Suggest Treatment For Hypothyroidism

Posted on Sun, 30 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 30 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Three months ago I was diagnosed as hypothyroid, my TSH levels tested at 20.8. The doctor put me on Synthroid,125. I don't think its made any difference - I'm still very tired and depressed all the time, and my weight hasn't come down a bit. I'm going to make an appointment to see a doctor in my area (I recently moved away from my old Doc) to have my levels rechecked. I want to know if there's any real cure for this condition - Ive read so many discouraging accounts like mine on the internet!

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Thyroid Detailed Answer: You are going to need this medication for life. It is quite certain you have permanent hypothyroidism ie your thyroid gland is incapable of making adequate amounts of thyroid hormone necessary for optimal health and well being, and indeed even for survival. If you really wish to confirm this then a blood test for anti TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) and/or anti Thyroglobulin antibodies. If either of these is positive then it is clear you have this condition that makes the thyroid permanently under active. I am sorry to her you have not felt better after starting treatment. I strongly recommend checking blood levels of TSH and free T4. If these are in the normal range, then your symptoms are not attributable to the thyroid.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar