What are the treatment options for hypothyroidism?
A slow or inactive thyroid gland does not produce enough T-4 (thyroxine). To restore normal body function the patient will need to take a supplement. The supplement is a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxin (levoxyl, synthroid). After a few weeks on levothyroxin, symptoms are reduced and even reversed in the case of weight gain. However, because hypothyroidism cannot be cured, doctors will urge patients to continue treatment throughout the course of their lives, incrementing the dosage as indicated by periodic checks of TSH levels, which will also help the body adjust to the increase in metabolism. The good thing about levothyroxin is that it is relatively inexpensive and has practically no side effects. As different brands of levothyroxin have varying dosages it is important to let the doctor know if you change brands. If the patient stops taking levothyroxin at any time, signs and symptoms will return when the body has used up the last dosage of the medication. Some medicati
