A 35-year-old woman presents with persistent fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and cold intolerance. Her thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level is 12.5 mIU/L (normal 0.4-4.0 mIU/L), and free T4 is 0.7 ng/dL (normal 0.8-1.8 ng/dL). Her anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies are elevated. What is the most appropriate initial management?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
The patient presents with classic symptoms of hypothyroidism and laboratory findings consistent with primary hypothyroidism (high TSH, low free T4). Elevated anti-TPO antibodies suggest Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Levothyroxine replacement is the standard treatment.