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Medications and treatments

Do you still need your thyroid medication?

Some older adults may be able to wean off drugs to treat hypothyroidism. But don't stop without a doctor's guidance — especially if you have heart disease.

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
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Diagnosing hypothyroidism can be tricky because typical symptoms (such as fatigue and trouble losing weight) have many other possible causes. Some people treated for hypothyroidism may be able to safely stop treatment with close medical monitoring.

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About the Author

photo of Julie Corliss

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

Julie Corliss has been the executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter since 2013. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard … See Full Bio
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About the Reviewer

photo of Jeffrey Garber, MD, FACP, MACE

Jeffrey Garber, MD, FACP, MACE, Contributor

Jeffrey R. Garber, MD, FACP, MACE is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, Chief of the Division of Endocrinology at Atrius Health , and member of the endocrine divisions of Beth Israel Deaconess … See Full Bio
View all posts by Jeffrey Garber, MD, FACP, MACE
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