Contents
Levothyroxine: The Go-To Treatment for Hypothyroidism
Published: May 29, 2024
Levothyroxine is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism, effectively replacing the thyroid hormones your body lacks. This synthetic hormone can help restore normal thyroid function and alleviate symptoms.
How Levothyroxine Works
Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of thyroxine (T4), the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Once taken, it's converted to the active form of thyroid hormone (T3) in the body. This helps regulate metabolism, energy production, and many other bodily functions. By replacing the missing thyroid hormone, levothyroxine can effectively manage hypothyroidism symptoms.
Taking Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is typically taken once daily, usually in the morning on an empty stomach. It's important to take it consistently at the same time each day for optimal absorption. Avoid taking it with other medications, supplements, or foods that can interfere with absorption, such as calcium or iron supplements. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on your TSH levels and symptoms.
Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment
Regular blood tests are crucial to ensure you're receiving the right dose of levothyroxine. Your doctor will typically check your TSH levels every 6-8 weeks after starting treatment or changing doses. Once stable, annual checks are usually sufficient. It's important to notify your doctor of any new symptoms or changes in your health, as these may necessitate dose adjustments.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
When taken as prescribed, levothyroxine has few side effects. However, taking too much can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heartbeat, anxiety, or weight loss. It's important to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking, as some can interact with levothyroxine. Pregnant women may need dose adjustments, as thyroid hormone requirements often increase during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can take several weeks to feel the full effects.
No, it's usually a lifelong treatment.
Synthetic levothyroxine is the standard, reliable treatment.
It's best taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
It may help if weight gain was due to hypothyroidism.
The Right Balance
Levothyroxine can effectively manage hypothyroidism when taken correctly and monitored regularly.
References
- Jonklaas J, et al. Guidelines for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Prepared by the American Thyroid Association Task Force on Thyroid Hormone Replacement. Thyroid 2014; 24:1670.
- Biondi B, Wartofsky L. Treatment with thyroid hormone. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:433.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?