Treating Hypothyroid Symptoms in Euthyroid People Doesn't Help

Physicians periodically encounter patients who have symptoms of hypothyroidism but normal thyroid function tests. According to anecdotal reports, such patients might benefit from thyroid replacement. In this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, researchers recruited 25 patients who had normal thyroid function tests and at least 3 of 6 typical hypothyroidism symptoms (fatigue, lethargy, weight gain or inability to lose weight, cold intolerance, hair loss, and dry skin or hair); 19 healthy controls also were enrolled. All participants received thyroxine (100 μg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks; after a 6-week washout period, they were switched to the other treatment for 12 weeks. Outcomes included changes in thyroid function tests and vari…