So what exactly is Hypothyroidism? And is there really a hypothyroid treatment or do we have to live with this condition, lethargy and fatigue for the rest of our lives? What treatment options are available and which is the best of them all? Answering all such questions begins with first knowing what hypothyroidism actually is.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive which results in slower body metabolism, weight gain, fatigue and lethargy. Of the many treatment options that are available today, standard hypothyroidism treatment involves the use of the synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine also referred to as Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid –daily.

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Levothyroxine needs to be administered orally and helps restore adequate hormone levels in the body thereby normalizing your activities. Right after a week or two of starting your hypothyroidism treatment a remarkable change in your energy levels can be noticed. You will see that you’re way less fatigued than before you started medication. This medication also helps lower your cholesterol levels gradually that had been elevated by the disease, thereby controlling any weight gain at all. Levothyroxine treatment is usually spans a lifetime but dosage may need to be altered depending on your condition each year. Hence, doctors normally check the TSH level annually for this.

However, to establish the correct dosage of levothyroxine for you initially, doctors regularly monitor your TSH level every two or three months. This is done to eliminate any possible side effects like heart palpitations, shakiness, increased appetite and insomnia. In specific conditions such as coronary heart disease or severe hypothyroidism, your doctor might begin your treatment with a lesser dosage and gradually increasing it to allow your body time to accept the hormone.

Levothyroxine is rather inexpensive and seldom causes any side effects when used appropriately though the dosage may vary with the brands of Levothyroxine that are available in the market. Any change in the brand must always be conveyed to your doctor to ensure an appropriate dosage. It is imperative to mention here that skip doses or stopping the medicine can result in serious problems and increase the risk of hypothyroidism symptoms returning. In addition to your medication, your diet can actually determine how quickly you recover from the problem. Certain foods affect your body’s ability to absorb the levothyroxine hormone. In fact even medications and nutritional supplements can alter the hormone absorption t a great extent. Eliminating foods rich in protein or taking vitamin and iron supplements, Cholestyramine (Questran), Aluminum hydroxide, and even calcium supplements can interfere with your hypothyroid treatment. All must be conveyed to the doctor before you begin your medication for hypothyroid treatment. However, in case you suffer from subclinical hypothyroidism you must discuss the treatment with your doctor. No treatment for a relatively mild increase in TSH will ever be useful; in fact it can increase your complications if not properly treated. In some cases it is best left untreated when the TSH levels are rather little high. Normally thyroid treatment helps improve your cholesterol level, health of your heart and your energy levels.