Levothyroxine
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Levothyroxine is a thyroid medicine used as hormone replacement therapy for those diagnosed with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis.[1]
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroxine (T4). If the thyroid is not producing enough T4, then the synthetic hormone Levothyroxine is taken to replace the missing hormone.[1]
Theory
The addition of synthetic thyroid hormone compensates for an underactive thyroid gland. This can control hypothyroid symptoms like low energy, but is not a cure.[2]
Evidence
Levothyroxine has been around for many years treating patients with an underactive thyroid. It has substantially improved the lives of millions of hypothyroid patients since its introduction in 1949.[3]
Clinicians
Risks and safety
Costs and availability
Lingering symptoms
Levothyroxine is prescribed to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Physicians often adjust dosage in an effort to normalize thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. However, many patients report no change in symptoms, even after thyroid medication has lowered their TSH to normal levels.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Hashimoto's Thyroiditis". American Thyroid Association. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
- ↑ "Levothyroxine: MedlinePlus Drug Information". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
- ↑ Duntas, Leonidas H.; Jonklaas, Jacqueline (September 1, 2019). "Levothyroxine Dose Adjustment to Optimise Therapy Throughout a Patient's Lifetime". Advances in Therapy. 36 (2): 30–46. doi:10.1007/s12325-019-01078-2. ISSN 1865-8652. PMC 6822824. PMID 31485977.
- ↑ "Hypothyroidism symptoms linger despite medication use, normal blood tests". October 12, 2016.
