and Schedule for Your Thyroid Medications
Letting hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism wreak havoc on your body can take a toll on many crucial health factors such as your heart, bones, mood, weight, and many more. If you find it tricky to remember your dosage round-the-clock, then incorporating time trackers can do wonders for streamlining your medication regimen and ensuring you can stay on top of your health.
How Can We Help You?
Tracking your medications shouldn’t be a confusing process. If you find yourself missing doses and forgetting how to take each type of pill, MedManage has got you covered.
We are a cloud-based medication management system that allows common tasks, such as managing multiple meds and maintaining a daily medication log, to be done easily and in the digital world. Learn more about our medication log app today and give it a try!