Hypothyroidism treatment

The technical term for an underactive thyroid is "hypothyroidism". Treatment depends on whether the disease is associated with symptoms (manifest hypothyroidism) or "hidden" (latent hypothyroidism). With the help of the medical history, the physical examination and special laboratory tests from the blood, we clarify what type of hypothyroidism is involved and what the trigger is. We will then discuss the therapy with you.

Treatment of manifest hypothyroidism

Manifest hypothyroidism should be treated with medication: Those affected must take levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) once a day, usually for life, to replace the missing thyroid hormones. This therapy must be monitored regularly and adjusted to the best individual dose. Levothyroxine has the same effect in the body as the natural thyroid hormones. Regular hormone intake generally causes the symptoms of hypothyroidism to disappear completely.

In rare cases, it is also possible to treat the cause of the disease directly and thus normalize thyroid function. However, this only works in special cases.

Treatment of latent hypothyroidism

In the case of latent hypothyroidism, certain laboratory values are abnormal, but the thyroid gland still produces sufficient hormones so that those affected have no symptoms. As a rule, no treatment is necessary if there are no symptoms. We discuss with patients on a case-by-case basis whether treatment is nevertheless advisable and necessary in special cases.

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University Hospital Zurich
Department of Internal Medicine
Raemistrasse 100
8091 Zurich

Tel. +41 44 255 24 30
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