Do I need lifelong tablets for hypothyroidism treatment?

Question

Hello doctor,

Four months before I found that I have thyroid with high TSH 18. Then I put off some weight and did morning walk and running, then it decreases to 14. Now I left the exercise because I met with an accident. Now I have done my test again it was 18 again.

Now I consulted the doctor but he said that I have to take medicines lifelong. It was really shocking for me and he prescribed me Thyrox 50 mg and Pure D3 60000 IU for four weeks and Rabeprazole 20 mg. But I am nervous and confused about taking this drug because I read somewhere that once you started taking this drug it will replace your thyroid hormones. Then you have to take the medicines life long.

My weight is 176 lbs, BP 110/180 mmHg, T3-0.98, T4-7.62 and TSH 15.98. Now kindly suggest to me what should I do? Is it necessary to take the drug, or is there any alternative?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First of all, you must understand the problem. You are suffering from a medical condition called hypothyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid hormone production decreases. The thyroid hormone is necessary for the metabolism of the body, and in the absence of this hormone body's metabolic rate reduces, and the person starts gaining weight.

When thyroxine hormone decreases, TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) increases, which triggers the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone (T3, T4), and a raised TSH level in the blood is a diagnostic factor; this is raised in your case.

We have to give thyroid hormone preparation in the form of thyroxine, as this is necessary for body metabolism. Otherwise, you will have to suffer from some other medical problems, so it is advisable to continue this medicine as advised by your doctor until your TSH level becomes normal. Then you can again consult your treating doctor or us for further plans. Until then, you must take it. Frankly speaking, there is no alternative to this.

Here I noticed that your BP (blood pressure) is 110/180 mmHg. It is surprising that the diastolic pressure is more than the systolic. I think there is some typing error, so again check your BP and tell me, as this is suggestive that you are hypertensive too, so you must start some anti-hypertensive medications. Rabeprazole is a medicine for hyperacidity.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.