What are the treatment options for hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism means the thyroid does not make enough hormone for the body's needs. Replacement medicine supplies the hormone your body lacks. The suitable dose depends on factors such as your symptoms, test results, age, other illnesses, pregnancy plans, and medicines you take.

A thyroid function test helps assess thyroid hormone levels and guides treatment decisions. Follow-up testing is useful after starting or changing medicine because the dose may need fine adjustment. A chronic disease review can provide a structured opportunity to discuss symptoms, medicines, and ongoing monitoring.

Arrange a GP consultation if you have symptoms of an underactive thyroid, have abnormal thyroid results, or need a review of existing treatment. Take thyroid hormone replacement exactly as prescribed and keep the timing consistent. Tell the clinician about supplements, antacids, pregnancy, and any new medicines because these can affect how treatment is taken or monitored.

Do not change the dose or stop treatment because symptoms improve. Keep a record of fatigue, temperature sensitivity, bowel changes, mood, and changes in weight or heart rate; this gives your clinician useful information alongside test results.

Seek prompt medical advice for worsening symptoms after a dose change, marked drowsiness, confusion, fainting, chest pain, or a very slow heartbeat. Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or a sudden change in alertness. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, contact your clinician early because thyroid hormone needs may change.

Ask which thyroid tests you need, when they should be repeated, how to take your medicine with food or other tablets, and which symptoms should trigger an earlier review. You can also ask whether your other medicines or supplements interfere with thyroid hormone replacement.