Which treatment is used to manage hypothyroidism?

• A. Thyroid replacement therapy
• B. Increased iodine intake
• C. Chronic diuretic therapy
• D. Antibiotics

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that hypothyroidism is a deficit of thyroid hormone, so the treatment is to replace the missing hormone and restore normal metabolism. This is best achieved with thyroid replacement therapy, typically daily oral levothyroxine (synthetic T4). Replacing the hormone brings TSH back toward normal and alleviates symptoms like fatigue, cold intolerance, and weight gain, while avoiding the risks of under- or over-replacement.

Dosing is tailored to the individual and usually continued for life. After starting or changing the dose, TSH is checked in 6–8 weeks to guide adjustments. In older patients or those with heart disease, dosing starts low and progresses slowly to reduce cardiac risks.

Other options don’t address the hormone deficiency. Increasing iodine intake targets iodine deficiency, which is not the cause in most developed countries and can even be harmful in autoimmune thyroiditis. Chronic diuretic therapy and antibiotics do not treat the underlying hormonal deficiency and therefore aren’t treatments for hypothyroidism.