Fact 4: Treatment for Hashimoto’s Disease
Therapeutic Approaches for Hashimoto’s Disease
Although there’s no cure for Hashimoto’s disease, various treatments can effectively manage symptoms and maintain normal thyroid function. The primary mode of treatment is hormone replacement therapy.
The most commonly prescribed medication for Hashimoto’s is Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). This medication works by replacing or providing more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. This supplemental hormone can help to normalize the body’s metabolism and alleviate symptoms associated with hypothyroidism such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Dosage of Levothyroxine is highly individualized. It’s determined by various factors such as age, body weight, cardiovascular health, and the severity of hypothyroidism. To establish the right dose, doctors will regularly monitor the levels of TSH in your blood. If your TSH is high, it might indicate that your dosage needs adjustment.
The goal of Levothyroxine therapy is to normalize the TSH levels and to relieve symptoms. However, it’s not an instant fix. You may not notice an improvement in symptoms immediately, as it may take a few weeks for your body to adjust to the new hormone levels. (4)
