HOW IS HYPOTHYROIDISM TREATED?

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by blood tests that reveal insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone in the blood. Evidence of excessive amounts of pituitary thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) usually confirms the diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone replacement. If you also have heart disease, treatment poses a problem. If your thyroid disease is treated too quickly, your heart disease may worsen. In this case thyroid hormone replacement is recommended, starting with very small doses and increasing them gradually.

It may take as long as four to six months of treatment for you to reach normal thyroid function, although the good effects begin to be felt within two or three months. By increasing the dosage slowly, any dangerous effects can be avoided. Periodic blood tests determine the right amount of medication.

Once a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made, thyroid hormone replacement continues for the rest of your life. But if it is stopped for a few days, it can be started again at the same dosage. If, by chance, it is stopped for a few weeks or longer, it should be begun gradually. Your physician will determine the correct dosage. You should not restart your medication at full strength without his advice if many weeks have elapsed.

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