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About Thyroid Health
How Is Hypothyroidism Treated?
Doctors usually prescribe thyroid hormone pills to treat hypothyroidism. Most people start to feel better within a week or two. Your symptoms will probably go away within a few months. But you will likely need to keep taking the pills for the rest of your life.
In most cases, thyroid hormone medication works quickly to correct symptoms. People with hypothyroidism who take thyroid hormone medication usually notice:
It's important to take your medicine just the way your doctor tells you to. You will also need to see your doctor for follow-up visits to make sure you have the right dose. Getting too much or too little thyroid hormone can cause problems.
If you have mild or subclinical hypothyroidism, you may not need treatment now. But you'll want to watch closely for signs that it is getting worse.
In most cases, thyroid hormone medication works quickly to correct symptoms. People with hypothyroidism who take thyroid hormone medication usually notice:
- Improved energy levels.
- Gradual weight loss in people with severe hypothyroidism at the time of diagnosis.
- Improved mood and mental function including thinking and memory.
- Improved pumping action of the heart and improved digestive tract function.
- Reduction in the size of an enlarged thyroid gland (or goiter), if you have one.
- Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
It's important to take your medicine just the way your doctor tells you to. You will also need to see your doctor for follow-up visits to make sure you have the right dose. Getting too much or too little thyroid hormone can cause problems.
If you have mild or subclinical hypothyroidism, you may not need treatment now. But you'll want to watch closely for signs that it is getting worse.
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As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
SOURCES: WebMD's Medical References: "Understanding Thyroid Problems: The Basics." "Thyroid and Menopause: Confusing the Symptoms." "Thyroid Storm." WebMD's Medical Information from Healthwise: "Hypothyroidism." "Hypothyroidism Cause." "Thyroid hormone medications for hypothyroidism." "Hyperthyroidism."
