Synthroid
® (
levothyroxine sodium) is a prescription medication that is a manufactured version of a certain thyroid hormone. Even though it is synthetic, the drug is identical to the naturally occurring hormone levothyroxine (also known as T
4). It is used to treat an
underactive thyroid (known medically as
hypothyroidism) and to treat a variety of thyroid problems (including certain
types of thyroid cancer).
Brand-name Synthroid is made by Abbott Laboratories.
The thyroid gland makes two different thyroid hormones: levothyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Typically, the thyroid produces much more T4 than T3 (however, T3 is much more active than T4). The body can convert the T4 hormone into T3 as necessary. If your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormones, there are a few different ways to increase your levels.
Some forms of thyroid replacement combine T
4 and T
3 (such as natural thyroid replacement made from pig thyroids). However, because the body converts T
4 into T
3 as needed, most people can successfully take just T
4 (such as with Synthroid). Alternatively, just T
3 can be taken (as products such as
Cytomel®). Currently, most people take just T
4 (such as Synthroid).
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