Hypothyroidism - Resources

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• Starting out. Most people need to build up gradually until they reach a maintenance dose. In uncomplicated cases, the dose typically starts at 50 micrograms per day, which then increases in 3- to 4-week intervals until thyroid hormone levels are normal. Seniors and those with heart disease may start at 12.5 - 25 micrograms per day. On the other hand, young adults with a short history of hypothyroidism might be able to tolerate a full maintenance dosage right away.
• Maintenance dose. Maintenance dose for most patients averages 112 micrograms, but it can vary between 75 - 260 micrograms. If conditions such as pregnancy, surgery, or other drugs alter hormone levels, the patient's thyroid needs will have to be reassessed.

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Daily Regimen. Because thyroid replacement is usually lifelong, setting up a regular daily routine is helpful. Here are some tips to remember:

• Establish a habit of taking the medication at the same time each day. This may help prevent missed doses.
• If you miss a dose of your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take your medicine then and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Fiber and common daily supplements, such as calcium, may interfere with thyroxine absorption. Although levothyroxine can be taken at any time of day, either with or without food, some doctors recommend taking thyroid hormone upon awakening and at least 30 minutes before eating anything, including breakfast or supplements.

Annual Evaluation. Many factors can cause changes that require modifying the thyroxine dosages. A dose that is appropriate for one year may be too low the next. To maintain normal thyroid levels, some patients may need to take gradually increasing doses of thyroid hormone every year or two. Doctors recommend that patients be reevaluated 6 months after normal TSH levels have been reached and then once a year thereafter.

Specific factors, such as changes in health or diet, new medications for other conditions, or simply switching brands, can also cause changes in thyroid hormone levels that require different doses. If patients change dose levels or thyroxine brands, they should be checked again at least 6 weeks later.