Hypothyroidism is one of the most common diseases, affecting millions of people around the world. To help control hypothyroidism, many patients have used thyroid hormone therapy. So is it okay to overdose on thyroid hormone? The answer will be right in this article.
Taking thyroid hormone medication is a specific treatment for patients with hypothyroidism. Although taking thyroid hormone is a standard medical treatment, taking too much thyroid hormone will cause patients to face many significant risks.
Why is it necessary to comply with the dosage of thyroid hormone?
Before answering the question of whether taking too much thyroid hormone is okay, we will learn about the benefits of complying with the dosage. Accordingly, specialists recommend that to improve thyroid health, complying with the recommendations on thyroid hormone dosage is very important.
Patients need to strictly follow the instructions for taking thyroid hormone medication to avoid side effects.
Optimizing Treatment Effectiveness
Ensuring that you take the correct and adequate amount of thyroid hormone helps maintain energy and fat balance. It also helps control symptoms of hypothyroidism, including fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain.
Preventing the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
Adjusting your thyroid hormone dosage as prescribed by your doctor will help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, which is a major cause of cardiovascular disease.
Preventing underlying health problems
Close coordination between your doctor and patient through adherence to dosage will facilitate the timely detection and treatment of potential health problems arising from thyroid hormone treatment.
Personalizing treatment
Doctors can adjust the thyroid hormone dosage based on each individual’s clinical and laboratory results, thereby creating a personalized treatment plan and achieving optimal results.
Based on the patient’s specific tests, the doctor will prescribe the dosage of the drug.
Support mental health and quality of life
Stabilizing thyroid hormone dosage helps to better control psychological conditions, reduce stress and anxiety levels; and also improve overall quality of life and daily function.
Regularly communicate with your doctor
Patients must proactively and promptly report any unusual changes (if any) and health symptoms so that the doctor can promptly and accurately adjust the dosage.
Is it okay to overdose on thyroid hormones?
Patients with hypothyroidism are often considered by their doctors to apply special therapy through taking thyroid hormone medication. One of the issues that thyroid patients are concerned about is whether it is okay to overdose on thyroid hormones. Although thyroid hormones, especially levothyroxine, play a key role in controlling hypothyroidism, exceeding the prescribed dosage can lead to serious consequences.
Levothyroxine can control hypothyroidism if used in the right dosage.
Hyperthyroidism-like symptoms
Increased appetite and nausea are common early symptoms (similar to hyperthyroidism).
If this condition persists, it can lead to weight loss due to an overactive metabolism.
Effects on the brain and nerves
Nervous disorders, tension, anxiety, irritability and insomnia are possible later symptoms.
Taking high doses of thyroid hormones can lead to shock, stroke and possibly death due to a sudden increase in nerve activity.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Overdose of this medication can increase heart rate, blood pressure and cause chest pain, leading to serious cardiovascular risks.
Overdose of the drug can cause an increase in the patient’s heart rate.
Effects on Muscles
Even if your body is initially healthy, taking too much thyroid hormone can lead to fatigue and muscle weakness due to unnecessary muscle tension.
Increased body temperature and digestive problems
Taking too much thyroid hormone can increase body temperature and cause digestive problems such as nausea.
Of note, if a person tries to lose weight by self-administering thyroid hormones, this risk is further increased.
Potential for uncontrolled temperature increase
Taking high doses of thyroid hormone can lead to skin sensitivity to temperature changes, facial flushing, and excessive sweating, making it difficult to regulate body temperature.
Risk of heart failure
High heart rate and blood pressure increase the risk of heart failure and arrhythmias, and can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular problems.
In short, an overdose of thyroid hormone not only causes unpleasant symptoms but also has serious consequences for overall health. Therefore, specialists recommend that patients always adhere to the dosage and inform their doctors of any changes related to their health status.
Taking too much thyroid hormone can cause many dangerous side effects.
Notes when taking thyroid hormone medication
The following notes are especially important for patients with hypothyroidism:
Take the correct dose
Complying with the dosage is very important to avoid harming your health.
Patients need to periodically check indicators such as TSH, T3, T4 so that the treating physician can adjust according to the actual situation, ensuring optimal treatment effectiveness. At the same time, do not arbitrarily change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
Time to take medication
Thyroid hormone medication – especially Levothyroxine should be taken at least 60 minutes before breakfast or before going to bed and at least 4 hours apart from other supplements.
Patients need to pay attention to the interval between taking Levothyroxine and other substances because food and other medications can affect the absorption process.
Monitor for side effects
When using thyroid hormones, patients must carefully pay attention to their body’s manifestations. If there are unusual symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, insomnia, weight loss, heart rhythm problems, they must immediately notify the doctor.
Note unusual symptoms when taking medication
Pay attention to your diet
The body’s metabolism and energy need special attention while taking thyroid hormone medication.
In short, taking thyroid hormone is the solution for patients with hypothyroidism. However, the most important thing is that the patient must follow the doctor’s instructions on dosage, time of taking as well as ensure regular check-ups to monitor the index, thereby allowing the doctor to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the risk of side effects.
