Thyroid

Many people who must take thyroid medication take it due to an underactive thyroid, a condition known as hypothyroidism. There are a variety of causes for this condition, but the end result is the same. In order to maintain a natural hormone balance and keep your thyroid from becoming enlarged, you will need to take thyroid medication. The synthetic drug thyroxine is the drug that is usually used to treat thyroid conditions. Thyroxine acts just like your body's natural T4 thyroid hormone, so it is generally a safe and effective drug.

There are several drugs that contain thyroxine. While the active ingredient is identical, they all have different inert ingredients that can affect the way they work in your body. These include Unithyroid, L-Thyroxin, Levo-T, Levoxyl, Novothyrox, Synthroid, Levothroid, and Levolet. 

All of these thyroid medications stay in the bloodstream for a long time, so they generally only have to be taken every day. Your doctor will prescribe a dose that keeps your level of thyroid hormone as close to normal as possible. They will need to know all of the other medications and supplements you take, because many medications such as birth control pills, synthetic hormones, and antiseizure medications can effect your absorption of your medication. You will generally need to get your thyroid tested on a regular basis to make sure your thyroid hormone levels are within a normal range.

For people who need T3 thyroid hormone, there are also medications containing this type of hormone (e.g. Cytomel). However, they are not widely prescribed because T4 can be converted to T3 easily, but not the other way around. The T3 contained in the medication breaks down easily, so people who require it must take pills regularly throughout the day. Despite this, many people can benefit from taking both hormones.

There are also thyroid medications which are non-synthetic that are made of desiccated pork thyroid, which is almost identical to human thyroid.  An example of this type of thyroid medication is Armour Thyroid.  These types of real thyroid medications have the advantage of including both types of thyroid hormone, T3 and T4. Armour is one of the preferred brand of natural thyroid because the dosage and potency are both carefully controlled.  However, newer cheaper version of Thyroid are avaiable which are also very good.

Because both thyroxine and Thyroid act just like natural T4 hormone in your body, they have less side effects and restrictions than many other medications provided you are taking the correct dose. Women can take them while pregnant, and they can be taken indefinitely as long as the amount is carefully regulated. Knowing your body and what helps you feel healthier is the most important thing to remember when taking thyroid medication.

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