Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a common condition in Australia that requires careful and ongoing medical treatment. The cornerstone of managing hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy, which compensates for the insufficient thyroid hormone production in the body. Here’s an overview of the medications used in Australia to treat this condition, how they work, and what patients should know.
What Medications Are Used for Hypothyroidism?
In Australia, the primary treatment for hypothyroidism is synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, specifically levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a man-made form of the natural thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) that the body needs to regulate metabolism and energy.
There are four main brands of levothyroxine available by prescription in Australia:
- Oroxine
- Eutroxsig
- Eltroxin
- Levoxine
All these brands contain levothyroxine (T4) and are designed to closely mimic the hormone produced by a healthy thyroid gland.
How Does Levothyroxine Work?
Levothyroxine tablets work by supplementing the body’s deficient T4 hormone. Once absorbed, levothyroxine is converted in the body to the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3), which regulates many vital functions including metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. This hormone replacement helps reverse hypothyroidism symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
Other Thyroid Hormone Medications
While levothyroxine is the standard treatment, some patients may be prescribed liothyronine (T3), marketed as Tertroxin in Australia. Liothyronine is a synthetic form of the active thyroid hormone T3 and is sometimes used in combination with levothyroxine or alone, but only under specialist supervision due to its potent effects and need for careful monitoring.
What About Natural or Alternative Thyroid Medications?
Some patients inquire about desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), which is derived from dried animal thyroid glands. However, the Australian Thyroid Foundation and the Endocrine Society of Australia do not endorse desiccated thyroid products like Armour Thyroid due to concerns about inconsistent dosing and lack of regulatory approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These products are imported as food supplements rather than approved medications, and their quality and hormone content may vary significantly.
How Is Treatment Managed?
Hypothyroidism treatment is typically lifelong. Doctors will prescribe an initial dose of levothyroxine and adjust it based on regular blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This monitoring ensures the dosage is optimal – not too high or too low – to avoid side effects or persistent symptoms.
Key Points for Patients
- Levothyroxine is the most common and effective medication for hypothyroidism in Australia.
- Treatment requires ongoing monitoring and dose adjustments.
- Liothyronine may be used selectively under specialist care.
- Desiccated thyroid products are not recommended by Australian health authorities.
- Always consult an endocrinologist or your GP for personalized advice and management.
Hypothyroidism medication in Australia is well-established, safe, and effective when managed properly. If you have symptoms of an underactive thyroid or have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, working closely with your healthcare provider to find the right medication and dose is essential for maintaining your health and quality of life.