Thyroid hormones: What They Do, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം
Thyroid hormones are medicines that replace the hormone made by the thyroid gland. They are used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). The one in common use is levothyroxine, a prescription medicine usually taken every day for life.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Thyroid hormones work?
These medicines are copies of the body's own thyroid hormone, so taking them each day replaces what the thyroid cannot make. Blood tests show whether the level is back in the normal range.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Thyroid hormones. They are listed A to Z.
- Levothyroxine: Levothyroxine is a man-made form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
Common questions
Why are thyroid hormone tablets taken on an empty stomach?
Food, tea, coffee, calcium, iron and antacids can stop the tablet being absorbed properly. Levothyroxine is usually taken in the morning, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, at the same time every day. Follow your doctor's advice or the label.
Are thyroid hormones used for weight loss?
No. They must not be used to lose weight, because larger doses do not help and can cause serious harm. They are only for people whose doctor has diagnosed a thyroid hormone shortage, with the dose set by blood tests.
Sources
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
- Levothyroxine: a medicine for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). NHS (UK)
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): treatment. NHS (UK)
- SYNTHROID (levothyroxine sodium) tablets: prescribing information (label revised 2/2017, repackager copy). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine