The conventional treatment of hypothyroidism is synthetic T4 or Levothyroxine. In the right amount, Levothyroxine will normalize your thyroid levels. The body can convert T4 to T3, which is the most active form of thyroid hormone, but not T3 to T4. When you try to correct your underactive thyroid with levothyroxine pills (T4) the conversion of T4 to T3 may not be optimal and you will end up missing some T3. That’s why you may not get rid of all your symptoms by just taking thyroxine tablets. There are 13 strength levels of Levothyroxine tablets, all ranging from 12.5 mcg to 300 mcg. Try to stick to the name brand when you are treated with levothyroxine. Examples of levothyroxine brands are Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, and Unithroid. You may do better with desiccated thyroid such as Armour Thyroid or Naturethroid as long as the prescribed T3 dose is right for you. Armour thyroid is a combination of T4 and T3 and comes in several different strengths. Regardless of the treatment you are using, the dose of thyroid hormone needs to be adjusted and monitored over time. Your doctor may also prescribe Levothyroxine in conjunction with a T3 pill, in a compounded or synthetic form, depending on your needs.
