Testing:

If you experience any of the symptoms for your underactive thyroid, which are described in my previous post, book an appointment with your Doctor for a blood test. Taking a blood test measures the levels of T4 which will be low and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), which will be high.

Treatment: 

Thyroxine tablets are prescribed for an underactive thyroid. They are available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg dosage.  Normally the thyroxine treatment is started on a low dosage for three to four weeks, then adjusted to a higher dosage for another three to four weeks.  Usually after three months another blood test is performed to assess if the dosage is correct.  The aim is to restore levels of T4 and TSH in the blood to normal.  

Once on the correct dosage, you will lose weight and notice the puffiness round the eyes has disappeared.  Skin and Hair texture will take longer to recover, but you will start to feel well again and your other symptoms will gradually subside.

It’s normal to stay on thyroxine for life and because of this, in the UK the prescription is “free” if you have a NHS Medical exemption certificate. Ask your Doctor or Chemist for information on this.

Tags: symptoms, T4, testing, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroxine, thyroxine treatment, TSH, underactive thyroid, underactive thyroid help, underactive thyroid treatment

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