Hypothyroid medications are used to treat the most common cause of an underactive thyroid gland – inadequate hormone production. Levothyroxine is an effective medication that is available as a generic or as a prescription medication. Levothyroxine is one of two synthetic forms of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
The synthetic form of the hormone is more readily absorbed and metabolized by the body. The natural form of the hormone has to be derived from the thyroid cells and treated with other hormones.
There are two main ways in which hypothyroid medications are prescribed today. One method involves taking synthetic hormones on a monthly basis while another method involves taking the hormone into your system and staying within the recommended dosage for a week or two.
The most commonly prescribed method of treatment is using Levothyroxine or liothyronine. Levothyroxine and liothyronine are derived from synthetic hormones that were created by accident in the 1940s. They have since been found to be effective treatments for hypothyroidism.
Some of the symptoms that can occur with hypothyroidism include weight gain, constipation, slowed growth, slow mental function, depression, and fatigue. The primary cause of hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland. This is usually caused by an iodine deficiency. If you are experiencing one or several of these symptoms, you may benefit from one of the many different types of hypothyroid medications that are available. Some of these medications include: Levothyroxine, Synthroid, Iodine, L-thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine.
Levothyroxine is one of the many types of hypothyroid medications that is prescribed to help maintain normal thyroid hormone levels. It helps control weight and cholesterol, and also helps to increase the production of thyroid hormone. There are mixed results with Levothyroxine in helping to relieve symptoms of hypothyroidism. Some patients report improvements while others don’t.
Synthroid is another one of the many forms of hypothyroid medications. It is used to relieve symptoms caused by an overactive thyroid gland. It helps to reduce cholesterol buildup, blood pressure, and high blood sugar levels. Some patients report improvements while others don’t.
Iodine and l-thyroxine are both commonly prescribed as injections to maintain normal thyroid hormone levels. These medications can work very well if your thyroid issues are serious. They will need to be taken every day even if your thyroid activity isn’t very high because they work by increasing the production of thyroxine and thyroid hormone. Your body will then make enough of these hormones for proper functioning.
Levothyroxine is a common injectable form of thyroid hormone that usually needs to be taken two to four times per week for mild hypothyroidism. It is generally prescribed to people who need additional medication to help their hypothyroidism. People who have an overactive thyroid gland may not be good candidates for this form of treatment.
Most other forms of hypothyroidism treated with hormone replacement therapy are rarely covered by insurance. You may have to pay part of the cost of your treatment or your insurance provider may only cover a portion of the cost. Levothyroxine and Synthroid are the most commonly prescribed thyroid medications.
Talk to your doctor to learn more about these and other forms of treatment for your particular thyroid condition. You may need to take these medicines for the rest of your life if you have a chronic thyroid condition.