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Treatments for Hypothyroidism

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The goal of treatment is to get a normal level of thyroid hormone in your body. This is checked using a routine thyroid function blood test called a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). A normal range is around 0.4-4.5 mIU/L. This is reached by taking a replacement thyroid hormone by pill.

You will likely need thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of your life. The thyroid gland does not regrow.

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changesMedications

There are no surgical procedures to treat hypothyroidism.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • Hypothyroidism. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated November 19, 2012. Accessed November 20, 2012.

  • Hypothyroidism. EmPower website. Available at: http://empoweryourhealth.org/hypothyroidism. Accessed November 20, 2012.

  • Hypothyroidism. National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service website. Available at: http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/Hypothyroidism. Updated February 27, 2012. Accessed November 20, 2012.

  • Roberts CG, Ladenson RW. Hypothyroidism. Lancet. 2004;363:793-803.