FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

  • What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

    “Hypo” means lower than normal; so hypothyroidism means your thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormones, and “hyper” means high or more than normal; so hyperthyroidism means your thyroid is making too much thyroid hormones.1

  • What causes hypothyroidism?

    Most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – an autoimmune disease that causes your own immune system to damage or destroy the thyroid gland.1
    Other causes include;1,2

    • Surgery to remove your thyroid
    • Radioactive iodine ablation
    • Some medicines (e.g. lithium, amiodarone)
    • Iodine deficiency

  • Is hypothyroidism hereditary?

    Yes, thyroid disease does run in families, so having a relative such as a parent or grandparent with hypothyroidism may increase your risk of developing hypothyroidism.2,3

  • I can’t seem to lose weight. Could this be because of hypothyroidism?

    Unexplained weight gain or finding it hard to lose weight, even if you’re not eating much, may be a symptom of hypothyroidism.1,3 This is because hypothyroidism causes your metabolism to slow down. If you’ve been having a difficult time losing weight, check to see if you have other symptoms of hypothyroidism and see your doctor.

  • How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

    Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.1 If you think you have hypothyroidism, check through the symptoms and risks form, email the list to yourself, and discuss it with your doctor.

  • Can I be cured from hypothyroidism?

    Hypothyroidism can’t be cured, but it can be well controlled with a medicine called Synthroid®. This medicine works in the same way as the hormone your body produces, to correct your hormone imbalance.1,2

1. Bpac NZ. Management of thyroid dysfunction in adults. 2010 Issue 33. 2. Hypothyroidism. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. NHI
Publication No.13; 6180: March 2013. 3. Synthroid Data Sheet 2020.

Synthroid® levothyroxine sodium) 25 micrograms, 50 micrograms and 100 micrograms tablets. Prescription Medicine used as a replacement or supplemental therapy in patients of any age or state (including pregnancy) with hypothyroidism, or as a pituitary TSH suppressant in the treatment or prevention of various types of euthyroid goiters. Do not use Synthroid® if you have an allergy to thyroid hormones or any of the ingredients in the tablet or have suffered a heart attack. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including those you may have purchased from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop as these may affect the way Synthroid® works. Possible side effects are increased pulse & blood pressure, heart problems including heart failure, heart attack and angina, difficulty breathing and tiredness, headache, sleep disturbance, mood changes, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, increased appetite, weight loss, fever, excessive sweating, hair loss, muscle tremor and weakness, menstrual irregularities, impaired fertility, seizures, palpitations, hyperactivity, emotional liability, flushing. Always read the label carefully and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist or you have side effects, see your health professional. For further information, ask your health professional or view the Consumer Medicine Information at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Synthroid® is a fully funded prescription medicine. Normal doctor’s fees and pharmacy charges apply. Ask your doctor if Synthroid® is right for you.
SYNTHROID is a Viatris trade mark. Copyright © 2021 Viatris Inc. All rights reserved. Viatris Limited, Auckland. (A Viatris Group Company). SYN-2021-0013; TAPS NA-13229