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Bryan Haugen, James V. Hennessey, Wartofsky Leonard, Medicines for Hypothyroidism, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 96, Issue 8, 1 August 2011, Page 1, https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.96.8.zeg29a
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What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone.
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, makes two kinds of thyroid hormones: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Thyroid hormones regulate how the body uses and stores energy. These hormones also help the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs work properly.
The pituitary gland, found at the base of the brain, controls thyroid function by making TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). TSH tells the thyroid gland to make T3 and T4. The thyroid makes much more T4 than T3. But the body can change T4 to T3, the more active hormone, as needed.
What is the treatment for hypothyroidism?
People who have hypothyroidism must take a pill containing thyroid hormone every day to replace the thyroid hormone they lack. Synthetic (manufactured) T4, called levothyroxine, is exactly the same as the T4 made by the body. It works the same way your own thyroid hormone would and therefore is the best medicine for hypothyroidism.