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Treatment Of Hypothyroidism
By peace | March 19, 2007
Hypothyroidism is a very common condition. One in 5,000 people has hypothyroidism. A blood test is needed to confirm hypothyroidism. With the exception of certain conditions, the treatment of hypothyroidism requires life-long medication. Since hypothyroidism is caused by too little thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid, the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based almost exclusively upon measuring the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood.
Properly diagnosed, hypothyroidism can be easily and completely treated with thyroid hormone replacement, whereby people with hypothyroidism must take a synthetic form of thyroid hormone every day to reduce their symptoms. On the other hand, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to an enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy), worsening heart failure, and an accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion).
Treatment of Hypothyroidism
Standard treatment for an underactive thyroid involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid). The oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, shifting your body back into normal gear.
Soon after starting treatment, you’ll notice that you’re feeling less fatigued. The medication also gradually lowers cholesterol levels elevated by the disease and may reverse any weight gain. Treatment with levothyroxine is usually lifelong, but because the dosage you need may change, your doctor is likely to check your TSH level every year or so.
To determine the right dosage of levothyroxine initially, your doctor generally checks your level of TSH after two to three months. Excessive amounts of the hormone can cause side effects, such as increased appetite, insomnia, heart palpitations and shakiness.
If you have coronary artery disease or severe hypothyroidism, your doctor may start treatment with a smaller amount of medication and gradually increase the dosage. Progressive hormone replacement allows your heart to adjust to the increase in metabolism.
Levothyroxine causes virtually no side effects when used in the appropriate dose and is relatively inexpensive. If you change brands, let your doctor know to ensure you’re still receiving the right dosage. Also, don’t skip doses or stop taking the drug because you’re feeling better. If you do, the symptoms of hypothyroidism will gradually return. People with hypothyroidism need to take medication for the rest of their lives.
Complications of Hypothyroidism
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a number of health problems:
1. Goiter
Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may cause the gland to become larger — a condition known as goiter. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the most common causes of a goiter. Although generally not uncomfortable, a large goiter can affect your appearance and may interfere with swallowing or breathing.
2. Heart problems
Hypothyroidism may also be associated with an increased risk of heart disease, primarily because high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the “bad” cholesterol — can occur in people with an underactive thyroid. Even subclinical hypothyroidism, a more benign condition than true hypothyroidism, can cause an increase in total cholesterol levels and impair the pumping ability of your heart. Hypothyroidism can also lead to an enlarged heart and heart failure.
3. Mental health issues
Depression may occur early in hypothyroidism and may become more severe over time. Hypothyroidism can also cause slowed mental functioning.
4. Myxedema
This rare, life-threatening condition is the result of long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Its symptoms include intense cold intolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness. A myxedema coma may be triggered by sedatives, infection or other stress on your body. If you have symptoms of myxedema, you need immediate emergency medical treatment.
5. Birth defects
Babies born to women with untreated thyroid disease may have a higher risk of birth defects than do babies born to healthy mothers. These children are more prone to serious intellectual and developmental problems.
Infants with untreated hypothyroidism present at birth are also at risk of serious problems with both physical and mental development. But if the condition is diagnosed within the first few months of life, the chances of normal development are excellent.
Can I prevent Hypothyroidism?
You cannot prevent hypothyroidism, but you can watch for signs of the disease so it can be treated promptly. Older adults, especially women older than 60, those with a strong family history of hypothyroidism, and those with Addison’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia, or type 1 diabetes should be tested for hypothyroidism.
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