Which medication is commonly prescribed to manage hypothyroidism?

Levothyroxine is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism due to its effectiveness in replacing or supplementing the deficient levels of thyroid hormones in the body. It is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), which is one of the primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Patients with hypothyroidism often have low levels of thyroid hormones, and levothyroxine helps to restore these levels, alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.

This medication is typically taken orally and is absorbed by the gut, allowing it to enter the bloodstream and exert its action on metabolism, growth, and development. Regular monitoring and dosage adjustments based on thyroid function tests are essential to ensure that the patient maintains appropriate thyroid hormone levels, as both under-treatment and over-treatment can lead to health issues.

In contrast, liothyronine is a T3 hormone and is usually not the first choice for managing hypothyroidism unless specific circumstances arise. Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication that can actually affect thyroid function and may cause thyroid dysfunction itself. Methimazole is an antithyroid medication commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism, which is the opposite of hypothyroidism. Thus, levothyroxine