When the thyroid fails to produce hormones correctly, numerous harmful effects can result. Fortunately, thyroid replacement therapy replicates essential hormones to avoid symptoms and ensure proper bodily function when it comes to metabolism and other processes.
Medication is usually taken once a day in pill form and most people must take medication for the duration of their lives. Additionally, patients require yearly monitoring to assess hormone levels in the blood.
This medication is most often used to treat hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid fails to make the necessary hormones effectively. It may also be recommended after surgery to remove the thyroid, which ensures the body continues to have access to hormones. For people with enlarged thyroids, also known as a goitre, thyroid replacement therapy can prevent overgrowth of the gland.
There are a few common signs that indicate underactive thyroid problems, including:
These symptoms can also apply to other medical conditions, so it’s important to have them evaluated by a doctor right away.
A doctor can perform a blood test to determine whether you’re experiencing a problem with thyroid function. These tests assess thyroid hormone levels, as well as a hormone generated by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid. Abnormal hormone levels typically indicate that replacement therapy is necessary.
Providing the right dose of medication to treat thyroid disorders can prevent side effects and complications. Accordingly, doctors will monitor patients consistently to determine hormone levels. In addition to paying regular visits to a healthcare provider for testing and monitoring, people with thyroid disorders must also take their medication on an empty stomach, as food may prevent the medication from being fully absorbed by the body.