Did you know that an average of 5 in 100 Americans 12 and up have hypothyroidism? Some of the symptoms can be mild or be mistaken for other conditions. Hypothyroidism is a serious, lifelong illness.
Keep reading to learn about medications that are used to treat medications like Synthroid and how it works.
Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid Hormone)
Synthroid is one of the primary medications used to treat hypothyroidism and illnesses that cause low thyroid hormones. These include autoimmune diseases (like Hashimoto’s or atrophic thyroiditis), iodine deficiency, or hereditary conditions.
A diagnosis requires blood tests measuring thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Serious fluctuations in levels or high levels of TSH coupled with low T4 often point to an underactive thyroid.
Without enough thyroid hormone, your metabolism slows down. Therefore, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Lethargy
- Feeling cold or unable to regulate temperature
- Change in hair texture or hair loss
- Slow heart rate
- Fragile, easily broken nails
- Digestive issues
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Irritability
- Memory issues
- Depression or worsening in depressive symptoms
- Unexplained weight gain
A diagnosis requires blood tests measuring thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Serious fluctuations in levels or high TSH coupled with low T4 point to an underactive thyroid.
What is Synthroid?
When you have hypothyroidism and your thyroid cannot perform as it should, certain medications can help improve your conditions with synthetic thyroid hormone medications. The drug of choice for hypothyroidism is Synthroid.
Synthroid, also known by the generic name levothyroxine, is a type of man-made thyroid hormone that is taken in pill form. You can find more information about Synthroid from PricePro and fill your prescription online.
Synthroid Dosage
As conditions causing hypothyroidism, like autoimmune disease, are often lifelong, Synthroid is typically prescribed for daily use. It is taken in the mornings in one dose before eating. The strength is determined by age, weight, heart health, when it is taken other medications, or if you are pregnant.
Synthroid can interact with other medications such as warfarin, digoxin, certain antacids, anti-gas, or digestive medications. You should wait at least four hours between your dose of Synthroid and any of these other medications. Similarly, foods such as soy or soybean flour-based foods, cottonseed meal, walnuts, dairy products high in calcium, high dietary fiber vegetables, and grapefruits and their juice.
Synthroid Side Effects
No prescription medication is without its side effects. Here are some potential side effects of taking Synthroid:
- Increased body temperature
- Hot flashes
- Excessive sweating
- Sensitivity or intolerance to heat,
- Anxiety
- Changes to your menstrual cycle
- Insomnia
- Fluctuations in appetite and weight
- Upset stomach
- Hair loss
- Headache
Serious side effects of Synthroid are rare but do occur. Here are some examples:
- Changes to your mental state or mood changes
- Extreme fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Dilated veins in your neck
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest discomfort
- Trouble swallowing
If you experience any side effects like chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or seizures, see a medical professional right away.
Synthroid: The Drug of Choice for Treating Hypothyroidism
Synthroid is one of the most important drugs used to manage hypothyroidism and related conditions. If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, contact your doctor to talk about whether you should have hormone level testing.
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