Thyroid hormones come in a variety of formulations and brand names.
Synthroid is the most commonly prescribed of all the thyroid
supplements. That is because the dose is more reliable than natural products
made of dried thyroid glands.
Synthroid is long acting and comes in a
wide variety of doses that allows for individualized treatment.
When
people develop a sluggish thyroid gland they often feel tired and weak. They may
become constipated, sensitive to cold or anemic.
They may also suffer
with dry skin and hair, thick brittle fingernails and have shortness of breath
when they exercise. Some people report clumsiness, weight gain, or puffy eyes.
Thyroid problems are diagnosed with blood tests. The best is one that
measures thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH.
This test also helps
determine the proper dose of thyroid hormone for treatment.
Side effects of thyroid replacement therapy are
rare if the dose is appropriate.
Specialists recommend beginning
treatment with a low dose and gradually increasing it until symptoms of
underactive thyroid disappear and the TSH blood test is normal. This may
initially require blood tests every four to six weeks and good communication
with the doctor.
Signs of overdose include insomnia, heart palpitations,
jitteriness, rapid heart beat, increased sweating, higher blood pressure,
changes in appetite, and reduced menstrual flow.
Other adverse reactions
of excessive thyroid levels include tremor, headache, heart disease, diarrhea,
and weight loss.
Report any such symptoms to your physician
promptly.
A number of medications may interact with Synthroid or alter
the tests that detect thyroid problems.
People taking estrogen, asthma
medicines, decongestants (including those found in over-the-counter cold or flu
remedies), antidepressants, certain cholesterol lowering drugs, blood thinners
such as Coumadin
or heart medicine like digoxin
should check with a physician or pharmacist.
In theory, the herb guggul
might counteract thyroid-suppressing drugs or increase the effect of thyroid
hormones. Monitoring thyroid function is prudent.
Licorice
may alter the required dose of levothyroxine because of its impact on the
thyroid gland.
Never stop taking Synthroid without first checking with
your health care provider.
Too much Synthroid can make a person more susceptible to osteoporosis or weakened bones.
You may wish to discuss with your doctor whether you need tests to monitor bone density.
Thyroid replacement is usually needed for the rest of one's life, and stopping the medicine suddenly could precipitate symptoms of inactive thyroid.
Don't discontinue Synthroid without your doctor's supervision.
The usual recommendation is to take Synthroid before breakfast.
Although this hormone is
probably best taken on an empty stomach, it is more important to take it at the same time every day
to maintain a constant level in your body.
Do not take this medication with iron pills, as
they can interfere with proper absorption.