Should We Treat Hypothyroidism with Thyroxine Plus T3?

In recent years, patients with hypothyroidism have been treated almost exclusively with thyroxine alone. However, animal studies suggest that some tissues are less proficient than . . .

In recent years, patients with hypothyroidism have been treated almost exclusively with thyroxine alone. However, animal studies suggest that some tissues are less proficient than others in converting thyroxine to the more active triiodothyronine (T3), raising the question of whether replacement therapy should include T3.

In this double-blind, randomized, crossover trial conducted in Lithuania, 33 hypothyroid patients received either their usual thyroxine dose, or a reduced thyroxine dose (50 microg less than their usual dose) plus 12.5 microg of T3. During five-week treatment periods, 6 of 17 tests of cognition and mood and 3 of 7 ratings of physical symptoms favored combined therapy. None favored thyroxine alone. Moreover, 20 patients pref…

Reviewing Author

AS Brett