An Overview of Hypothyroidism Medications
Hypothyroidism refers to a problem that mainly involves the thyroid gland. In this condition, the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones for the body’s utilization and to sustain bodily functions and processes. When the body’s thyroid hormone levels decreases, the person can experience certain complications with his or her mental and physical growth. Problems with the thyroid gland can also cause complications with the body’s endocrine functions. In this case, the person may suffer from unnecessary weight gain and may continually do so until the condition has been treated or addressed. Brittle nails and clammy skin are also other manifestations of hypothyroidism. Fortunately, this medical condition can be treated and there are ways to reduce effects of the symptoms. There are several hypothyroidism medications available.
These medications are administered according to the doctor’s instructions and the condition of the patient. Further, medications and complementary treatment procedures are also administered depending on the cause of hypothyroid. Some common causes for this condition include:
• Birth or congenital defects
• Destruction of the thyroid gland due to radiation treatments
• Destruction or damage to the thyroid gland because of radioactive iodine
• Surgical removal (this affects the thyroid gland and can cause hypothyroid)
• Viral thyroiditis
• Speculative causes include excessive work, inadequate rest, adrenal fatigue, poor diet, and exposure to environmental radiation.
It’s important to note that some patients continue to experience the symptoms of hypothyroidism even when taking medications and the diagnostic test confirm that their numbers are within normal limits. From a Western medical perspective, it is unclear why this happens. From an alternative medical perspective, this occurs because the underlying cause of the symptoms runs deeper than the thyroid gland. Specific organs such as the kidneys or spleen can be deficient in functional energy, which is causing hypothyroidism. According to many holistic treatment models, until this pattern gets addressed, hypothyroid medication can only put a bandage on the real issue.
Thyroid Hormone
Thyroid hormone is considered the most effective if not the best treatment or medication for hypothyroid. Basically, the thyroid hormone medicine can do the following:
• Reduce and alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Usually, after a few weeks of administering thyroid hormone, patients can feel considerable improvement. Symptoms should disappear following a few months of treatment.
• Thyroid hormone also has the capacity to lessen the risks of inhibited physical growth together with behavioral problems and intellectual disability.
Side effects from this medication only occur in the event that the patient consumes the wrong dosage. Other medication choices related to or classified together with thyroid hormone include Levothroid, Synthroid as well as Levoxyl.
Synthetic T4
Synthetic T4 is a possible thyroid medication that is used under physician guidance and recommendation. Some of its variations include: Eltroxin, Oroxine, Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, and Unithroid. This type of medicine is available in nearly every country. However, as mentioned, it can only be taken with a doctor’s prescription. The majority of the brands offering this medicine use lactose as a filler. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that there are no fillers for both Levothroid and Levoxyl.
Synthetic T3
Synthetic T3 refers to a similar type of medication to T4. There are several variations for T3 including Tertroxin, Cynomel as well as Cytomel. This medicine is also available in many countries and it also uses lactose as a filler.
Desiccated Thyroid
Desiccated thyroid is a type of medicine that is mostly available in Canada and the United States. The components used for the medicine are derived from pigs. Unlike T3 and T4, this type of medication does not have lactose.
Additional Tips
In taking medication for hypothyroidism, it is important to understand that medications also need adjunctive forms of support. In order for the body to handle the disease and the medication at the same time, the patient also needs to take specific supplements. Some of these include calcium and iron. The patient can take either of them or both. This helps lessen the amount of medication that the body tends to absorb and which are not helpful anymore to the person. In many cases, the supplements should be taken hours before the thyroid medicine. Most commonly, calcium supplements are taken 4 hours before taking thyroid medication. Ongoing medicalconsultation is also very important.
With the right medications and alternative treatment options, hypothyroidism is usually a very treatable condition.
