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Levothyroxine is the medication most commonly prescribed for the treatment of hypothyroidism because it is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Levothyroxine addresses this deficiency by replacing the missing hormone, thereby normalizing metabolic processes and alleviating symptoms associated with low thyroid hormone levels.

The effectiveness of levothyroxine is well-documented, and it is typically the first-line treatment for individuals diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It is dosed individually based on the patient’s age, weight, and severity of hormone deficiency, and regular monitoring of thyroid levels is necessary to ensure the proper therapeutic dose is maintained.

Other medications listed, such as metformin, are not relevant to hypothyroidism as metformin is primarily used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications and are used for different conditions related to adrenal insufficiency or inflammatory diseases. Thyroid extract supplements may also be used in some cases, but they are less commonly prescribed compared to levothyroxine, as their composition can vary and may not provide a consistent dose of thyroid hormones