Treatments for Hypothyroidism
Treatments for Hypothyroidism:
There is no way to prevent hypothyroidism, and there is no cure. However, with recognition and treatment, low levels of thyroid hormone can be replaced to normal levels in the body. To accomplish this, most people with hypothyroidism have to take the oral thyroid hormone replacement medication called levothyroxine for the rest of their lives.
Medication therapy is monitored closely with blood tests for several months after beginning treatment to ensure that a person is getting just the right amount of the drug. Ideal doses vary between different people. If the dose of thyroid replacement medication is too small for an individual, it will not adequately replace thyroid hormone in the body. If the dose is too high, it may result in side effects and a potentially serious condition called hyperthyroidism.
Once a safe and effective dose has been established, it is then generally monitored yearly or more frequently if symptoms reappear or side effects develop. It is very important not to skip or change doses of your medication without consulting with your physician or licensed health care provider.
Treatment of the life-threatening complication of myxedema coma may require intravenous thyroid hormone replacement medication and steroids and intensive monitoring in a critical care unit.
Treatments for Hypothyroidism
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Hypothyroidism
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Alternative Treatments for Hypothyroidism
Alternative treatments or home remedies that have been listed as possibly helpful for Hypothyroidism may include:
Hypothyroidism: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Hypothyroidism may include:
Hidden causes of Hypothyroidism may be incorrectly diagnosed:
Hypothyroidism: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Hypothyroidism:
Curable Types of Hypothyroidism
Possibly curable types of Hypothyroidism may include:
Hypothyroidism: Research Doctors & Specialists
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- Immune-Related Disease Specialists (Immunology):
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Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Drugs and Medications used to treat Hypothyroidism:
Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Hypothyroidism include:
- Levothyroxine
- Alti-Thyroxine
- Armour Thyroid
- Eltroxin
- Euthroid
- Euthyrox
- Levo-T
- Levotabs
- Levothroid
- Levoxine
- Levoxyl
- L-Thyroxine
- Proloid
- Synthroid
- Synthrox
- Syroxine
- Thyroid USP
- Thyrolar
- Liothyronine
- Cyronine
- Cytomel
- Thyrolar 1, ¼, ½, 2, 3
- Triostat
Latest treatments for Hypothyroidism:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Hypothyroidism:
Hospital statistics for Hypothyroidism:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Hypothyroidism:
- 0% (4) of hospital consultant episodes were for subclinical iodine-deficiency hypothyroidism in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 100% of hospital consultant episodes for subclinical iodine-deficiency hypothyroidism required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 50% of hospital consultant episodes for subclinical iodine-deficiency hypothyroidism were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 50% of hospital consultant episodes for subclinical iodine-deficiency hypothyroidism were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Hypothyroidism
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures
for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Hypothyroidism:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »
Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital:
More general information, not necessarily in relation to Hypothyroidism,
on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:
Medical news summaries about treatments for Hypothyroidism:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Hypothyroidism:
Buy Products Related to Treatments for Hypothyroidism
Book Excerpts: Treatment of Hypothyroidism
Treatments of Hypothyroidism: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the treatments of Hypothyroidism.
Breath Sounds (Decreased):
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Closely monitor airway, breathing, and circulation
-
Administer supplemental O2 as needed
-
Treat underlying etiology (e.g., removal of foreign body, bronchodilators, steroids)
-
Emergent interventions may be necessary (e.g., chest tube insertion)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Urinary Stream (Decreased):
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Initial evaluation for urinary retention, which must be treated immediately with catheterization to prevent additional injury and relieve pain; thereafter, evaluation and treatment of infection and pain is indicated
-
BPH: “Watchful waiting,” α-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, TURP or other transurethral procedures, and/or open prostatectomy
-
Urethral stricture: Dilation, lysis, open surgical repair
-
Chronic urethritis/prostatitis: Long-term antibiotics
-
Prostate cancer may require prostatectomy or no intervention, depending on stage of the cancer and patient issues (e.g., age, co-morbid conditions)
-
Bladder cancer: Transurethral resection, intravesical chemotherapy; radical cystectomy for late disease, external radiation, and/or systemic chemotherapy
-
Neuropathic bladder: Parasympatholytic medications, intermittent or permanent catheterization, or surgical options (section of sacral nerve roots, ureteral diversion, and/or artificial sphincter)
>>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Hypothyroidism in adults:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Therapy for hypothyroidism consists of gradual thyroid replacement with levothyroxine (for low T4 levels) and, occasionally, liothyronine (for inadequate T3 levels).
During myxedema coma, effective treatment supports vital functions while restoring euthyroidism. To support blood pressure and pulse rate, treatment includes I.V. administration of levothyroxine and hydrocortisone to correct possible pituitary or adrenal insufficiency. Hypoventilation requires oxygenation and respiratory support. Other supportive measures include fluid replacement and antibiotics for infection.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Hypothyroidism in children:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Early detection is mandatory to prevent irreversible mental retardation and permit normal physical development. Treatment of infants younger than age 1 consists of replacement therapy with oral levothyroxine, beginning with moderate doses. Dosage gradually increases to levels sufficient for lifelong maintenance. (Rapid increase in dosage may precipitate thyrotoxicity.) Doses are proportionately higher in children than in adults because children metabolize thyroid hormone more quickly. Therapy in older children includes levothyroxine.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Thyroid enlargement:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Instruct the patient to watch for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as lethargy, restlessness, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. Advise the patient with Graves’disease to use artificial tears frequently if proptosis causes his eyes to become dry. If the hyperthyroid patient is receiving therapy with radioactive iodine, tell him not to expectorate or cough freely after treatment because his saliva is radioactive for 24 hours.
Inform the patient that lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is necessary after thyroidectomy or radioactive destruction of the thyroid gland. Tell him to watch for signs of an overdose, such as nervousness and palpitations.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Hypothyroidism in adults:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
Therapy for hypothyroidism consists of gradual thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine and, occasionally, liothyronine.
Clinical tip The TSH level is the most reliable marker to follow in primary hypothyroidism. It should be kept within the normal range.
During myxedema coma, effective treatment supports vital functions while restoring euthyroidism. To support blood pressure and pulse rate, treatment includes I.V. administration of levothyroxine and hydrocortisone to correct possible pituitary or adrenal insufficiency. Hypoventilation requires oxygenation and respiratory support.
Other supportive measures include fluid replacement and antibiotics for infection.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Hypothyroidism in children:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
Early detection is mandatory to prevent irreversible mental retardation and permit normal physical development.
Treatment of infants younger than age 1 consists of replacement therapy with oral levothyroxine, beginning with moderate doses. Dosage gradually increases to levels sufficient for lifelong maintenance. (Rapid increase in dosage may precipitate thyrotoxicity.) Doses are proportionately higher in children than in adults because children metabolize thyroid hormone more quickly. Therapy in older children includes levothyroxine.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Thyroid enlargement:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Instruct the patient to watch for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as lethargy, restlessness, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. If the patient has Graves’disease, proptosis may cause his eyes to become dry, so advise him to use artificial tears frequently. If the hyperthyroid patient is receiving therapy with radioactive iodine, tell him not to expectorate or cough freely after treatment because his saliva is radioactive for 24 hours. If the patient has a goiter, support him as he expresses his feelings related to his appearance.
After thyroidectomy or radioactive destruction of the thyroid gland, explain to the patient that lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is necessary. Tell him to watch for signs of overdose, such as nervousness and palpitations.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Thyroid enlargement:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, which may include needle aspiration, ultrasound, and radioactive thyroid scanning.
▪ Prepare the patient for surgery or radiation therapy, if necessary.
▪ Provide specific interventions, depending on whether the patient is hypothyroid or has thyroiditis.
▪ Provide postoperative care for the patient who has undergone thyroidectomy.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
▪ Explain the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism to report.
▪ Explain posttreatment precautions to the patient undergoing radioactive iodine therapy.
▪ Teach thyroid hormone replacement therapy and signs of thyroid hormone overdose to report.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Decreased Activity Level - Case 2-1: 15-Year-Old Girl:
VI. Treatment
(Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)
Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency depends on the cause. Frequently, vitamin B12 administration is necessary. If the anemia is severe, treatment should be
instituted slowly and in a monitored environment. For malabsorptive causes,
long-term treatment is indicated. The recommended treatment is monthly
injections of 100
µg of vitamin B12. Monitoring of the clinical response and laboratory values enables the
clinician to titrate treatment to the patient
's response. It is not known whether folic acid therapy in patients who have
vitamin B
12 deficiency will worsen the neurologic symptoms of the vitamin B12 deficiency; it may mask the hematologic symptoms of the megaloblastic anemia.
In this case, the patient received a vitamin B
12 injection and then began oral multivitamin and vitamin B12 supplementation. She also received nutritional counseling to help her create a
nutritionally balanced vegan diet.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003
Decreased Activity Level - Case 2-2: 2-Week-Old Boy:
VI. Treatment
(Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)
Administration of glucocorticoids inhibits excessive production of androgens.
The most frequently recommended glucocorticoid is hydrocortisone administered
orally. Dosages should be individualized based on growth and hormone levels.
The administration of exogenous glucocorticoids continues indefinitely.
Children with CAH require higher doses of glucocorticoids during periods of
stress, such as illness, infection, or surgery.
If the patient also has salt wasting, then mineralocorticoid replacement and
sodium supplementation are also required. Florinef (9-
α-fluorocortisol) is the currently recommended mineralocorticoid.
Determination of the sex of a neonate with ambiguous genitalia is important. If
a girl has clitoromegaly, surgical correction can reposition the clitoris under
the pubis to achieve a more normal appearance. Because CAH is an autosomal
recessive disorder, it is important to test siblings of affected patients.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003
Decreased Activity Level - Case 2-3: 3-Month-Old Girl:
VI. Treatment
(Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)
The mainstay of treatment is supportive care. Most children require nasogastric
tube feedings. Anticipation of complications such as respiratory failure,
urinary retention, and SIADH are critical. Although there may be a role for
augmentation of intestinal motility to help remove botulinal spores, there is
no clear role for antibiotics. Additionally, aminoglycosides may worsen the
paralysis by potentiating the neuromuscular blockade.
A new development in the treatment of infantile botulism is the use of human
botulism immune globulin (BIG). When given within 3 days of hospitalization,
BIG was shown to decrease duration of hospitalization, length of mechanical
ventilation, and length of nasogastric tube feedings. The cost of
hospitalization was also reduced by half.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003
Decreased Activity Level - Case 2-4: 11-Month-Old Boy:
VI. Treatment
(Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)
The initial antimicrobial coverage of meningococcal infections should be a
third-generation cephalosporin such as cefotaxime or ceftriaxone.
Chloramphenicol, although rarely used, is appropriate for patients who have
anaphylactoid reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins. Although most
isolates in the United States are sensitive to penicillin, penicillin-resistant
isolates, first identified in Spain in 1987, are prevalent in Spain, Italy, and
parts of Africa. In the United States, routine susceptibility testing is not
indicated. Therapy for 5 to 7 days is adequate for most cases of invasive
meningococcal disease. There does not appear to be a role for steroid use.
Treatment with heparin and other anticoagulants remains controversial.
Chemoprophylaxis is indicated for individuals who were exposed to the index case
within 7 days before the onset of illness. Particularly, all household
contacts, all daycare or nursery school contacts (children and adults), and
health care workers who had intimate exposure to secretions (e.g.,
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, secretions that came in contact with the health
care worker
's mucous membranes) should be treated prophylactically. Family members of the
index case have a 400 to 800 times higher risk for invasive disease. If the
index patient received only penicillin for therapy, then the patient should
also be treated with chemoprophylaxis to eradicate the organism. School age
classmates do not need chemoprophylaxis because they are not at increased risk
of disease. The drug of choice for chemoprophylaxis is rifampin, but
ceftriaxone (intravenous or intramuscular) and single-dose ciprofloxacin or
azithromycin are reasonable alternatives. All cases must be reported to the
local public health department.
Additionally, a polysaccharide vaccine that is effective against serogroups A,
C, Y, and W-135 is available. This vaccine should be routinely administered to
children who are functionally or anatomically asplenic, children who have
terminal complement deficiencies, college students living in the dormitories,
and military recruits. A conjugate meningococcal vaccine is being evaluated in
clinical trials.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003
Decreased Activity Level - Case 2-5: 9-Year-Old Boy:
VI. Treatment
(Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)
The aim of treatment is complete removal of the AVM, because there is a high
mortality rate from untreated AVMs. The options for removal include
neurosurgical excision, embolization of the AVM, and radiotherapy obliteration
using the gamma knife, proton beam, or linear accelerator. The therapeutic
option that is most appropriate for the patient depends on the location and
size of the AVM. If the location of the AVM is deep within the brain or on the
motor cortex, excision might not be the best option. The effect of radiotherapy
takes months or years to manifest, whereas surgical excision and embolization
are immediately effective.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003
Decreased Activity Level - Case 2-6: 20-Month-Old Boy:
VI. Treatment
(Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas)
The approach to the abused child is to first treat the medical issues. Anyone
involved in the care of a child is a mandated reporter of suspected child
abuse. It is not the job of the medical team to prove abuse and then report it,
but rather to report suspected abuse and allow the social services to perform
further investigations. The criteria for reporting child abuse vary in regard
to the history, physical examination, and diagnostic results. Occasionally,
physical examination findings alone are enough to trigger the filing of a
social services report. At other times, it is the cumulative effect of the
history, physical examination, laboratory results and caretaker interactions
that trigger the filing of a report. If it is not safe for the child to be
discharged, hospitalization is warranted.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Pediatric Complaints and Diagnostic Dilemmas, 2003
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