Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto's Disease

Hypothyroidism (Under active Thyroid) is more common in women than men, with estimates that 10 times more women than men are affected. Hypothyroidism is usually gradually progressive with symptoms increasing as thyroid function deteriorates.

Hashimoto’s Disease – Thyroid Auto-immune Disease, usually causes hypothyroid symptoms, however it is possible for Hashimoto symptoms to swing between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Treatment for hypothyroidism is Thyroid Replacement Hormone therapy – Levothyroxine.

Hypothyroidism/Underactive Thyroid is more common in women than men, with estimates that 10 times more women than men are affected. Hypothyroidism is usually gradually progressive with symptoms increasing as thyroid function deteriorates. Symptoms can overlap with many other medical conditions and can remain undiagnosed until appropriate testing is performed to make a diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is usually due to Hashimoto's Disease, which is an autoimmune thyroid disease and caused from a generic predisposition – hereditary. 

Treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement, with synthetic Levothyroxine. Brands in Australia are Oroxine (Original) Eutroxsig (Generic) both of these brands need to be refrigerated at all times. 

Eltroxin (Original) and Levoxine (generic) do not need to be refrigerated. Eltroxin has 10% less active ingredient than both Oroxine and Eutroxsig and Levoxine. 

Changing brands of Levothyroxine is not recommended. When a patient is prescribed a brand/formula and reaches a stable dose, this should not be changed.  If your doctor decides to change your brand to Eltroxin, which is 10% less active ingredient, dose adjustment may be necessary and regular thyroid function pathology tests will be needed. Eltroxin is available on PBS. 

Choice of brand is individual and should be decided with your thyroid treating doctor. 

If you suffer from Hypothyroidism, your symptoms could include:

• Lethargy/Fatigue
• Weight Gain and Fluid Retention
• Depression/Low Mood
• Sleep Disturbance 
• Thinning of Hair and Eyebrows
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Breathlessness 
• Dry Skin
• Constipation
• Poor Concentration
• Muscle Pain and Weakness
• Enlarged Thyroid (Goitre)
• Low Libido/ Decreased Fertility
• Menstrual Changes
• For pregnant women, there is an increased risk of miscarriage and multiple obstetric complications