This blog will contain information pertaining mostly to hypothyroidism but will include some aspects of hyperthyroidism for comparison.
Nearly 5 out of every 100 Americans have a medical condition called hypothyroidism and it affects millions of people worldwide. This condition arises when the thyroid gland fails to produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormones, leading to a range of physical and mental health challenges. The main medication to treat this disease is levothyroxine, some common brand names are Synthroid and Levoxyl.
Thyroid Disease Classification
Thyroid hormones are crucial for regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, energy production, and maintaining overall health. Proper management of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is essential to alleviate symptoms and maintain overall well-being.
Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
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Thyroid Disease Diagnosis
Diagnosing thyroid disease relies on blood tests that measure levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the thyroid hormone T4. High levels of TSH and low levels of T4 is indicative of hypothyroidism. While low levels of TSH and high levels of T4 indicates hyperthyroidism. Some medications may alter TSH levels, so it is important to let your doctor know about all the medications and supplements you are taking.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Symptoms can vary in severity and may not occur in every case. Timely diagnosis and treatment can alleviate these symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Treatment Options for Hypothyroidism
The primary goal of treating hypothyroidism is to normalize thyroid hormone levels through medication use and lifestyle changes. When thyroid levels are within normal limits, symptoms are usually alleviated, the risk of complications such as elevated cholesterol levels and heart problems are decreased, and quality of life is improved.
Pharmacologic Treatment Options
The primary treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones to substitute the hormones not being made by the thyroid gland. The most common medication prescribed for this purpose is levothyroxine, which is available under various brand names. Usually, the dose for this is adjusted based on patient response and blood test measuring thyroid levels. Consistency is key when taking your thyroid medications. Regular monitoring from a healthcare provider is also very important to make sure your dose is consistently coordinating with your thyroid blood levels. It's important to note that effective management of hypothyroidism often requires lifelong treatment. With proper medication and regular monitoring, most people with hypothyroidism can lead healthy and symptom-free lives. Below you can find a list of different manufacturers of levothyroxine and if they are verified to be animal free:
Drug Name | Manufacturer | Dosage/Strength | Animal-Free? (Yes/No) |
Levothyroxine tablet | Alvogen | 88mcg | Yes |
Levothyroxine tablet | Lupin | 75mcg | Yes |
Levothyroxine tablet | Lannett | 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200 mcg, and 300 mcg | Yes |
Levothyroxine tablet | Accord Healthcare | 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200 mcg, and 300 mcg | Yes |
Levothyroxine tablet (Synthroid) | Abbvie | 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200 mcg, and 300 mcg | No |
Levothyroxine tablet (Levoxyl) | Pfizer | 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200 mcg | No |
Levothyroxine tablet (Unithroid) | Amneal Pharmaceuticals | 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200 mcg, and 300 mcg | No |
Levothyroxine tablet | Yaral Pharma | 13mg, 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, 200 mcg | No |
Nonpharmacologic Treatment Options
Some things to do to help keep your thyroid levels balanced in conjunction with taking your medication is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding smoking.
Conclusion
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition when the body produces inadequate thyroid hormones. Levothyroxine is the most common medication used to treat this condition. When managed appropriately with medication and lifestyle modifications, thyroid hormone levels can return to normal and symptoms can resolve. At VeganMed, our team of pharmacists has identified animal-free alternatives to Levothyroxine. We are committed to assisting you in finding animal-free options for all your health products.
Co-authored by: Bhavik Patel
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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