8 Meds That May Be the Main Culprits for Your Hypothyroidism
- Amiodarone
Also known as Cordarone or Pacerone, this medication is given to people who have an irregular heartbeat.
It’s 40 percent iodine and it may lead to hypothyroidism by blocking the formation of T3 or blocking the body’s signal which informs the gland to produce T3 and T4.
The risk of this medication affecting your thyroid is higher if the thyroid isn’t working optimally.
- Meds for hyperthyroidism
Meds that are given to address hyperthyroidism like methimazole, radioiodine, potassium iodine, and PTU have the side effect of causing the thyroid hormones to drop down.
They shrink the thyroid gland in order to decrease the excessive production of thyroid hormones, but this can sometimes cause a major decline and end up causing hypothyroidism.
- Lithium
Given to patients with bipolar disorder, lithium has been associated with hypothyroidism. It’s more common in women older than 45 as well as in people with a family history of hypothyroidism.
The older a person is, the higher the likelihood of them suffering from hypothyroidism due to lithium.
- Thalidomide
Despite being quite uncommon, there are reports of individuals who have hypothyroidism due to taking thalidomide.
However, experts aren’t sure why this medication is associated with hypothyroidism. This medication is used for the treatment of various conditions, including leprosy and multiple myeloma.
