What is the primary treatment for hypothyroidism?

Levothyroxine is the primary treatment for hypothyroidism because it is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), which is usually deficient in people with this condition. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones, leading to various metabolic issues.

Levothyroxine works by replenishing the levels of thyroid hormones in the body, thus normalizing metabolism and alleviating the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression. It is usually taken orally and has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing, which makes it convenient for patients.

Other treatments, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone, are not appropriate for treating hypothyroidism because they would not directly address the deficiency in thyroid hormones. Corticosteroids and insulin are not used for hypothyroidism; corticosteroids are typically used to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system, while insulin is used to manage blood sugar levels in diabetes. Therefore, Levothyroxine is the most suitable and effective treatment for restoring thyroid hormone levels and managing the symptoms of hypothyroidism.