Treatment of hypothyroidism: Can it be cured with drugs?

Author:
MUDr. Andrea Bullová
MUDr. Andrea Bullová
Physician

Treatment for hypothyroidism involves taking a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine every day. By substituting levothyroxine, the symptoms of hypothyroidism disappear and blood tests return to normal.

Treatment is started with small doses, e.g. 12.5-25 micrograms per day. After two weeks, the dose is gradually increased to a long-term maintenance dose.

Absorption of levothyroxine may be affected by gastrointestinal disease or the use of other drugs. Dose adjustment is necessary when taking dietary supplements such as iron, calcium, when taking antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin or carbamazepine, or when taking antibiotics such as rifampicin.

Levothyroxine is best taken fasting at the same time each day. It is best to take the medicine first thing in the morning and wait an hour before eating or taking other medicines.

Excessive doses of the hormone can cause side effects such as:

  • Increased appetite
  • insomnia
  • heart palpitations
  • trembling of the limbs
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MUDr. Andrea Bullová
MUDr. Andrea Bullová
Physician
After graduating from an eight-year high school, I knew exactly who I wanted to become in life. Studying at the Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University in Bratislava fulfilled a long-held dream and I was able to start fulfilling my mission as a doctor. After obtaining my diploma and M.D. degree, my first professional steps led to the St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute in Bratislava. At the Stereotactic Radiosurgery Clinic I worked with patients with brain tumours and eye tumours. After a year of working with oncology patients, in 2020 I moved to the Neurology Clinic of SZU St. Michael's University Hospital in Bratislava, where I am still working today. I like to spend my free time outdoors, whether cycling, hiking or just walking in the nearby forest.
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