• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Hypothyroidism - primary

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

The purpose of treatment is to replace the deficient thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine (T4) is the most commonly used medication, but a preparation of T3 is also available. Most people feel their best when TSH is brought into the 1 to 2 mcIU/mL range. People get the lowest dose that is effective in relieving symptoms and normalizing blood tests.

Life-long therapy is needed. Relapses will occur if therapy is interrupted. Medication must be continued even when symptoms go away.

After replacement therapy has begun, report any symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism), such as restlessness , rapid weight loss, heat intolerance, and sweating.

Myxedema coma is treated by intravenous thyroid replacement and steroid therapy. Supportive therapy (oxygen, assisted ventilation, and fluid replacement) and intensive care nursing may be indicated.

Expectations (prognosis):

With early treatment, the condition can be completely controlled. However, relapses will occur if the medication is not continued. Myxedema coma can result in death.

Complications:

Myxedema coma, the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It may be caused by an infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications. Symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include:

• Unresponsiveness
• Decreased breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Below-normal temperature

Other complications include:

• Heart disease
• Increased risk of infection
• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Pituitary tumors

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism or myxedema are present

Call your health care provider if restlessness, rapid weight loss, heat intolerance, rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, or symptoms of hyperthyroidism occur after beginning thyroid replacement.

References:

AACE Thyroid Task Force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Evaluation and Treatment Of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract . 2002;8 (6).

• Review Date: 5/12/2006
• Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.