Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Thyroid Medicine?

Jessica Hobby
Jessica Hobby

Because there are multiple disorders that affect the thyroid glands, not one thyroid medicine is capable of curing or controlling every thyroid problem. There are a few different types of thyroid medicine which can be prescribed for treatment; however, none of them are available over the counter. The type of thyroid medicine prescribed will depend on the disorder or disease that a patient is suffering from. Although thyroid disorders may be symptoms of underlying conditions or diseases, they manifest as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

It is important to understand how the thyroid gland works, before thyroid disorders and thyroid medicines can be understood. The thyroid gland is located in the neck immediately below the larynx. It is responsible for producing hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones travel in the bloodstream and regulate how the human body stores and uses energy. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) that is made by the pituitary gland stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.

Weight gain may be a symptom of hypothyroidism.
Weight gain may be a symptom of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism occurs when an underactive thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are depression, fatigue, weight gain, always feeling cold, menstrual irregularities, constipation and dry skin and hair. Blood tests are capable of measuring all hormone levels and a test that shows high TSH and low T4 levels will indicate hypothyroidism, which is the most common of all thyroid disorders. Levothyroxine is the medicine that is used to treat hypothyroidism. It is a synthetic form of T4 that replaces what the thyroid gland is not producing.

Levothyroxine is a thyroid medicine used to treat hypothyroidism.
Levothyroxine is a thyroid medicine used to treat hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when an overactive thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are being hot, sweating, fast heart rate, muscle weakness, trembling hands, weight loss, diarrhea, anxiety, menstrual irregularities and infertility. Hyperthyroidism is revealed on a blood test when T3 and T4 levels are elevated and TSH levels are lower than normal.

Radioactive iodine treatment is a capsule that is used for treating hyperthyroidism.
Radioactive iodine treatment is a capsule that is used for treating hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is usually controlled, but not cured, by anti-thyroid medications. The preferred medicine is methimazole. Women who are pregnant or lactating are prescribed propylthiouracil. Both of these drugs lower the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland.

Another treatment for hyperthyroidism is radioactive iodine treatment (RAI). RAI is administered orally via capsule. After the capsule breaks down in the digestive system, the iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland and begins to cause some of the thyroid cells to stop functioning so they don’t produce hormones. Enough RAI is given to cause the thyroid to become underactive, which will require that levothyroxine must be taken for life.

Discussion Comments

frankbest

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2004. I've been on levothyroxine 50 mg. I took this medicine for about year, then stopped it forever and I am still here, a healthy and normal person aged 60. My Doctor has tested my blood and kept me om 50 mgm but I am not taking these tablets at all! Since then I have lost faith in my doctor. I eat regularly, sleep well, do all work and still enjoy life to the full.

visionary

What would be some natural supplements that I could take for thyroid support? I am really trying to avoid taking chemically based medicines, so I would love to have some more information about alternatives. Thanks!

abundancer

@anon110831--I have many a friend who have switched from Synthroid to a more natural support that has no side effects. I would suggest setting an appointment with a local naturopath who has knowledge of this type of treatment. If you don't have one in your local area, you can search for one nearby.

anon110831

my husband has low thyroid problems and the doctors has him on Synthroid (Levethozine). However it causes a rash all over his body. He laid off of them for awhile and the rash left, but they have put him back on them. Is there another thyroid medicine that he could try?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Weight gain may be a symptom of hypothyroidism.
      By: PeJo
      Weight gain may be a symptom of hypothyroidism.
    • Levothyroxine is a thyroid medicine used to treat hypothyroidism.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Levothyroxine is a thyroid medicine used to treat hypothyroidism.
    • Radioactive iodine treatment is a capsule that is used for treating hyperthyroidism.
      By: rvlsoft
      Radioactive iodine treatment is a capsule that is used for treating hyperthyroidism.
    • Women who are pregnant or lactating are commonly prescribed propylthiouracil to treat thyroid problems.
      By: 18percentgrey
      Women who are pregnant or lactating are commonly prescribed propylthiouracil to treat thyroid problems.
    • Hypothyroidism occurs when an underactive thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
      By: reineg
      Hypothyroidism occurs when an underactive thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
    • Thyroid functioning affects the body's metabolism.
      By: lom123
      Thyroid functioning affects the body's metabolism.