Understanding Thyroid Medication and Thyroid Treatments
Although taking thyroid medication seems like a simple business, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. Becoming familiar with thyroid medicine and what it does for you can help you understand why it is so important to take it as prescribed. First of all, you must understand how the thyroid actually functions.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located just under your larynx, or voice box. It is responsible for regulating the many metabolic processes of your body, such as metabolizing energy from food. To do this, the thyroid is signaled by the pituitary and hypothalmus gland by releasing TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to make two hormones: T3 (triidothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). The thyroid produces 20% T3 and 80% T4.
If the thyroid gland is not making enough of T3 and T4, the TSH levels in the blood will be high while the T3 and T4 levels will be low. Symptoms of a low functioning thyroid can include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, pain in the muscles and joints, hair loss and dry skin, among many others. Often these symptoms of hypothyroidism will occur slowly, over a period of time and may be diagnosed as something else entirely. The only way to diagnose hypothyroidism is through a simple blood test for T3, T4 and TSH levels.
Two Types of Thyroid Medications
The treatment of this condition, known as hypothyroidism, is to replace the thyroid hormones your body is no longer making. Typically, currently most doctors will prescribe Synthroid, a synthetic thyroid drug which replaces the T4 hormone. Until Synthroid was developed, for over 100 years patients with hypothyroidism were given hormones from desiccated porcine (pig) thyroids, as this was found to be the closest to the human hormone. However, the level of hormone in the pig thyroid was difficult to regulate. According to some reports, Synthroid has exhibited the same type of issue.
Most patients do well on Synthroid, and most doctors recommend sticking with the name brand of the hormone rather than the generic. Some of those patients who have had problems with Synthroid have reported better results with the porcine thyroid medication. It is best to keep in mind that every person is different, and may have to adjust their thyroid medicine depending on what provides the best results.
Additionally, beginning hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism isn’t a quick fix. Often, it can take up to a month or more for the body to start adjusting to the thyroid drugs for thyroid hormone insufficiency. You will have to take this medication for the rest of your life. Frequent blood tests will be required, especially in the beginning, to monitor your T3, T4 and TDH levels to make sure you are receiving the right dose of thyroid medication.
It is recommended that patients take their thyroid medication on an empty stomach for the best absorption. Certain medications and other substances can affect the absorption rate and should be avoided for at least four hours before taking your thyroid medicine. These include iron supplements, antacids, seratonin reuptake inhibitors, lithium and interferon. Also check with your doctor before taking cough and cold medicine, kelp tablets, herbal preparations, and dietary supplements to see if they will interfere with the medicine for thyroid insufficiency. It has also been advised to avoid coffee or caffeinated products for an hour before taking thyroid medication.
Hypothyroidism is a debilitating condition, but with proper thyroid medication and regular monitoring, most people do very well and live normal and active lives. Once the thyroid medication is assimilated by the body, the symptoms regress and you are able to lead a much healthier and fulfilling life.
