Underactive Thyroid Treatment

An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to keep your body working properly. These hormones help control your metabolism, energy levels, and temperature. If your thyroid isn’t making enough, you may feel tired, gain weight, feel cold often, or have dry skin and low mood.

Hypothyroidism is a long-term condition, but it can be managed with the right treatment. There is no cure, but with daily medication to replace the missing hormones, most people can live healthy, normal lives.

While prescription medication is the main treatment, natural lifestyle changes can also support thyroid health. Eating foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc, such as seafood, eggs, nuts, and whole grains, may help. Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and staying active are also important. Always speak to a doctor before trying any herbal remedies or supplements.

The standard treatment is a daily tablet of levothyroxine, which replaces the missing thyroid hormone. Some people may also take liothyronine (T3). Your dose will depend on your age, weight, and how much hormone your body needs. Regular blood tests are needed to make sure your hormone levels stay balanced.

Most treatments come as tablets taken once a day. Levothyroxine is the most common. Some people might also take liothyronine, or a combination of both. In rare cases, treatment may be given as an injection in hospital.

Yes, medicines like levothyroxine and liothyronine need a prescription. You’ll also need regular blood tests to check how well your treatment is working. At PharmXtra, all prescription requests go through an online clinical consultation, and the final decision to prescribe will be made by a registered independent prescriber.