Thyroid Disorders: Review of Drug Therapy and Monitoring Strategies

Abstract

Thyroid disorders, encompassing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, represent some of the most prevalent endocrine diseases worldwide. They profoundly impact metabolic, cardiovascular, skeletal, and neurocognitive systems. Effective management depends on accurate diagnosis, individualized pharmacotherapy, and structured biochemical and clinical monitoring. This review comprehensively examines the pharmacologic management of thyroid disorders, focusing on the pharmacokinetics, therapeutic efficacy, adverse effect profiles, and monitoring strategies of levothyroxine, methimazole, and propylthiouracil. It also highlights drug–disease interactions, monitoring intervals, and clinical considerations in special populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities. Practical recommendations for therapy optimization, safety surveillance, and follow-up are provided, along with recent evidence on long-term outcomes and emerging monitoring challenges.