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Thyroid diseases are not cured, but managed with medication. Hypothyroidism is more common than most people think and can affect roughly 30 percent of women who are menopausal. Common symptoms are increased weight gain or, in the extreme, nausea and fainting spells. You should always see a doctor immediately who will take a blood test to see if your TSH levels have increased or decreased. Like low blood sugar, when they hit dangerous levels medications are prescribed. Once the medication is started it is not a good idea to go off or even skip a day. It takes several months for the medications to work properly during which your doctor may want to draw further blood samples and monitor any weight gains or complications.

There are drawbacks to taking the medication for hypothyroidism which the public should be aware of since they can sometimes be very unpleasant. First and most notable are dry skin and patchiness. Hair loss also becomes quite apparent within two weeks. There can be noticable heart pain and elevated pulse - especially when the thyroid medication is taken at the same time as aspirin formulas like Excedrin or Bayer. Read the lable carefully since many medications like those for nausea (Pepto Bismal) do not mix well with other prescriptions.

Another unusual symptom of hypothyroidism is irregular body temperatures, from chill to fever. The medications do little to regulate this. Night sweats even in the dead of winter are not uncommon. The change from your body going cold to hot can be from one minute to the next and the best way to avoid this uncomfortable situation is cotton bedding, light pajamas, open windows and room fans which can be turned on and off as needed - a remote control would be ideal.

The thyroid prescription advises that the medication be taken on an empty tummy. You must be able to sit and/or stand for 30 minutes or more in order for the medication to flow into the digestive system. You must be able to swallow comfortably and drink lots and lots of liquids, not coffee or tea which act as diruetics. You may notice excessive "yawning," temporary nausea, drowsiness and/or lightheadedness, but you will definitely feel excessive thirst.

Since the side effects of taking thyroid medications are strong, you may wish to consult further with your doctor before starting any treatment. There may be natural alternatives such regulated diet or soy which can be added to your food.

Learn more about this author, Cinda Smaagaard.
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