In patients with hypothyroidism, administration of thyroid hormones should not be routine.
Thyroid hormones don’t have to be routine for treating thyroid problems, according to new research published in the JAMA. Scientists have looked at patients with hypothyroidism, which is the inability of the thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormones. Its dysfunction affects the main physiological functions of the organism, and its clinical manifestations are very attenuated or practically non-existent (therefore “subclinical”, Editor’s note).
General quality of life
Thyroid hormones are very important because they regulate the metabolism of cells in our body, control muscle energy and body temperature, change mood, affect heart rate and motor skills in the digestive tract, have a role in the use and transformation of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins from food, and participate in the growth and development of the body in children.
To find a treatment for these health problems, 2192 adults were randomized. After medication, thyroid hormone therapy was associated with a decrease in the mean value of thyrotropin (hormone secreted by the pituitary gland) compared to placebo, but was not associated with benefits on overall quality of life or symptoms related to hypothyroidism.
3 to 10 women with hypothyroidism per 1 man
“In adults with subclinical hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone therapy was not associated with improvement in general quality of life or thyroid-related symptoms. These findings do not support the routine use of thyroid hormone therapy. in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism “, the researchers conclude.
Thyroid concerns affect the sexes very unfairly. There are 8 women with hyperthyroidism for every man, and 3 to 10 women with hypothyroidism for every man. Hypothyroidism affects women over 50 more often. It is estimated that around 5% of the female population in France has it.
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