Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism means thyroid hormone action is insufficient for the body’s needs. Fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation and dry skin can occur, but symptoms overlap with many conditions and diagnosis depends on thyroid blood tests.
Levothroid
25 · 50mcg
Levothyroxine 25mcg and 50mcg tablets, used in the management of hypothyroidism and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Synthetic T4.
Key points
- TSH and free thyroid hormone results distinguish primary thyroid failure from less common pituitary causes.
- Levothyroxine absorption is affected by food, iron, calcium and some medicines, so consistent timing matters.
- More thyroid hormone is not a remedy for persistent non-specific symptoms when tests are already appropriate.
A thyroid-hormone listing cannot establish a treatment plan; age, pregnancy, heart health, cause and follow-up results guide prescribing.
What causes an underactive thyroid?
Autoimmune thyroid disease, surgery, radioiodine and some medicines are common causes. Pituitary disease produces a different blood-test pattern. Pregnancy changes hormone requirements and monitoring intervals.
How is replacement monitored?
Levothyroxine replaces thyroxine and is adjusted using symptoms and blood results after enough time for levels to stabilise. Liothyronine is not routine replacement and needs specialist selection. See thyroid health for class context.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency care for profound drowsiness or confusion, very low body temperature, slow breathing, fainting or severe weakness. Chest pain or a sustained rapid or irregular heartbeat after a thyroid-medicine change also needs urgent assessment.
Further reading
Related articles
Why a consistent levothyroxine routine matters and how calcium, iron, magnesium, dairy, antacids and breakfast can affect absorption.
Read guide