Consumers/Patients || Thyroid Health Topics  

The thyroid gland, which resembles the shape of a butterfly, is located at the center base of the neck in front of the windpipe. The basic function of the thyroid gland is to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate the metabolism of most cells and organs in the body.

  

Without thyroid hormones the body would have no means of regulating cell metabolism. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly various illnesses may result.

  

It is estimated that over 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and that an additional (estimated) 13 million are still undiagnosed. Women are most frequently afflicted with this illness and one out of eight will be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is a small gland found in the front of the neck that controls the body's metabolism or how fast the body uses energy. Metabolism is like a furnace. The thyroid gland keeps the furnace burning correctly. If the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, the furnace does not burn correctly and metabolism decreases

 

(the flame in the furnace begins to go down). This is called hypothyroidism. Approximately 12 million Americans, 82% are women most often ranging in age from 35-40, are affected by a thyroid gland that does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Let's look at some of the symptoms caused by and under-active thyroid gland. Be aware that many of the following symptoms don't happen quickly, but rather occur over along period of time. Because the symptoms are mild and come on very slowly, many cases of hypothyroidism are never diagnosed. Watch for some of the following symptoms of hypothyroidism:

  

What are the common causes of hypothyroidism?
Believe it or not one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is often treated with radioactive iodine, which is taken up by the thyroid gland rendering it inactive and non-functional. Since most of the thyroid function is now destroyed, physicians will provide replacement therapy with a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. Another common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder whereby the body’s immune system produces antibodies that attack your thyroid tissue. Eventually, the thyroid gland is destroyed.Certain treatments for cancer including both radiation therapy and surgery can destroy the function of the thyroid gland.

How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
If hypothyroidism is suspected your physician will most likely order a TSH test. TSH refers to “thyroid stimulating hormone”. This stimulator (TSH) activates your thyroid into producing and secreting the natural thyroid hormones T3 & T4. These hormones regulate the metabolism of every cell in your body and are critical for maintaining normal health. When you are hypothyroid, your thyroid hormone levels (T3 & T4) are obviously low and your TSH levels are elevated because TSH is trying to get more thyroid hormone released. So if your thyroid hormone levels are low and your TSH is high your doctor will most likely diagnose you with hypothyroidism.

How is this condition treated?
Doctors historically would treat this condition with natural thyroid extract made from animal thyroid glands. Today, synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy is available in the form of “levothyroxine sodium”. Levothyroxine Sodium ( the chemical name) is available in tablet form under several brand names including Unithroid® Direct, Levothroid® , Levoxyl® , and Synthroid® . It is also available as a generic formulation “levothyroxine sodium”. This medication needs to be taken in a consistent and compliant fashion to be effective. Your physician will most likely start you on a relatively low dose (especially if you are older or have a heart condition). Generally, your physician will slowly increase your dosage to the best & most stable level by checking your TSH value every few months or so. Once you are at the best maintenance dose, the TSH test is checked every year, just to make sure nothing has changed.

 

 
 
 

Important Information

Unithroid® (levothyroxine sodium tablets, USP) is a synthetic thyroid hormone intended to replace a hormone that is normally
produced by your thyroid gland. Thyroid replacement therapy is generally taken for life.

Unithroid should not be used to treat obesity or for weight loss.

Notify your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any foods or medicines, are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, are breast-feeding, or taking any other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Use Unithroid only as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or change the amount you take or how often you take it, unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. It may take several weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Notify your healthcare provider of any other medical conditions you may have, particularly heart disease, diabetes, clotting disorders, and adrenal or pituitary gland problems. Your dose of certain medications may need to be adjusted while you are on Unithroid..

Notify your healthcare provider that you are taking Unithroid, if you are planning to become pregnant, are currently pregnant and prior to any surgery.

Take Unithroid as a single dose, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast. Products such as iron supplements, calcium supplements, or antacids should not be taken within 4 hours of taking Unithroid.

If you have your dose or brand of levothyroxine changed, this may affect the level of hormone in your body and you will need to have a follow-up laboratory test after 8 to 12 weeks.

After a stable response has been established, it is important to have follow-up laboratory tests done, as ordered by your healthcare provider, and at least annually.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

This website and the information contained herein is intended for use by US residents only and is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace a discussion with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patients care must be made with a healthcare provider and consider the unique characteristics of each patient.