Hypothyroidism
How is it treated?
The goals of treatment for hypothyroidism include restoration of normal thyroid hormone levels, relief of symptoms such as fatigue and constipation, and reversal of any metabolic abnormalities that were associated with the low thyroid hormone levels, such as decreased sugar and fat metabolism or body temperature regulation. The mainstay of treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Since the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone, the hormone must be supplemented or replaced by daily use of synthetic or natural thyroid hormone. Natural thyroid hormone is derived from pig, cow, or sheep thyroid glands, whereas synthetic thyroid hormone is created manually in a laboratory. Synthetic thyroid hormone - mainly a drug called levothyroxine (various brands and generic formulations, e.g., Levo-T, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid) - is usually the drug of choice for hypothyroidism because it is relatively inexpensive, causes practically no side effects when dosed properly, is chemically stable, and has uniform potency. However, all thyroid hormone replacement therapies - whether natural or synthetic - have the ability to effectively restore thyroid hormone levels and can be used to treat hypothyroidism. Generally, once you start a thyroid hormone replacement therapy, you should stick with it and not change to another thyroid hormone replacement therapy unless under the direction of your doctor.
Most thyroid hormone replacement therapies come in tablet form, although an injectable form is also available. The best time to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy is in the morning. However, it needs to be taken at least 30 minutes before eating because some fiber and bran products can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone that gets absorbed from the stomach into the bloodstream. Other medications can also affect the amount of thyroid hormone absorbed into the bloodstream. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy should be separated from the following other medications by at least 2 hours: iron, antacids, sucralfate, cholestyramine.
There is no cure for hypothyroidism. This means that a patient with hypothyroidism will most likely have to take daily thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of his or her life. In patients with hypothyroidism who are taking thyroid hormone replacement therapy, thyroid hormone levels should be measured by a doctor at least every 6 months, with adjustments made to the thyroid hormone replacement therapy as needed. Patients should alert their doctor to any symptoms that may suggest high or low thyroid hormone levels - this may mean the dose of the thyroid hormone replacement therapy needs adjustment. Symptoms that might indicate low levels are listed in the "What are the symptoms?" section. Symptoms of high thyroid hormone levels include nervousness, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, warm and moist skin, and unexplained weight loss.
To learn more about the specific drugs used as thyroid hormone replacement therapy, click on the Drug Class links below.
Drug classes used to treat Hypothyroidism Synthetic Thyroid Hormones
|
How is it treated?
