Thyroid Hormone Treatment Service

Thyroid hormone is used in two situations:

• to replace the function of the thyroid gland, which is no longer functioning normally (“replacement therapy”) and
• to prevent further growth of thyroid tissue (“suppression therapy”). Suppression therapy is used primarily in patients with thyroid cancer to prevent recurrence or progression of their cancer.

THYROID HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Many people have a thyroid gland that cannot make enough thyroid hormone for the body’s needs. This is called Hypothyroidism and may be caused by a non-functioning thyroid gland (for example Hashimoto’s disease), by destruction of thyroid gland by surgery or radiation treatment or by a non-functioning pituitary gland. Hypothyroidism, is the most common reason for needing thyroid hormone replacement.

The goal of thyroid hormone treatment is to closely replicate normal thyroid functioning. Pure, synthetic thyroxine (T4) works in the same way as a patient’s own thyroid hormone would. Thyroid hormone is necessary for the health of all the cells in the body. Therefore, taking thyroid hormone is different from taking other medications, because its job is to replace a hormone that is missing. The only safety concerns about taking thyroid hormone are taking too much or too little. Your thyroid function will be monitored by your physician to make sure this does not happen.

1.) WHY DO I NEED THYROID HORMONE PILLS?

Hypothyroidism is the most common reason for needing thyroid hormone replacement. Pure synthetic thyroxine (T4), taken once daily by mouth, successfully treats the symptoms of hypothyroidism in most patients.

2.) HOW IS THE DOSE OF THYROID HORMONE CHOSEN?

When someone is first started on thyroid hormone the initial dose is carefully selected based on information such as a person’s weight, age, and other medical conditions. The dose will then need to be adjusted by a physician to keep the thyroid function normal. The physician will make sure the thyroid hormone dose is correct by performing a physical examination and checking TSH levels.

There are several brand names of thyroid hormone available. Although these all contain the same synthetic T4, there are different inactive ingredients in each of the brand names. In general, it is best for you to stay on the same brand name. If a change in brand name is unavoidable, you should be sure your physician is aware of the change, so that your thyroid function can be re-checked. If your pharmacy plan changes your thyroid hormone to a generic preparation, it is important for you to inform your physician.