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The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. Your thyroid makes hormones that control how your body uses and stores energy. When your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), it affects virtually all systems in your body. Hypothyroidism can negatively impact your energy, your heart, digestion, and fertility if left untreated.
Some people with too little thyroid hormone may be symptom-free. However, many people with hypothyroidism experience symptoms that feel as if the body is slowing down.
Common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Puffy face
- Hoarseness
- Muscle weakness
- Elevated blood cholesterol level
- Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- Thinning hair
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Impaired memory
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a simple thyroid blood test and treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication.
Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating cellular metabolism, as well as your growth and development. While you can live for many years with too little thyroid hormone, you will likely feel unwell or sickly and may experience other health conditions. Therefore, it is imperative for people with hypothyroidism to take thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of their life.
Thyroid hormone replacement is not a one-size-fits-all process. Your thyroid test results, age, other health conditions, and symptoms will determine the type and dose of medication your thyroid doctor prescribes for you. Sometimes, your dose will need to be adjusted to reach a therapeutic level.
Ahead, some of the different kinds of thyroid medication.
T4-only thyroid medications
Levothyroxine is the first line of treatment for hypothyroidism. This medication is a synthetic or human-made form of thyroxine (T4), one of the thyroid's primary hormones. People taking levothyroxine may take a generic form or a name brand like Synthroid, Unithroid, or Tirosint.
T3-only thyroid medications
Triiodothyronine (T3) is the other hormone made by the thyroid. For the few patients for whom T4 alone is insufficient, the addition of T3 may be of benefit. Sometimes, a thyroid doctor may prescribe T3 replacement medication if a patient has a hard time converting T4 to T3 or if they take an interfering medication. T3 may be prescribed when a person's TSH levels or symptoms do not improve despite an increase in T4 levels.
T4/T3 combination therapies
Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) is a medication derived from the dried (desiccated) thyroid glands of pigs and provides both T3 and T4. Name brands of NDT include Armour, Nature-Throid, and NP Thyroid.
Compounded medication
Compounded thyroid medication is custom-made in specializing compounding pharmacies to provide the strength and T4:T3 ratio to suit patients' needs. It gives the most flexibility to those who need a precise dosage or who have adverse reactions to the fillers in other thyroid hormone replacement medications.
Being undermedicated is problematic when you are treating hypothyroidism. If your dose is too low, you will still struggle with hypothyroidism symptoms.
Your thyroid needs to work overtime to meet the demands of your pituitary. The pituitary gland in your brain releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to signal the thyroid to make more thyroid hormones. When your TSH is high, the pituitary is not detecting enough thyroid hormone in your bloodstream.
You should frequently check your TSH levels when you start or switch to a new medication to ensure you are getting an adequate dosage.
You may experience the following symptoms if you are on too little thyroid medication:
- Fatigue
- Sluggishness
- Sadness and depression
- Changes in your period
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Dry skin
The symptoms of too little thyroid medication may feel similar to getting a cold. For example, you may feel a sudden surge of shivers, cold hands and feet, and even a sore or swollen throat. One of the signs of low thyroid hormone is brain fog. Subtle changes in your thyroid hormone levels can make it hard to concentrate and may impair your memory.
If you're being treated for thyroid disease and not seeing improvement, it can be frustrating. Understanding the reasons your medication might not be effective can help get your treatment back on track:
- Timing: Take your medication on an empty stomach, either in the morning or before bed.
- Consistency: Stick to a regular schedule; missed doses can affect efficacy.
- Weight Changes: Your dosage may need adjustment if you've gained weight.
- Interference: Coffee and certain foods can interfere with absorption.
- Dosage: You might need more T4; consult your doctor
- Interactions with Other Medications: Certain medications and supplements, like calcium or iron, can interfere with thyroid medication absorption
Consider absorption
If you find that your thyroid medication is no longer helpful, absorption may be an issue. Unfortunately, many things can affect how your small intestine absorbs your medication. To increase your intestinal absorption, take your thyroid medication on an empty stomach with water. Avoid other beverages like juice, coffee, tea, etc. Also take your thyroid medication separately from other drugs and supplements. Certain medications and supplements contain ingredients that block thyroid hormone absorption, including calcium.
Monitor your weight
Thyroid medications are often prescribed based on your weight. Therefore, even subtle changes in your weight can affect your thyroid hormone levels. If you lose or gain weight, track your weight and symptoms so your doctor can adjust your dose accordingly.
Stay consistent with the brand and type of medication
There are subtle differences between thyroid medication brands. For example, there may be different fillers, coatings, preservatives, and coloring agents that may create inconsistencies. If you switch brands, check your thyroid levels every 4-6 weeks until they stabilize.
Practice patience and test regularly
You may not be undermedicated! It may just be too soon to tell if you're on the right type and dose. Some people may feel their symptoms start to dissipate within a few weeks of starting a new thyroid hormone medication. However, it may take longer. We recommend testing your thyroid frequently and staying in close communication with your thyroid doctor to get your dose just right.
Avoid over-the-counter thyroid glandular supplements
Some over-the-counter supplements claim to contain tissues from animals' thyroid glands to replace your thyroid hormones. However, these over-the-counter thyroid glandular supplements can be dangerous as they are not predictable. Treating your hypothyroidism with prescription thyroid hormone medication is an exact art. Unfortunately, thyroid glandular supplements that contain these hormones can alter your levels in unpredictable ways as they may contain too much thyroid hormone, too little, or none at all.
Make your medication part of your daily routine
Timing matters, especially if you take T3 only, or a T3/T4 combination medication, as they are shorter-acting in the body. Take your thyroid hormone medication at the same time each day. Associate taking your thyroid medication with another daily habit, like turning off your alarm or brushing your teeth.
Watch out for side effects of Thyroid Medications
Thyroid medications can sometimes cause side effects, including heart palpitations, increased heart rate, and anxiety. It's essential to monitor your symptoms and report any adverse reactions to your healthcare provider to adjust your dosage if necessary.
Simplifying Thyroid Health Management with Paloma Health
If you're unsure about your thyroid medication dosage, Paloma Health's online services offer an easy way to consult with expert thyroid providers from home. Address your thyroid symptoms and ensure your dosage is correct with our expert guidance.
Want to learn more about your thyroid health? Use our at-home Thyroid Blood Test to check for abnormal hormone levels. With reliable, physician-reviewed results, you can understand your symptoms better and schedule a digital consultation if needed.
Paloma Health connects you with trusted healthcare professionals and prescription services. If you think you are undermedicated, partner with a thyroid doctor to determine a personalized treatment plan. The sooner you find your therapeutic dose of thyroid medication, the sooner you can get back to feeling healthy and energized!
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