Treatment for hypothyroidism
Firstly, not everyone who has hypothyroidism will need to take medication. If your condition is very mild, or you have certain pre-existing conditions, the normal medicines prescribed for an underactive thyroid may not be suitable.
Fortunately, if you do need treatment for an underactive thyroid, it’s fairly straightforward.
Most people with the condition are recommended to start taking a daily hormone replacement medication called
levothyroxine.
21 This drug replaces the hormone that your thyroid isn’t making enough of (i.e.thyroxine), helping to stabilise your levels and control your symptoms.
21
There’s no one-size-fits-all dose, and you may need to have yours adjusted a few times to find the one that works best for you. Once settled on the correct dose of levothyroxine, you’ll be monitored using annual blood tests to keep track of your hormone levels.
It's important to note that levothyroxine is only available on prescription. It also needs to be taken indefinitely, as without it, your symptoms will return. If you get pregnant, you’ll need to be more closely monitored, so it’s crucial that you speak to your doctor or midwife right away.21
It’s also useful to know that despite what some resources say, there are currently no specific foods or dietary supplements that are proven to be helpful in treating hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, eating a balanced diet that contains a comprehensive mix of nutrients can only benefit your overall health and wellbeing. Making sure you get enough sleep can also be helpful.