Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs, causing many functions to slow down.
Key points
- Women are much more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism, and the condition is also more common in people older than 60.
- Hypothyroidism develops slowly, so symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and dry skin may go unnoticed for months or years.
- Primary hypothyroidism is managed by replacing the deficient thyroid hormones, and the condition usually responds well to treatment.
Medicines listed for Hypothyroidism
The listed products contain Levothyroxine and Liothyronine, both thyroid hormone replacement medicines. Synthroid provides levothyroxine and Cytomel provides liothyronine. These medicines work by replacing the thyroid hormones an underactive gland cannot produce in sufficient amounts. Both are available as tablets.
Further reading
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Still tired on Eltroxin? Where T3 fits in thyroid treatment
Compare levothyroxine (T4) with liothyronine (T3), why symptoms may persist on treatment, and what the evidence says about a supervised combination trial.
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