There is no cure for hypothyroidism. However, this illness can be effectively treated with hormone medications. These medications can be synthetic or natural and are identical to the hormones produced by a healthy thyroid gland. These medications help return the body's metabolism back to a normal state. They also help improve cholesterol levels and may reduce depression. Patients who use these drugs may also lose the excess weight they gained as a result of hypothyroidism. In most cases, patients must remain on these medications throughout their lifetimes.

Rarely, patients experience side effects when they take these medications in large amounts or while the dosage is being adjusted when treatment begins. Such side effects may include heart palpitations, increased appetite (polyphagia), insomnia, intolerance to heat and shakiness. A physician usually can adjust the dosage level of these drugs to help reduce or eliminate such side effects.

Diets high in soy products and fiber, and supplements of iron or calcium, may interfere with the absorption of these drugs into the body. Medications and supplements that can reduce the absorption of thyroid medications include iron supplements, calcium supplements, some cholesterol-lowering drugs and aluminum hydroxide (found in some antacids).

Patients who take thyroid hormone medications require regular monitoring to ensure that they are getting proper dosage levels.

There is no known way of preventing hypothyroidism. Screening at-risk adults or testing infants for congenital hypothyroidism may lead to diagnosis and treatment that can avert complications.