Discharge Instructions for Hypothyroidism and Myxedema
DISCHARGE AND AFTERCARE

Discharge Instructions for Hypothyroidism and Myxedema

March 20, 2017

Discharge Instructions for Hypothyroidism and Myxedema

Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone to meet your body's needs. Overall, hypothyroidism slows your body’s normal rate of functioning, causing mental and physical sluggishness. Various symptoms may range from mild to severe. The most severe form is called myxedema.

Medicine

Take your medicine exactly as directed. You will take this medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Take your medicine the same time every day.

  • Keep your pills in a container that is labeled with the days of the week. This will help you remember if you’ve taken your medicine each day.

  • Take your medicine with a full glass of water. Take it at least 1 before you eat breakfast. Or at bedtime, at least 3 hours after eating.

  • Do not take calcium or iron within 4 hours of taking your thyroid medicine. And, ask your healthcare provider about taking other medicines with your thyroid pill.

  • Continue to take your medicine if you become pregnant. Many women need more thyroid medicine during pregnancy. Your doctor may increase your dose.

  • Your healthcare provider will regularly check your thyroid hormone levels with blood tests. If your dose is changed, you will usually have lab work in 4 to 6 weeks to be sure that the new dose is right for you.

  • Always alert your healthcare providers of changes in your other medicines (including estrogens, testosterone, and anti-seizure medicines) as these changes may affect your thyroid hormone levels.

  • Never stop treatment on your own. If you do, your symptoms will return.

Other home care

  • During your routine visits, tell your healthcare provider about any signs of hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), such as:

    • Restlessness

    • Rapid weight loss

    • Sweating

    • Palpitations

  • Eat a high-fiber, low-calorie diet to relieve constipation and maintain a healthy weight.

  • Exercise. Start slow, with a 5 to 15 minute walk each day. Try to work up to 10,000 steps, or 3 20-minute walks each day.

  • Remember, hypothyroidism is associated with increased cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. Correcting hypothyroidism generally improves cholesterol levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about the elements of a healthy lifestyle.

To learn more

The resources below can help you learn more:

  • American Thyroid Association 703-998-8890 www.thyroid.org

  • Hormone Health Network 800-467-6663 www.hormone.org

Follow-up care

Follow-up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.

When to seek medical care

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

  • Extreme fatigue

  • Puffy hands, face, or feet

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Confusion

Updated:  

March 20, 2017

Sources:  

Abalovich, M. Management of Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy and Postpartum: Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2012); 97(8); pp.243-2565, Diagnosis of an screening for hypothyroidism in nonpregnant adults, Up To Date, Garber, JR. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hypothyroidism in Adults: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American Thyroid Association. Thyroid (2012); 22 (12); pp. 1200-1235, Hypothyroidism during pregnanty: clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment, Up To Date, Jonklaas, J., Guidelines for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Prepared by the American Thyroid Association, Thyroid (2014); 24(12); 1670-1751, Treatment of Hypothyroidism, Up To Date, Up To Date. Levothyroxine Drug Information

Reviewed By:  

Fetterman, Anne, RN, BSN,Hurd, Robert, MD