Hypothyroidism Treatment Options
Currently doctors treat hypothyroidism by prescribing supplemental thyroid hormones, usually a synthetic thyroid hormone that mimics T4. This hormone, levothyroxine (also known as levoxyl, levothroid, synthroid or others) then theoretically converts to T3 in the body and restores hormone levels. After one or two weeks, the patient should notice a reduction in symptoms. In addition, the medication may lower cholestrol if it was elevated by hypothyroidism.
Finding the proper dose of levothyroxine can take some time. If the dose of levothyroxine is too high, side effects may result including insomnia, heart palpitations and shakiness. Unless the patient has a particularly bad case of hypothyroidism, the doctor will start treatment at a smaller dose and gradually increase the dosage. This progressive approach allows your body to adjust in the increased hormone level. Additional testing of TSH levels are initially required to ensure that the levothyroxine dose reaches the correct level.
This treatment is lifelong. Periodic testing of TSH levels and adjusting the dose of levothyroxine will be required, usually yearly. Patients who switch brands of levothyroxine should notify their physician because of the differences in dosage. Levothyroxine is relatively inexpensive and has minimal side effects. Some medications, supplements and foods may interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. Examples include iron supplements, Aluminum hydroxide, and calcium supplements.
Alternative treatments are also available and will be discussed in a the Alternative Treatment section of the website.
Finding the proper dose of levothyroxine can take some time. If the dose of levothyroxine is too high, side effects may result including insomnia, heart palpitations and shakiness. Unless the patient has a particularly bad case of hypothyroidism, the doctor will start treatment at a smaller dose and gradually increase the dosage. This progressive approach allows your body to adjust in the increased hormone level. Additional testing of TSH levels are initially required to ensure that the levothyroxine dose reaches the correct level.
This treatment is lifelong. Periodic testing of TSH levels and adjusting the dose of levothyroxine will be required, usually yearly. Patients who switch brands of levothyroxine should notify their physician because of the differences in dosage. Levothyroxine is relatively inexpensive and has minimal side effects. Some medications, supplements and foods may interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. Examples include iron supplements, Aluminum hydroxide, and calcium supplements.
Alternative treatments are also available and will be discussed in a the Alternative Treatment section of the website.