Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide

Treatments for Hypothyroidism

In the early stages of Hashimoto�s thyroiditis, there is no specific treatment. However, most people with Hashimoto�s thyroiditis eventually develop hypothyroidism. At that point, you will need to start taking medication that replaces the thyroid hormone your thyroid is not naturally producing.

The goal of treatment is to achieve a normal level of thyroid hormone in your body. You will have to take this medication indefinitely and have blood tests occasionally to be sure the dosage of your medicine is still adequate.

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes
Medications

Currently, there are no surgical procedures for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

SOURCES:

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

American Thyroid Association

The Thyroid Society for Education and Research

Last reviewed September 2004 by Kimberly Rask, MD, PhD

All EBSCO Publishing consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits.

Previous | Next

�