Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Autoimmune thyroid disorders are when your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that is found in the front part of your neck. Thyroid hormones regulate body temperature, heart rate, and weight gain or loss.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Thyroid medicines replace, increase, or decrease your thyroid hormone levels. They may also help control your signs and symptoms. You may need other medicines to treat fast heartbeats, nervousness, or trembling.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

You may need to have regular blood tests if you take thyroid medicine. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Eat a variety of healthy foods:

If you have hyperthyroidism, you may need to eat more to give your body the extra energy it needs. If you have hypothyroidism, you may need to eat foods rich in iodine. Ask which foods are best for you and if you need to be on a special diet.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Synthroid
• levothyroxine
• Armour Thyroid
• Tirosint
• Levoxyl

Exercise:

Exercise can help decrease your stress and relieve your symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.

Manage stress:

Stress can increase your risk for autoimmune thyroid disorders. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing.

Do not smoke:

If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Smoking can increase your risk for autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
• Your signs and symptoms return or become worse.
• You have pain, redness, and swelling in your muscles and joints.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.
• Your heart is fluttering and you feel restless.
• You have slurred speech, problems with balance or walking, or cannot think clearly.
• You have swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
• You feel faint or had a seizure.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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