Summarize:

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include exhaustion, high blood pressure, weight gain, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating. Your doctor will need to perform tests to make an accurate diagnosis. They’ll prescribe levothyroxine if they find your thyroid is underactive. Let your doctor know about any prescriptions, over the counter medications, herbs, or supplements you take. Levothyroxine can negatively interact with blood thinners, beta-blockers, some antidepressants, and medications used to treat diabetes. It’ll take several weeks for levothyroxine to start working. Your dose will likely need to be adjusted, so your doctor will need to take regular blood tests until your hormone levels are stable. Once they’re stable, you’ll probably have a blood test every 4 to 6 months. Eventually, you’ll just need annual tests. Talk to your doctor if you experience appetite or weight changes, insomnia, hair loss, sweating, or nervousness. These indicate your dose needs to be adjusted. Seek medical treatment if you experience severe symptoms, such as chest pain, rapid or irregular pulse, blurred or double vision, or severe headache. If you need to stop taking it for any reason, your doctor will need to decrease your dosage gradually. You’ll most likely need to take your medicine for the rest of your life. While you might need to switch up your morning routine, ensuring you’re as healthy as possible is worth it.
Have your doctor test for hypothyroidism. Ask your doctor about possible drug interactions. Have your doctor monitor your thyroid hormone levels. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects. Don’t stop taking levothyroxine without talking to your doctor.