Treatment will depend on the type of hypothyroidism you are diagnosed with and will include medications, diet, and exercise plans. Most people with hypothyroidism (excluding iodine deficiency) will need lifelong thyroid hormone medication, and lifestyle choices are just as important. The foods we eat and exercises we perform will have a substantial impact on people with hypothyroidism.
Pharmacological options for treating hypothyroidism include:
- Levothyroxine: It is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone
- provides T4 that will then need to be converted into T3
- Typically given at doses of 1.6–1.8 μg per kg of body weight. Administration of levothyroxine must be controlled and regularly evaluated since excessive levels may have adverse effects.
- Synthroid: Is in synthetic form, provides T4 that will need to be converted into T3
- Armour (natural option made from bovine cells)
- Sheild: Is a combination of T4 and T3. This medication is often considered the best option for those who have either the inability to convert T4 into T3 or who have a lower conversion range
Many people will start on one medication, feel better for a while and then start to feel worse again. Others may not feel better at all. Reasons, why this occurs are very individual, but nutrition deficiencies, protein imbalance, insufficient iodine, low T4 to T3 conversion rates, or food sensitivities all play a role. Speak with you medical provider if you are not reaching your maintenance and well-being goals on current treatment.
Once a medication is started, the patient will have to follow up lab work every 3 months to check thyroid levels. Medication does be adjusted based on findings. Once the thyroid hormone levels have reached a healthy range, lab work can be done every 6 months.
Surgical options for treating hypothyroidism include:
Thyroidectomy. Removal of the thyroid gland by surgery is available as an option in cases where there is severe cervical compression or if there is a suspicion of malignancy.
