People's Pharmacy

Synthroid

Generic Name:levothyroxine

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Overview

Thyroid hormones come in a variety of formulations and brand names.

Synthroid is the most commonly prescribed of all the thyroid supplements. That is because the dose is more reliable than natural products made of dried thyroid glands.

Synthroid is long acting and comes in a wide variety of doses that allows for individualized treatment.

When people develop a sluggish thyroid gland they often feel tired and weak. They may become constipated, sensitive to cold or anemic.

They may also suffer with dry skin and hair, thick brittle fingernails and have shortness of breath when they exercise. Some people report clumsiness, weight gain, or puffy eyes.

Thyroid problems are diagnosed with blood tests. The best is one that measures thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH.

This test also helps determine the proper dose of thyroid hormone for treatment.