HOW IS HYPOTHYROIDISM (LOW THYROID LEVELS) TREATED?
* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.
1. Levothyroxine medication.* The quantity is adjusted until TSH levels are in mid-normal range
The usual maintenance dose is 75 to 150 mcg orally once a day. Therapy is begun with low doses, usually 25 mcg once a day. The dose is adjusted every 6 weeks until maintenance dose is achieved. The maintenance dose may need to be increased in pregnant women.
2. L-triiodothyronine is sometimes used to increase T3 levels
3. Armour Thyroid
CAUTION:
1. All medications have a risk of side effects.
2. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.
Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDS (LOW THYROID LEVESLS)?
In the early stages, hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels) usually does not cause any noticeable symptoms. After many years hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. Other possible symptoms are fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, puffy face, hoarseness, muscle weakness, elevated blood cholesterol level, muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints, heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods, thinning hair, slowed heart rate, depression, impaired memory, and enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM (LOW THYROID LEVEL)?
There are numerous causes including the following:
1. Autoimmune disease. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. Sometimes this process involves your thyroid gland.
2. Another cause of hypothyroids is the over-treatment of hyperthyroidism. When people produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) they are often treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications. Sometimes, correcting hyperthyroidism can cause the thyroid gland to produce too little thyroid hormone, resulting in permanent hypothyroidism.
3. Thyroid surgery. Removing all or a large portion of your thyroid gland can cause hypothyroidism.
4. Radiation therapy. Radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck can damage the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism.
5. Medications. A number of medications can contribute to hypothyroidism. A common medication that might to this is Lithium.
6. Congenital disease. Some people are born with a defective thyroid gland or no thyroid gland.
7. Pituitary disorder. This usually occurs because of a benign tumor of the pituitary gland.
8. Pregnancy. Some women develop hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy, often because they produce antibodies to their own thyroid gland.
HOW IS HYPOTHYROIDISM DIAGNOSED?
A diagnosis can be made by a simple blood test: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and free thyroid levels (T4).