Archive for the ‘Thyroid Disorder Medications’ Category
Iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism
As Levothroid is primarily used to treat a medical condition kno0wn as hypothyroidism, we will first need to cover this condition in depth and try and describe why it is vital that it is treated as soon as observed. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid hormone is produced in levels that are lower than those required for the proper functioning of one’s body. This condition is mostly caused by iodine deficiency, although there are other causes, but which are much less common. Iodine is an essential trace element and it is responsible for many processes in the human body. Therefore, any deficiency of this element can cause serious medical problems, one of which is hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency usually happens in areas that are too remote from the sea and where the soil is devoid of any iodine. As iodine levels in the body drop, hypothyroidism sets in and brings about many difficulties and possible complications. For example, cretinism is in fact a form of hyperthyroidism found in children who were born to mothers suffering from iodine deficiency.
Even in the early stages, hypothyroidism has effects that significantly reduce the quality of life, such as poor muscle tone, fatigue, constipation, rapid thoughts, oversensitivity to cold, depression, paleness, decreased sweating, weight gain, bradycardia and water retention. In the later stages, hypothyroidism is known to cause goiter, or the swelling of the thyroid gland, as well as breaking or deepening of the voice, abnormal menstruations. There are other, much more serious symptoms of hypothyroidism that can even be life-threatening if it is not treated or controlled. However, these symptoms are usually avoided by treating hypothyroidism as soon as it is diagnosed. One of the medications that can be used to treat hypothyroidism is Levothroid, which can also be used in treating goiter.
Levothroid is in facet a form of thyroxin, synthetically created and it serves as the replacement for the thyroxin which is needed for the normal functioning of the body. However, Levothroid is not a supplement that will make up for the iodine deficiency and other supplements must be used in order to prevent hypothyroidism. Furthermore, the doctor must be very careful when prescribing and establishing the dose of Levothroid, and the patient as well, as too much Levothroid can lead to hyperthyroidism which can cause different medical issues. Also, too much thyroxin can also cause osteoporosis.
Details about Levothroid treatment
Levothroid is in fact thyroxin hormone and as such it is naturally found in the body. This means that Levothroid is a safe medication, but it still has to be taken exactly as prescribed, due to the aforementioned complications that can happen if too much of this medication is taken. You also need to talk with your doctor about any side effects and interactions that are possible when taking Levothroid. In addition, make sure that you take this medication regularly and that you come in for regular checkups that are designed to see if there is progress in controlling the levels of thyroxin in your body.