What does the thyroid do?
Your thyroid controls your body’s metabolic rate1
Your thyroid gland produces and releases two hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones help your body to
work normally and affect your heart rate, respiratory rate, the rate at which you burn calories, skin maintenance, growth,
heat production, fertility and digestion.2
What is hypothyroidism?1,2,3
Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland
When the thyroid gland is unable to produce normal amounts of thyroxine, the level of thyroid hormones in the blood
decreases (hypothyroidism). This results in a reduced rate of metabolism and interferes with the way your body works.2
What does the thyroid do?
Your thyroid controls your body’s metabolic rate2
Your thyroid gland produces and releases two hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones help your body to
work normally and affect your heart rate, respiratory rate, the rate at which you burn calories, skin maintenance, growth,
heat production, fertility and digestion.2
Infertility and menstrual problems3
Thyroid dysfunction can affect fertility in a variety of ways because thyroid hormones control the level of other reproductive
hormones in our body. Hypothyroidism has been associated with a lack of ovulation function, menstrual irregularities,
subfertility and higher (recurrent) miscarriage rates.3
What is hypothyroidism?1,2
Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland
When the thyroid gland is unable to produce normal amounts of thyroxine, the level of thyroid hormones in the blood
decreases (hypothyroidism). This results in a reduced rate of metabolism and interferes with the way your body works.2
What does the thyroid do?
Your thyroid controls your body’s metabolic rate1
Your thyroid gland produces and releases two hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones help your body to
work normally and affect your heart rate, respiratory rate, the rate at which you burn calories, skin maintenance, growth,
heat production, fertility and digestion.1
Hashimoto’s Disease1
A condition called Hashimoto's Disease is the most common type of autoimmune reaction that attacks the thyroid.
This causes inflammation and interferes with its ability to produce thyroid hormones. It’s not clear what causes
Hashimoto's Disease but it does run in families. It’s common in people with other autoimmune disorders.
What is hypothyroidism?1
Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland
When the thyroid gland is unable to produce normal amounts of thyroxine, the level of thyroid hormones in the blood
decreases (hypothyroidism). This results in a reduced rate of metabolism and interferes with the way your body works.2
What does the thyroid do?
Your thyroid controls your body’s metabolic rate2
Your thyroid gland produces and releases two hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones help your body to
work normally and affect your heart rate, respiratory rate, the rate at which you burn calories, skin maintenance, growth,
heat production, fertility and digestion.2
What is hypothyroidism?1,2
Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland
When the thyroid gland is unable to produce normal amounts of thyroxine, the level of thyroid hormones in the blood
decreases (hypothyroidism). This results in a reduced rate of metabolism and interferes with the way your body works.2
1. AACE Guidelines Endocrine Practice 2002; 8(6): 458-469 2. Hypothyroidism. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. NIH Publication No. 13; 6180:
March 2013 3. Thyroid Dysfunction and Diabetes Mellitus. Endocrine Society 2019. https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/40/3/789/528875 Accessed 16 August 2021
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
