What Is the Best Treatment for Hashimoto’s Disease?

My mother-in-law was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. She started a course of long-term hormone replacement therapy, but I want to make sure she has the best care and is taking the best medicine. What is the best treatment for Hashimoto’s disease?

If there is no evidence of hormone deficiency and only antibodies tests are positive, the use of medications is one that must be discussed in detail by the patient and doctor. Other medical conditions, patient preference, and the presence of symptoms are all taken into consideration in determining a treatment plan.

If thyroid hormone deficiency is noted on blood tests, the treatment involves daily dosing of a synthetic form of thyroid hormone. This is typically in the form of levothyroxine, which is synthetic T4 (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid).

Oral medications can restore hormone levels and reverse the symptoms of hypothyroidism, but they must be taken regularly and over the long term. Dosing is adjusted based on blood levels. Levels are usually checked every 6-12 weeks when the medication is actively being adjusted, and 6-12 months thereafter once stable.\

Thyroid hormone levels are usually checked every 6-12 weeks when the medication is actively being adjusted, and 6-12 months thereafter once stable. If side effects like those noted above are occurring, you should follow-up with your physician.