Is Synthroid the Best Medication for Your Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a common condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It can affect people of all ages, though is most common in older women.
Learn more about Synthroid as a treatment for hypothyroidism and book an online appointment with YesMD to see if it is the right option for you.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which a person’s thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain, important hormones. The thyroid is a small gland located at the front of your neck, which is responsible for providing energy to organs within your body. It is involved in important functions such as your heartbeat and your digestive system.
When there is a lack of thyroid hormones in the body, a person’s natural function begins to slow down. It is a fairly common condition that primarily affects people over the age of 60. It is more common in women than in men.
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Slowed heart rate
- Decreased sweating
- Depression
- Sensitive face
- Elevated blood cholesterol
- Dry skin
- Impaired memory
- Menstrual changes
- Stiffness in joints
- Muscle weakness
Symptoms typically progress over the years. Book an appointment with our team of Specialists to learn more about hypothyroidism today.
What Is Synthroid?
Synthroid is a brand name for levothyroxine, a medicine used to treat hypothyroidism. It is typically taken as a tablet, though it is also available as an oral capsule or injectable solution.
Synthroid works by providing the thyroid hormone that your thyroid gland produces when it is functioning normally. Generally, Synthroid is taken for life in order to maintain the proper functioning of your body and its organs.
Side Effects
The majority of people who take Synthroid experience only minor side effects. Such side effects may include:
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Excessive sweating
- Heat sensitivity
- Hyperactivity
- Headaches
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Difficulty seeing
- Mood swings
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Vomiting
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Stomach cramps
Serious side effects are far less common, though they can include:
- Heart attack/chest pains
- Heart failure
- Increased heart rate
- Irregular heart rhythm
Dosage
The factors that determine your Synthroid dosage include your age, the severity of your condition, and any other medical conditions you suffer from. Dosages may change over time and your doctor will advise.
Synthroid is available in a range of strengths, from 25mcg to 300mcg. Adults between 18 and 49 years are typically prescribed a dose of around 1.6 mcg/kg/day. For those older than 49, the typical dosage is between 12.5 and 25 mcg/day. Synthroid in children is based on thyroid hormone levels and weight.
Book an Appointment With YesMD
If you suffer from hypothyroidism and are considering Synthroid as a treatment, book an online appointment with one of our doctors today and see if Synthroid is right for you.
With YesMD, you can skip the waiting room and schedule a private and convenient appointment with one of our Specialists. Appointment can be done by phone or video conference, the choice is yours.