The best medicine for hypothyroidism is typically levothyroxine, a daily hormone replacement tablet.
Understanding Levothyroxine and Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroxine hormone. Levothyroxine addresses this deficiency by replacing the missing hormone.
- How it works: Levothyroxine supplements the thyroxine that your thyroid is unable to produce adequately.
- Dosage Adjustments: Regular blood tests are crucial, especially when starting treatment, to fine-tune the levothyroxine dosage. This ensures the correct hormone levels are achieved.
Key Aspects of Levothyroxine Treatment
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Medication | Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4) hormone. |
| Administration | Daily oral tablet, ideally taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. |
| Monitoring | Regular blood tests to monitor thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4) and adjust dosage as needed. |
| Goal | To restore normal thyroid hormone levels, alleviating symptoms of hypothyroidism and preventing long-term complications. |
