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Thyroid Hormone Medicines for Hypothyroidism
People with hypothyroidism who take thyroid hormone medicine usually notice:
- Improved energy level.
- Gradual weight loss (in people with severe hypothyroidism at the time of diagnosis).
- Improved mood and mental function (thinking, memory).
- Improved pumping action of the heart and improved digestive tract function.
- Reduction in the size of an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), if you have one.
- Improved growth, school performance, and behavior in children. Children whose growth has been delayed because of hypothyroidism start growing normally again once they get adequate doses of thyroid hormone.
- Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
In most cases, thyroid hormone medicine works quickly to correct symptoms.
Myxedema coma can respond well to thyroid hormone medicine and treatment in an intensive care unit. But a good outcome depends on how soon treatment starts.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 16, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology | |
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