What medication class is commonly used to treat hypothyroidism?

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which are crucial for regulating metabolism, energy generation, and overall hormonal balance in the body. The goal of treatment is to restore normal hormone levels, and this is typically achieved through medications such as levothyroxine, which is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), one of the hormones normally produced by the thyroid gland.

By administering thyroid hormone replacement therapy, patients can alleviate symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression, and improve their quality of life. The therapy is monitored regularly through blood tests to ensure that hormone levels remain within a target range, thus maintaining proper bodily functions.