The most effective and reliable thyroid replacement hormone is man-made (synthetic). The symptoms of hypothyroidism improve within the first week after starting treatment and almost all disappear within a few months. The treatment with levothyroxine is usually lifelong, but the dosage needs to be adjusted so your doctor is likely to check your TSH level every 6 months to a year or so. Excessive amounts of the hormone can cause effects, such as increased appetite, insomnia, heart palpitations and shakiness. Substances that can affect the hormone absorption are Soya products, high fiber diets, iron supplements, cholestyramine (Questran), and aluminum hydroxide, found in some antacids. For some people, hypothyroidism is a progressive disease and the dosage of thyroid medicine may have to be increased gradually as the thyroid continues to slow down. Hypothyroid symptoms totally reversed when a woman commits to an alternative hypothyroidism treatment program like 1) foods naturally high in B vitamins, such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and iodine (fish, seaweed, vegetables and root vegetables). 2) Exercise daily, at least 30?60 minutes per day, 4?5 times a week. 3) Adequate exposure to sun 15?20 minutes twice a day of unprotected sun in early morning and late afternoon to maintain vitamin D levels 4) Avoid emotional stress. Synthetic T4 can be safely taken with most other medications except cholestyramine and Iron Supplements. Women taking T4 who become pregnant should feel confident that the medication is exactly what their own thyroid gland would otherwise make. However, they should check with their physician since the T4 dose may have to be adjusted during pregnancy (usually more hormone is needed to meet the increased demands of the mother's new increased metabolism).