Treatments for Hypothyroidism

The goal of treatment is to get a normal level of thyroid hormone in your body. This is checked using a routine thyroid function blood test called a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). A normal range is around 0.4-4.5 mIU/L. This is reached by taking a replacement thyroid hormone by pill.

You will likely need thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of your life. The thyroid gland does not regrow.

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes Medications

There are no surgical procedures to treat hypothyroidism.

References

Hypothyroidism. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated November 19, 2012. Accessed November 20, 2012.

Hypothyroidism. EmPower website. Available at: http://empoweryourhealth.org/hypothyroidism. Accessed November 20, 2012.

Hypothyroidism. National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service website. Available at: http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/Hypothyroidism. Updated February 27, 2012. Accessed November 20, 2012.

Roberts CG, Ladenson RW. Hypothyroidism. Lancet. 2004;363:793-803.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 11/2012
Update Date: 11/26/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.