How to Join the Army While Under the Medication Levothyroxine

The U.S. Army reviews each recruit's medical history during enlistment. Some medical conditions and medications are acceptable for certain jobs within the Army and not for others, while some conditions and medications are not acceptable for any post within the service. Army doctors review medical records and decide whether or not recruits are medically qualified to serve on a case-by-case basis. Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism or an enlarged thyroid. Levothyroxine use does not automatically bar a recruit from serving, so you may be able to join the Army if you take the proper steps.

Request a copy of your complete medical records from your current doctor. This history should include documentation of your medical condition and the length of time you have been taking levothyroxine. Some of the side effects of levothyroxine, such as chest pains and tremors, can be a problem during military service. Your medical records should document any side effects you have experienced, or contain a notation that you have experienced none.

Find your local recruiting station by going to the official Army recruiting website and selecting "Locate a Recruiter" from the options on the right side of the page. Select your area of interest and input your zip code into the search box. Press enter and you will receive the location and phone number of the nearest recruiting station.

Make an appointment to meet with a recruiter by calling or visiting your recruiting station. Bring your complete medical records to the appointment and disclose your levothyroxine use to the recruiter during the interview.

Take the physical exam that is part of the recruiting process. The doctor will review your medical records and your levothyroxine usage. If your application is accepted at the end of the recruitment screening process, an Army doctor may reissue your medication from the Army pharmacy.