Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Better Treatment For Hypothyroidism
Question: For hypothyroidism I have been taking thyroxine sodium (25 mcg) for the last few years.
My TSH (currently at 4) is within the prescribed range.
I would like to know if there is a way to cure hypothyroidism rather than stop consuming thyroxine sodium through out my life.
My TSH (currently at 4) is within the prescribed range.
I would like to know if there is a way to cure hypothyroidism rather than stop consuming thyroxine sodium through out my life.
Brief Answer:
It depends on the cause of hypothyroidism
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM. I have gone through the question and understand your concerns.
To decide on whether you have to be on life long medications two additional tests need to be done:
1. Ultrasound thyroid
2. Anti thyroid antibodies (anti TPO antibodies and anti thyroglobulin antibodies)
If your thyroid ultrasound shows abnormal structure ( altered architecture) of thyroid or if anti thyroid antibodies are elevated, you are probably having permanent hypothyroidism and is better to continue the medications lifelong.
If both are normal, you can try with increasing iodine intake or alternative medications and decreasing the dose of thyroxine.
There are no medications other than thyroxine in management of hypothyroidism in modern medicine and thyroxine is only a hormone replacement treatment.
Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you.
Regards,
Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist
It depends on the cause of hypothyroidism
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM. I have gone through the question and understand your concerns.
To decide on whether you have to be on life long medications two additional tests need to be done:
1. Ultrasound thyroid
2. Anti thyroid antibodies (anti TPO antibodies and anti thyroglobulin antibodies)
If your thyroid ultrasound shows abnormal structure ( altered architecture) of thyroid or if anti thyroid antibodies are elevated, you are probably having permanent hypothyroidism and is better to continue the medications lifelong.
If both are normal, you can try with increasing iodine intake or alternative medications and decreasing the dose of thyroxine.
There are no medications other than thyroxine in management of hypothyroidism in modern medicine and thyroxine is only a hormone replacement treatment.
Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you.
Regards,
Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
