Hypothyroidism medication targets two different thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, doesn’t produce enough T3 and T4. Both are critical to the body’s metabolic function and affect every organ system.
Hypothyroidism medication can provide T4 and T3 thyroid hormones individually or in combination to support proper functioning and limit hypothyroidism symptoms. Belmar Pharmacy offers many therapeutic options to restore the body’s thyroid hormone balance.
Levothyroxine sodium is a synthetic bioidentical form of T4 that the body converts into active T3 as needed, while liothyronine sodium is a synthetic bioidentical form of T3 that provides the active thyroid hormone.
Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone T4 that converts into its active metabolite T3 (triiodothyronine).
Liothyronine is a synthetic form of triiodothyronine (T3).
Desiccated thyroid is an extract derived from dried porcine thyroid glands that contains T3, T4, and additional triiodothyronine compounds.
No matter the cause, hypothyroidism hormone replacement can help address problematic symptoms. The most common thyroid disorder is the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, a condition where the body attacks its own thyroid hormone producing cells.
T4, the inactive form of thyroid hormone, is produced solely by the thyroid gland. T3 is the active form. The thyroid gland produces about 20% of the T3 in our bodies. The remaining T3 comes from the conversion of T4 to T3 by removing an iodine atom by deiodinase enzymes in the body. Most people have enzymes called deiodinases in organs like the liver, brain, kidneys, and heart, which produce the other 80% by converting T4 into T3, as needed.
Production and release of T3 and T4 are controlled by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland. In a healthy body they create a feedback loop that maintains appropriate circulating hormone levels. Many factors can impair the conversion of T4 to T3, such as high or low levels of vitamins, minerals, and hormones. This may result in hypothyroidism.
An under-functioning thyroid gland can also be caused by:
Thyroid hormone imbalance can affect every cell and organ of the body, leading to an array of diverse hypothyroidism symptoms. These symptoms can be slow to develop, vary person to person, and are non-specific. This is why hypothyroidism often goes undiagnosed despite how common it is, especially in women.
Hypothyroidism hormone replacement can supplement the T4 and T3 the body requires to improve:
Scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider trained in hypothyroidism therapy to coordinate a physical exam and a consultation about symptoms is an appropriate first step. Laboratory results via blood test can also help diagnose hypothyroidism.
Evaluating the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels and T4 levels will help providers understand how much hormone the thyroid gland is producing. TSH regulates T4 production by the thyroid gland. Abnormally high TSH typically suggests hypothyroidism, because it indicates a high demand on the thyroid to compensate for the lack of available thyroid hormone in the blood.
Proper thyroid function requires the conversion of T4, the primary inactive thyroid hormone, to T3, the body’s active thyroid hormone. Transport of these hormones into tissue cells is also critical for activity. Even if TSH, T4, and T3 levels appear within expected limits, providers can evaluate other factors to determine a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
No, there is no cure for hypothyroidism. Therapeutic options are focused on disease management and many patients experience great improvement. Thyroid hormone replacement options like levothyroxine sodium (T4), liothyronine sodium (T3), or desiccated thyroid support the body’s hypothyroidism needs and, in turn, limit symptoms. If a hypothyroid state is due to a temporary condition or deficiency, then it may resolve in time.
The thyroid is considered the engine of the body as it controls metabolism and energy. When thyroid hormone levels are low, like in hypothyroidism, regulation of these important weight management factors declines. The best way to lose weight with hypothyroidism is to address the lack of thyroid hormone with appropriate thyroid hormone replacement, combined with recommended diet and exercise.
This stage can indicate a pre-hypothyroidism state. A slightly elevated TSH indicates that the pituitary gland is putting in extra effort to make enough T4, but T4 levels remain within range. Subclinical patients can experience light hypothyroidism symptoms and may eventually develop hypothyroidism.
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