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What Is The Treatment For Secondary Hypothyroid?

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Posted on Sat, 5 Jul 2014
Question: What is the treatment for secondary hypothyroid caused by a lack of stimulating hormone from the hypothalmus?
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Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
The treatment is the same as with primary hypothyroidism ie levothyroxine. Synthroid is one brand name medication for levothyroxine. There is no need for T3 . In fact taking T3 can result in the blood picture showing low T4 levels.

It is important to make sure the diagnosis of secondary hypothyroidism is made correctly. An endocrinologist is well qualified to make this determination after a thorough in-person examination followed by a battery of tests.

In the past a TRH stimulation test was available. It is difficult now as TRH is not easily available. Moreover, other means exist to reliably make a diagnosis of secondary hypothyroidism. These include blood tests like cortisol and sex hormones/FSH/LH to name a few examples and, often an MRI of the pituitary/hypothalamus.

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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What Is The Treatment For Secondary Hypothyroid?

Brief Answer: Thyroid Detailed Answer: The treatment is the same as with primary hypothyroidism ie levothyroxine. Synthroid is one brand name medication for levothyroxine. There is no need for T3 . In fact taking T3 can result in the blood picture showing low T4 levels. It is important to make sure the diagnosis of secondary hypothyroidism is made correctly. An endocrinologist is well qualified to make this determination after a thorough in-person examination followed by a battery of tests. In the past a TRH stimulation test was available. It is difficult now as TRH is not easily available. Moreover, other means exist to reliably make a diagnosis of secondary hypothyroidism. These include blood tests like cortisol and sex hormones/FSH/LH to name a few examples and, often an MRI of the pituitary/hypothalamus.