Treatment for Low Thyroid

In general, medications are all that is needed to treat low thyroid levels (known medically as hypothyroidism). These drugs contain synthetic thyroxine, which is identical to the T4 hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Brand-name versions include Levoxyl®, Synthroid®, Levothroid®, and Unithroid®. Levothyroxine is the generic version.
 
You can take either the brand-name or generic version of these medicines, but it is best that you not switch between brand-name and/or different generic formulations. In addition, there is no single treatment for low thyroid levels that works for all people, and there is no "standard" dose. People have varying degrees of hypothyroidism and, as a result, their dose must be individualized.
 
The effects of treatment on thyroid levels can be seen in as little as two weeks. TSH levels are tested about six to eight weeks after a person begins taking medicines for hypothyroidism and the dose adjusted, if necessary. Each time the dose is adjusted, the blood tests are repeated.
 
(Click Hypothyroidism Treatment for a more in-depth look at how low thyroid levels are brought back to normal levels with medication, when treatment may be postponed, and how long a person needs to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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