Synthetic T4 Hormones to Replace Insufficient Thyroid Hormones<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThyroid hormone replacement therapy is the most commonly used treatment for hypothyroidism, and synthetic T4 medication is the most effective. While these hormones are identical to the natural T4 that the thyroid makes, several factors can affect the exact dosage you need. Synthetic T4 is available as a prescription medication called levothyroxine, which is marketed under the brand names Levothroid and Synthroid. Every day, on an empty stomach, you must take synthetic thyroxine. Allow at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything (with the exception of water). Skipping doses can throw your thyroid out of whack. If you miss a dose, make sure to take it the following day on your regular schedule. Don’t double your dose by taking two pills at once, as this can cause your levels to skyrocket.<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Combination Medications with Synthetic T3 and T4 Hormones<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Combination medications containing both synthetic T4 and T3 hormones are also available on the market, but they are not usually recommended. For one thing, most patients’ conditions improve with synthetic T4 alone due to the thyroid’s ability to convert these hormones to T3 when needed. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to take liothyronine (Cytomel) in addition to levothyroxine.<\/p>\n
\n- Subclinical hypothyroidism<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you are diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, talk about treatment with your healthcare provider. Thyroid hormone medication may be ineffective for a mild increase in TSH. Thyroid hormones may help some symptoms if your TSH level is higher but still in the subclinical range.<\/p>\n
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