May 20, 2013 Hypothyroidism - Primary A variety of factors
affect the decision of whether to treat a patient for
hypothyroidism, which dosage to begin with, and how rapidly
treatment should be started or increased: - First, an elevated
TSH (thyrotropin) level should be confirmed and thyroxine (T4)
level determined. Other thyroid tests may also be helpful. -
Measuring cholesterol levels is also important. Doctors should
also consider: - Age of the patient - Presence of other medical
problems that may benefit from thyroid replacement treatment
(such as heart failure or depression) - Presence of other
medical problems that thyroid replacement therapy may worsen
(such as osteoporosis) Treating Overt Hypothyroidism. Patients
with overt hypothyroidism, indicated by clear symptoms and blood
tests that show high TSH (generally 10 mU/L and above) and low
thyroxine (T4) levels, must have thyroid replacement therapy.
Treating Subclinical or Mild Hypothyroidism. Considerable debate
exists about whether to treat patients