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Pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, seeing people 5 to 8 times more frequently per year than primary care providers. Their role has become more expansive than ever, and many people don’t realize just how integral they are to a patient’s health and well-being.

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Travis Allison

At Alto, fulfillment pharmacists focus on dispensing medication — ensuring that the entire process is carefully monitored every step of the way — while patient advocacy pharmacists tackle anything related to a patient’s wellness, from provider communication and insurance coordination to guidance on managing chronic health conditions.

These specializations have opened up entirely new possibilities for the patient-pharmacist relationship at Alto. And this October, as we celebrate American Pharmacist Month, we’re spotlighting a few of the extraordinary Alto pharmacists who focus on patient advocacy.

To kick things off, we’re pleased to introduce Travis Allison, a patient care pharmacist based in Dallas, Texas.

What motivated you to pursue a career in pharmacy?

I took the long and winding road here. I didn’t always know this was what I wanted to do. In college, I started off as an English major but had a change of heart after a semester or two. I went on to study agriculture, and those experiences made me believe that I could pursue a path grounded in science.

My childhood memories of visiting the pharmacist were always in the back of my mind. As a kid, I hated going to the doctor. When those dreaded appointments were over and done with, I knew I’d get to see a guy in a white coat who would give me something to feel better. I always saw pharmacists as a comfort in the often scary world of healthcare.

What challenges have you encountered as a pharmacist?

At any chain pharmacy — which is where I spent my career before Alto — pharmacists are inundated with so many tasks. It isn’t that these tasks are unrelated to pharmacy, but they interfere with our ability to deliver patient care.

On a typical day, I would give 100 Covid shots and fill 200 prescriptions by myself while also coordinating billing and calling doctors’ offices. We also had to think about corporate metrics. I was frequently asked to get more people signed up for text message alerts and hit specific quotas.

Patient care is always the priority, for any pharmacist, but the reality of my job made it extremely difficult, and often impossible, to give patients the time they deserved.

The first thing I noticed when I started at Alto were the specializations. We have many different team members to handle all the responsibilities that fall on a single person’s shoulders at a traditional retail pharmacy.

I’m a patient care pharmacist, which is distinct from fulfillment pharmacists who process prescriptions.

I review prescriptions for accuracy and initiate medication transfers, and I interact with both patients and doctors. I’m here to answer any questions a patient has about their medication.

In a way, I feel like I’m on the frontlines the same way that I was when I worked in a pharmacy chain. It’s all of what I liked about retail pharmacy without the distractions of retail. We’re able to practice our most important functions as pharmacists without the noise.

We’re utilizing technology in a way no other pharmacy does, which allows us to communicate with patients and providers in so many different ways — without having to rush through interactions.

And the wheels of change turn much more quickly at a tech-oriented company than they do at a massive corporation. At my previous job, you could have conversations all day about what improvements were needed, but nothing ever happened. Alto was founded by software engineers, and we’re able to easily make changes in real time.

As a digital pharmacy, we serve so many patients that only we can serve. I talk to many who are homebound without a caretaker. Because of Alto’s model, I’m able to communicate with them, and we’re often their only point of contact within the healthcare system. I don’t know of another way these patients could get pharmacy care.

The digital model also allows us to get a broader view of healthcare, and to make an impact on a larger scale. Alto was one of few places where New Yorkers could get the Covid medication Paxlovid when it was first introduced.

It was incredible to be sitting here in Texas, getting prescriptions out in New York City just as a new variant came out that was really devastating to the city. At no other pharmacy would I have been able to help out my neighbors in New York.

Those moments where you can tell in a patient’s voice that you seriously helped them. To me, that’s an indication of how well I’m doing my job, much more so than the number of prescriptions processed or dollars generated.

Recognizing and Treating Anxiety, The Most Common Mental Health Disorder

Some degree of anxiety is natural. In fact, it can even be beneficial in certain contexts, like pre-interview butterflies. Other times, however, anxiety can become so debilitating that it interferes with daily life. Frequent and intense feelings of nervousness may be indicative of an underlying mental health disorder.

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder in the U.S., affecting more than 40 million adults, or about 19%. It is also estimated that 7% of children and adolescents between the ages of 3-17 struggle with symptoms of anxiety.

Over the past few years, as Covid-19 brings much upheaval and change, the number of Americans suffering from anxiety disorders and depression continues to increase. As a result, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is now recommending that all adults under the age of 65 be screened for anxiety. 

For many of those with an anxiety disorder, treatment — in the form of medication, psychotherapy, or both — is necessary to manage symptoms and maintain an active and fulfilling life. Below, we explain more about some of the most common treatment options.

Many factors can contribute to anxiety, including genetics, environment, behaviors, and situations. Common causes and risk factors include:

Having another mental health disorder such as depression

Genetics - having a relative with an anxiety disorder is considered a risk factor

Certain personality traits such as shyness

Individual experiences of anxiety can vary, so your anxiety symptoms may be different from those of a friend or family member with the condition. Anxiety can cause physical sensations like butterflies in your stomach or a racing heart. It can also bring an overall feeling of fear or unwanted thoughts.

Digestive issues, stomach pain, or nausea

Thoughts or flashbacks of a traumatic experience

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable with medication and therapy. (A combination of both is necessary for many people with an anxiety disorder.) While it can be difficult to share your feelings with a healthcare provider, it’s an important first step in managing symptoms.

These are some indications that you may benefit from treatment for anxiety:

Anxiety, fear, or worry has interfered with work and relationships

You find it difficult to control your anxiety, fear, or worry

You are concerned about your use of alcohol or other substances

There are many options for medication to treat anxiety. Some are used on a short-term basis or as needed while others are taken daily in the long term. Your provider will make recommendations based on your specific symptoms.

Though it can be frustrating, finding the right medication for your anxiety symptoms can take some trial and error.

There are several types of medications commonly used to treat anxiety disorders.

Benzodiazepines are sedatives that induce a feeling of calm. They amplify the effects of certain chemicals that act as a messenger between brain cells.

Benzodiazepines commonly prescribed for anxiety include:

These medications are typically used for short-term treatment of acute symptoms and may be prescribed on an as-needed basis. They often cause side effects like drowsiness and difficulty with balance and memory.

While benzodiazepines are effective, they have the potential for dependence and misuse. As a controlled substance under the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s guidelines, there are tight regulations for prescribing and dispensing benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines are not safe to abruptly discontinue. If you have been taking a benzodiazepine for longer than two weeks, speak with your doctor about slowly tapering off to avoid withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of seizure.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase a person’s levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that affects mood. Increased serotonin levels can alleviate symptoms of anxiety. These medications are considered a frontline treatment option for anxiety disorders and are also used to treat depression.

SSRIs commonly prescribed for anxiety include:

While SSRIs are very effective for many people with anxiety, it typically takes several weeks to experience their benefits. Even if you don't feel like the medication is working, continue to take it as prescribed so that you can achieve a therapeutic level. If you still have concerns several weeks into treatment, speak with your doctor.

Always consult your doctor before stopping an SSRI. It is not recommended to frequently start and stop SSRIs, and they should not be taken on an as-needed basis.

SSRIs have been linked to the following side effects, though they are mild in the majority of cases. Speak with your doctor about any concerns.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase levels of serotonin — just like SSRIs — but they also increase norepinephrine, which boosts energy and focus. These medications may increase your energy levels in addition to alleviating symptoms of anxiety.

SNRIs commonly prescribed for anxiety include:

Venlafaxine extended-release (Effexor® XR)

There are additional medications used to treat anxiety that do not belong to the medication classes above.

The antihistamine hydroxyzine (Atarax®, Vistaril®) blocks histamine and boosts the effects of serotonin. As the only antihistamine that offers this effect, it is the only antihistamine used to treat anxiety. This is typically an option for those who experience side effects with SSRIs or SNRIs, or who have concerns about the addictive potential of benzodiazepines.

Buspirone (Buspar®) is another alternative to SSRIs and SNRIs. While it isn’t entirely understood how buspirone works, the medication likely activates certain areas of the brain to make serotonin more active.

Each person metabolizes medications differently. Open communication with your provider can help identify the medication that works best for you. Your doctor should know:

Any other medications you are prescribed and their dosages

Your experience of anxiety symptoms after taking the prescribed medication — do you feel like it’s working?

Medication for anxiety disorders is often combined with psychotherapy, which helps you understand and manage your emotional and behavioral responses to sources of anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered one of the most effective types of therapy for anxiety disorders. It helps you recognize the underlying thoughts and behaviors that fuel uncomfortable or debilitating emotions. Shifting your thoughts and behaviors then alleviates symptoms of anxiety.

Finding the right therapist can take time. If you have insurance coverage of therapy sessions, check your insurance company’s provider network as a starting point. You can also look through reputable online databases like Psychology Today or the American Psychological Association (APA)’s psychologist locator. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees to make sessions more affordable.

Maintaining good mental health is easier with a reliable pharmacy on your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about your medications, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Allergies, the immune system’s response to foreign substances, can take numerous forms, from hay fever and allergic asthma to food allergies, medication allergies, and more. For those with allergic contact dermatitis — also referred to as allergic eczema — contact with an allergen causes skin inflammation and a rash.

Common Treatments for Allergic Rashes

While allergic contact dermatitis can be uncomfortable, painful, or itchy, a healthcare provider can help you identify the underlying trigger and manage symptoms. Read on for more about the condition.

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when exposure to an allergen causes a skin rash. The condition can take different forms, and skin may appear red, swollen, blistering, flaky, or scaling. Many people experience pain or itchiness. There may also be a burning or stinging sensation. 

Common allergens that trigger allergic contact dermatitis include:

Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other plants

Certain metals used to make jewelry such as nickel

Certain medications including antibiotics

Preservatives used in cosmetic products and household products

Symptoms typically take 24-48 hours to develop, though they may appear within minutes or hours of exposure in some cases. You may be more susceptible to the condition if you have sensitive skin or chronic skin issues that aren’t caused by allergies.

It takes time to develop an allergy, and you likely will not have a reaction to an allergen after a single exposure. Many people become more sensitive to an allergen with each subsequent exposure.

If you develop contact dermatitis several times and are unsure of the trigger, keep a diary of potential factors to identify the allergen.

In rare cases, allergic contact dermatitis overlaps with anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction that swells the airways and blocks breathing. This reaction may occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen.

The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Respiratory symptoms including wheezing and a persistent cough

In addition, anaphylaxis is frequently accompanied by hypotension, or low blood pressure, defined as blood pressure under 90/60 mm/Hg or a 30% reduction from your baseline blood pressure.

Anaphylaxis must be treated with epinephrine, a hormone and medication used in emergency treatment. Many people with severe allergies carry injectable epinephrine in a pen. If you experience anaphylaxis and do not have epinephrine, go to an emergency room as soon as possible. If you do not have someone to accompany you to the emergency room, call 911 first.

Allergic contact dermatitis vs irritant contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of two main types of contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is a rash that develops quickly in response to a chemical substance, or irritant, including harsh soaps and detergents, hair dyes, certain household products, and acids. 

Symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis are similar to those of allergic contact dermatitis, however the reaction forms more quickly and is often more painful than itchy.

If it is possible to avoid an allergen or irritant, you may be able to identify the trigger of your contact dermatitis and prevent a reaction. If this is not possible, additional steps are often required for an official diagnosis.

If your doctor believes that you may have allergic contact dermatitis, patch testing may be used to identify the underlying cause. During a patch test, you’ll wear adhesive patches containing common allergens known to trigger reactions. Your provider will check your skin after 48 hours and again after an additional 48-96 hours to check for a reaction.

If your doctor is unable to confirm a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis after patch testing, they may order a biopsy — a procedure that removes a small sample of your skin — to determine if another condition is responsible for symptoms.

There is not a similar test to diagnose irritant contact dermatitis, but a doctor may be able to identify the triggering irritant based on the chemicals you regularly come into contact with.

Read When to See a Healthcare Specialist for Allergy Treatment

A variety of treatment options may be used to help you manage allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. Individual treatment plans depend on the severity of symptoms.

As a first step, wash irritated skin with mild soap and water after exposure to an allergen to remove traces of it. In mild cases, this may be sufficient to address symptoms.

If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Moisturizing creams to hydrate and repair irritated skin

Over-the-counter corticosteroid-based creams to ease itching and inflammation

Colloidal oatmeal-based products to ease itching and inflammation

Calamine lotion to ease itching and discomfort

Over-the-counter oral antihistamines such as Benadryl® or Zyrtec®

Oral steroids such as prednisone to relieve symptoms that don’t respond to over-the-counter medication

Additional immunosuppressive medications including JAK inhibitors — which block immune responses to prevent inflammation — and off-label systemic medications including cyclosporine and methotrexate may be used in severe cases that require multiple rounds of oral steroids.

With effective treatment, symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis are typically resolved within two to three weeks. However, to prevent future reactions, it’s important to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms so that you can avoid it.

Managing allergic rashes is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about treatment, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

The HIV prevention medication PrEP — short for pre-exposure prophylaxis — has played a critical role in reducing the number of new HIV infections in recent years. It is highly effective when taken as prescribed every day, lowering the risk of sexual transmission and intravenous drug transmission by 99% and 74%, respectively.

What to Know About PrEP Follow-Up Appointments and Testing

Staying on track with PrEP treatment includes not only taking the medication as prescribed, but also regularly attending all follow-up appointments and completing recommended lab tests. Here’s an overview of ongoing medical care related to PrEP.

Note that PrEP is distinct from PEP — post-exposure prophylaxis — a prevention medication for emergencies and accidental exposures. Learn more about PEP.

If you think PrEP may be right for you, make an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare provider as a first step. (Check with your provider about the possibility of telehealth appointments, if interested.) They can write you a prescription for PrEP and conduct an HIV test, which is required to begin taking the medication.

If you do not have a provider or are unable to get a prescription from your doctor, the following resources can connect you with a provider who will prescribe PrEP for you:

There are several FDA-approved oral medication options — Truvada®, Descovy®,  and a generic for Truvada — and as of December 2021, PrEP is now available as an injectable treatment option called cabotegravir (Apretude®).

For those who find it difficult to remember to take a pill every day, the injectable form may make it easier to stay on track with PrEP treatment. However, oral PrEP continues to offer highly effective prevention for anyone at risk of HIV infection.

Always consult with a doctor if you are interested in switching from one form of PrEP to another.

What is the typical schedule of medical appointments when taking PrEP?

Work with your provider to determine the frequency of your follow-up appointments. A typical schedule often consists of the following:

First follow-up appointment between 2-4 weeks

Ongoing follow-up appointments every three months

What happens at the initial intake appointment?

If you are interested in getting started with PrEP, the first appointment will include an overview of PrEP as well as HIV testing and other lab work. If you qualify for PrEP and can commit to start taking the medication as prescribed, your doctor can write a prescription right away.

The baseline lab work includes the following:

An HIV test, to confirm that you do not have HIV at the beginning of your PrEP treatment

Testing to screen for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis

A blood test to measure kidney function (for those prescribed oral PrEP medications)

A blood test to measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels (for those prescribed oral PrEP medications)

What happens at the first follow-up appointment?

Your provider will have you come in for a follow-up appointment between 2-4 weeks. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss your experience with the medication so far, including side effects. It’s also a good time to share any other concerns, such as financial difficulties or medication adherence. Your provider will likely be able to refer you to resources.

What happens at ongoing follow-up appointments?

If you are taking oral PrEP, you will have follow-up appointments every three months. At these appointments, your doctor will:

Conduct an HIV test and assess you for symptoms of acute HIV infection to confirm that you still do not have HIV.

Provide a prescription or refill authorization of daily oral PrEP medication for no more than 90 days.

Discuss any challenges with medication adherence and answer any questions you may have.

Conduct screening for other STIs including syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

At the six-month mark, your doctor will likely measure kidney function. (Kidney testing may be more frequent depending on individual health factors.)

They may also ask about your interest in continuing with or stopping the medication. It is important to always consult with a provider before discontinuing or restarting PrEP so that they can evaluate your overall health and review lab work.

What if I have difficulty affording PrEP or related medical care?

PrEP continues to become more accessible. In addition to the availability of generic PrEP options and expanded health insurance coverage of PrEP, the following resources can help lower the costs of HIV prevention medication.

Many states have patient assistance programs to help people with a variety of insurance statuses access PrEP and related medical services at little to no cost. Read our previous blog for more on how to apply for state-funded PrEP assistance programs.

Many medication manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to offset the cost of medication. For example, Gilead, the manufacturer of brand-name Truvada, has the Gilead Advancing Access® program, which offers a copay card for those with insurance and a Medical Assistance Program for those who are uninsured.

The Ready, Set, PrEP program provides PrEP at no cost to eligible individuals without insurance coverage of prescription medications.

Alto is here every step of the way to make it as easy as possible to follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started with oral PrEP and continue treatment.

We’re available to answer any questions you may have between your follow-up appointments. In addition, we will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider, if applicable, to ensure that you’re receiving the best PrEP option for your needs at the best price.

To learn more, reach out any time through Alto’s in-app messaging or phone at 1-800-874-5881.

The thyroid may be small, but it plays a significant role in your overall health and wellness. This butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat produces and regulates hormones that influence your metabolism and energy level, cholesterol, heart rate, body temperature, and more.

How to Manage an Overactive Thyroid

Balanced thyroid hormones allow your body’s many systems to properly function, and issues with the thyroid can impact many aspects of your health. There are two main types of thyroid imbalances that may occur: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, accelerating the metabolism beyond normal.

Hypothyroidism occurs when an underactive thyroid leads to lower-than-normal levels of thyroid hormone.

Without treatment, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to more serious complications. Below, we explain how to manage these disorders and maintain a balanced thyroid.

Several conditions or health factors may lead to overproduction of thyroid hormone. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies overly stimulate the thyroid, is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, accounting for 85% of all cases.

The development of thyroid nodules, which are typically benign lumps or growths in the thyroid that produce more hormones than needed

Thyroiditis, or thyroid inflammation, which most commonly occurs after pregnancy due to an underlying autoimmune disease or unknown cause

Excess consumption of iodine — a mineral critical to the production of thyroid hormone — through diet or medications

There are also several known factors that may increase your risk of developing the condition, including:

Health conditions including pernicious anemia, type 1 diabetes, and primary adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison’s disease)

Hyperthyroidism is associated with a wide range of signs and symptoms such as the following:

Unintentional weight loss even with increased food intake

Enlarged thyroid gland at the base of your neck

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may be subtle for some individuals. In addition, many common symptoms overlap with those of other health conditions. If you have any concerns about your thyroid health, consult with your provider for an evaluation.

Hyperthyroidism is associated with irregular menstrual cycles, which can lead to difficulty conceiving. Many people initially learn of a hyperthyroidism diagnosis after experiencing fertility challenges. The treatment options described in more detail below can help restore hormone levels and ovulation.

The thyroid affects so many areas of your health and wellness, and untreated hypothyroidism can lead to other health issues such as the following.

An underactive thyroid can increase levels of LDL cholesterol, leading to a greater risk of heart disease and heart failure.

Hypothyroidism is also linked to depression.

An underactive thyroid can affect ovulation, or the release of a mature egg from the ovaries during a menstrual cycle. Treatment for hypothyroidism may address fertility issues by restoring hormone levels and ovulation.

In the long term, untreated hypothyroidism can damage the peripheral nerves, which carry information from your brain and spinal cord to other parts of your body. This can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling.

There are several ways to diagnose hyperthyroidism, including a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests.

Your healthcare provider may check your thyroid, eyes, heart, hands, and skin during a physical exam to confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.

Your provider may recommend thyroid function testing, which consists of measuring your thyroid hormone levels via blood samples. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by elevated levels of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and lower-than-normal levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Your provider may also use one or more imaging tests to more closely examine your thyroid, including a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test, a thyroid scan, and a thyroid ultrasound.

There are a variety of treatment options for hyperthyroidism. Your provider will make individualized recommendations based on the cause of your hyperthyroidism and your overall health history.

The following types of medications are commonly used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Anti-thyroid medications including methimazole (Tapazole®) and propylthiouracil (PTU) reduce symptoms by preventing over-production of thyroid hormones. These medications are typically taken for at least a year, though symptoms may improve within weeks or months.

Radioactive iodine is an oral medication that targets overactive thyroid cells, causing the thyroid to shrink and lowering hormone levels within a few weeks. This treatment approach permanently affects thyroid function, so symptoms of hyperthyroidism will not reappear. In most cases, the use of thyroid hormone medications is necessary after this treatment to maintain balanced hormone levels.

Beta blockers can control associated symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, nervousness, or tremors. These medications cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully. They will not change hormone levels and are typically used in tandem with anti-thyroid medications or radioactive iodine therapy. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include atenolol (Tenormin®), bisoprolol (Zebeta®), metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor®), metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL®), acebutolol (Sectral®), and propranolol (Inderal®).

Some cases of hyperthyroidism require removal of part or all of the thyroid gland in a procedure known as a thyroidectomy. While this is effective at treating hyperthyroidism, it can result in hypothyroidism, which requires ongoing use of thyroid supplements.

Iodine consumption can contribute to the development of hyperthyroidism or worsen symptoms. Managing hyperthyroidism often includes monitoring iodine intake.

If your provider recommends following a low-iodine diet, try to avoid or limit your intake of seafood and seaweed, which have the highest iodine content of all foods. Other high-iodine foods to consume in moderation include milk and dairy products, egg yolk, and iodized salt.

Never make significant changes to your diet without first consulting your provider or a nutritionist.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Other significant contributing factors include:

Thyroid surgery, which can affect hormone production

Radiation therapy to treat cancer, if targeting the head or neck

Anyone can develop hypothyroidism, but several known factors may increase your risk, including:

Sex - the condition occurs more frequently in women than in men

Age - the condition occurs more frequently in those over 60

Having another autoimmune disorder such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease

Symptoms of hypothyroidism often develop gradually, over the course of many years. These are among the most common and significant:

If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, your doctor will likely use a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test to confirm a diagnosis. This simple blood test measures the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood.

One challenge of diagnosing hypothyroidism is that symptoms frequently overlap with those of other health issues.

Blog

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Travis Allison

Recognizing and Treating Anxiety, The Most Common Mental Health Disorder

Common Treatments for Allergic Rashes

What to Know About PrEP Follow-Up Appointments and Testing

How to Manage an Overactive or Underactive Thyroid

What to Know About Arthritis in Children

Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Attacks

Psoriasis, Explained

Endometriosis: A Leading and Treatable Cause of Female Infertility

Understanding the Diabetes-Heart Health Connection

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

How Alto Lowers the Cost of Fertility Treatment Through Better Medication Management

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