Since Hypothyroidism means the body has a lack of Thyroid hormones, the most appropriate way to treat the condition is to replace these hormones. This is why the use of Thyroid hormone therapy, also known as Thyroid Hormone Replacement therapy, is the most common approach to the treatment of Hypothyroidism today.
There are different options available when it comes to treating Hypothyroidism with this type of medication. The most common prescription drugs used to treat the condition is known as Levothyroxine, a synthetic replacement for Thyroxine, or T4, the “inactive” Thyroid hormone that the body converts to Triiodothyronine or T3. Levothyroxine is also often used in cases of Thyroid Cancer and where a Goiter has developed in a patient.
The drug comes in different dosages or strengths depending on how much a patient needs. The prescribing physician will use the test results obtained during the diagnosis of the condition to determine the most appropriate dosage of the medication for a patient.
In the majority of cases, the initial dosage of Levothyroxine prescribed to a patient will not provide the most effective results. The condition is complex, and treatment can be complicated. This is also why most patients will have to undergo additional testing on a regular basis when they are only started on Levothyroxine medication. These tests will be used to determine how well the medication is working. A physician will also use the test results to determine if any adjustments to the medication are needed to better treat the patient’s Hypothyroidism.
Levothyroxine has not been linked to any major interactions with existing prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, and supplements that a patient may already be taken. It is also considered one of the safest and most effective ways to treat this condition in modern medicine.
Some recent studies have also suggested that combination therapy may yield more effective results as compared to monotherapy with levothyroxine alone. These studies primarily focus on the use of liothyronine, a synthetic type of triiodothyronine, the more potent Thyroid hormone. The combination of these two drugs helps to increase levels of both Thyroid hormones in the patient’s body at the same time.
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