Can Hypothyroidism Be Cured?

Originally published on 9th May 2017 

Last updated on 10th May 2024

The topic of whether hypothyroidism can be ‘cured’ comes up a lot.

“Can you get off thyroid medication once you start taking it?”

“How do I cure my hypothyroidism?”

Are questions I see a lot.

So, Can Hypothyroidism Be Cured?

The quick answer is yes, it‘s possible it can be cured.

However, the important thing to be aware of is that for most of us, it is not curable.

It is really down to the cause for your hypothyroidism in the first place.

Important Point 1: The Cause Matters 

Around 90% of us with hypothyroidism, have the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, causing our underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). That’s 90% of you reading this.

Many of those with it don’t even know, though!

Related Article: Why It’s Important to Know if You Have Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s causes the body to attack and destroy its own thyroid gland, which leads to hypothyroidism.

You can find out if you have Hashimoto’s by having the two thyroid antibody tests – TPOAB and TGAB. You need both to be tested, as often just the one test is not accurate enough to be sure. One could have results ‘in range’, while the other not. A high result in either diagnoses Hashimoto’s.

Important Point 2: There is a Difference Between ‘Remission’ and ‘Cured’

Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s) cannot be cured, but it can be put into remission.

For example, my Hashimoto’s is in remission (even if it did happen kind of by accident!)

You may find online influencers or those on social media claiming that they ‘cured’ Hashimoto’s, but this isn’t possible. Autoimmune hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, stays with you for life. There is no way to cure yourself of it. You can manage it or put it into remission but you’ll always have it.

Simply put, ‘remission’ means that the Hashimoto’s becomes very well controlled, with lowered to zero thyroid antibodies, and for some people, they may not even need thyroid medication any more – though I must stress that this seems rare.

You would need to diagnose Hashimoto’s and get in to remission before it had destroyed much thyroid function, to be able to live without thyroid hormone replacement. Catching and halting it before you probably even have many symptoms. So again: this it is very rare to be able to come off thyroid medication for autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Even though Hashimoto’s is in remission for me, I still need thyroid hormone replacement medication.

Important Point 3: Non-Autoimmune Hypothyroidism May Be Curable

The other 10% of people with hypothyroidism, who don’t have Hashimoto’s, could ‘theoretically’ cure their hypothyroidism.

This is because their hypothyroidism is due to non-autoimmune issues, such as an environmental issue, for example:

• A diet low in iodine
• A Vitamin D deficiency
• Over consumption of soy
• Mould exposure
• Viral infection/s
• Pregnancy
• Medications that can suppress thyroid function, such as: those for hyperthyroidism, the heart arrhythmia drug amiodarone, lithium,  the hepatitis C and Cancer treatment interferon alpha and the cancer drug interleukin
• Subacute thyroiditis
• Postpartum thyroiditis

By removing or ‘fixing’ the issue, such as Low Vitamin D levels as one example, the hypothyroidism could theoretically be cured.

However, for most, they cannot fix their non-autoimmune cause for hypothyroidism. For example a problem with the pituitary gland which can interfere with thyroid hormone production, or a thyroidectomy.

Subacute Thyroiditis and Postpartum Thyroiditis often resolve on their own with time. See the related article Thyroid Conditions That Can Reverse for more information.

For many, they don’t know what’s causing their non-autoimmune hypothyroidism. It’s also worth noting that apparently 10-15% of those with Hashimoto’s do not show up on the antibody tests. I.e. it comes back negative, even though they do have it.

As with those touting a cure for Hashimoto’s, be extremely wary of anyone claiming to have a cure for Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is classed as a chronic illness and is usually with us for life. Most ‘cures’ are sadly too good to be true and can even be dangerous. If your body needs more thyroid hormone because the thyroid gland isn’t making enough, herbal supplements, special diets etc. sold online are not going to address this.

Never just stop taking your thyroid medication without your doctor’s guidance.

The Takeaway 

So yes, hypothyroidism can theoretically be ‘cured’, just not very often and not for most of us.

For most of us, it’s much more beneficial to look at managing our hypothyroidism as best we can, without focusing too much on ‘getting off of meds’ or ‘finding a cure’. Thyroid hormone replacement medication is as important as food and water. We need it to stay alive.

For those with Hashimoto’s, they may wish to explore getting to a point of remission with this.

Related Article: I Don’t Want to Take Thyroid Medication. Can I Take Something ‘Natural’ Instead?

Did you know this?

You can click on the hyperlinks in the above post to learn more and see references to information given.

Find this article helpful? The book Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate: When You’re Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired, goes in to more detail and discusses how thyroid patients can better manage their thyroid condition and thrive.