How Is Hypothyroidism Treated

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones

. This is also known as an under active thyroid. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones. These hormones regulate the rate at which the metabolism works. If the levels of thyroid hormones are too low then the metabolism will work at a slower rate than normal. This can lead to a range of different symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, depression and increased sensitivity to the cold.

Hypothyroidism is usually treated very successfully. Generally, the treatment is a daily dose of a synthetic thyroid hormone. This is an artificial version of a hormone called T4 or thyroxine, which is naturally produced by the thyroid gland. Treatment with this medication replaces the thyroxine that should be produced by the thyroid gland. This ensures that the levels of this hormone in the blood are returned to normal levels.

It is important for the correct dosage of hypothyroidism to be administered. The right dosage is determined by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. Blood tests are conducted approximately every two to three months after treatment is initiated. During this time, the dosage will be adjusted according to the results of the blood tests, until the levels of thyroid hormones become normal.

Patients who are undergoing treatment for hypothyroidism must also continue to undergo regular blood tests, usually on an annual basis, in order to check that the dosage is still correct. In some cases, these blood tests will need to be conducted more often. For example, it will be necessary to check the dosage if a woman who is being treated for the condition becomes pregnant.

The standard hypothyroidism treatment is not successful in every case. Some patients require different medication in order to cure their hypothyroidism. One alternative treatment involves taking a combined dose of the synthetic T4 hormone and another synthetic thyroid hormone, called T3 or triiodothyronine. Another possible treatment is an animal derived medication created from a desiccated extract of the thyroid gland.

by: Lisa Jacobson

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