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Thyroid Hormone Replacement for Hypothyroidism
Thyroid Hormone Replacement for Hypothyroidism
Overview
Thyroid hormones help regulate the way the body uses energy. You need thyroid hormone replacement when you do not have enough thyroid hormones in your blood (hypothyroidism). Depending on the cause of your hypothyroidism, you may need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of your life.
Thyroid hormones are usually taken by mouth. How much you need depends on your age, your body weight, and whether you are pregnant.
Thyroid hormone replacement is the only way to treat hypothyroidism. For most people, taking a thyroid hormone medicine:
- Reduces or stops the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- Allows them to live normal lives.
- Reduces the risk of complications from having too little thyroid hormone in the blood, including a high level of fats and cholesterol in the blood.
People who take thyroid hormones need to have their blood checked regularly to make sure that they are taking the correct dose of replacement hormone. Children, pregnant women, and older adults may need to have their blood levels checked more often than other people.
Current as of: April 13, 2022
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Matthew I. Kim MD - Endocrinology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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