.
Treatment.
Although it can become serious, hypothyroidism is easily treated. It is treated with a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. Levothyroxine (T4) is preferred over triodothyronine (T3) because T4 is solely produced by the thyroid and T3 is produced by the conversion of T4 in other organs such as the kidneys, liver, brain, and skin. In other words, the body itself breaks down T4 into T3 and uses it as needed (Rubenfeld 54). .
Generally, a person who is has hypothyroidism will need to take levothyroxine for the rest of their life. A person's basal temperature can serve as an excellent guide for treatment. Normal temperature should be between 97.8 and 98.8, and if it falls below 97.8, there is a chance that it is due to hypothyroidism. .
The Thyroid and Fatigue.
A low energy level can take a mental and emotional toll as well as a physical toll. One of the main causes of excessive fatigue is an underactive thyroid. Some studies have shown it to be a major complaint in as many as 98 percent of all patients found to be hypothyroid (Barnes 52). Fatigue is a normal result of physical exertion, stress, or lack of rest. However, fatigue that is not relieved by rest may have a different origin. .
Although fatigue is mostly thought to be an issue with adults, it can also be a problem with children and teenagers. .
"A seventeen year old I recently saw had complained for years of being tired Even after a prolonged nights sleep he had difficulty getting up in the morning. In school, he was unable to think clearly and to concentrate, and repeatedly failed. He dropped out, tried work, but lost job after job because of lateness. He began to run with the wrong crowd, took to hard drugs, had an encounter with the law . his fatigue (and the effects of it) were found too be associated with subnormal basal temperature [due to hypothyroidism] and within three months of therapy he was enrolled in a rehab program and back in school (Barnes 53-54).