Levothyroxine is primarily used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It works by replacing the missing thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), which helps regulate the body's metabolism, energy levels, growth, and various bodily functions
. In addition to hypothyroidism, levothyroxine is also used to:
- Decrease the size of enlarged thyroid glands (goiter)
- Treat certain types of thyroid cancer, often in combination with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy
- Treat myxedema coma, a severe form of hypothyroidism that is a medical emergency
Levothyroxine is taken orally, usually as tablets, and dosing is carefully monitored through blood tests to ensure the right hormone levels are maintained
. It is a synthetic hormone that replaces the natural hormone the body cannot produce sufficiently, thereby reversing symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression, and others caused by low thyroid hormone levels
. In summary, levothyroxine is used to:
- Treat underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Reduce goiter size
- Manage thyroid cancer
- Treat severe hypothyroidism (myxedema coma)
It is a lifelong therapy for many patients with hypothyroidism and requires regular monitoring by healthcare providers
