Thyroid hormones - Use
Therapeutic uses
Thyroid hormones, generally levothyroxine, T4, are used for replacement therapy in patients with hypothyroidism. Liothyronine, T3, is preferred to levothyroxine when a rapid effect is required, for example for myxedema coma.
In children, the congenital hypothyroidism must be treated imperatively as soon as possible and before the thirtieth day of life to preserve mental development.
Pregnant women with hypothyroidism must also be treated.
Thyroid hormones are used to inhibit the secretion of TSH and to put at rest the thyroid in patients with thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer.
They can also be used in combination with antithyroid drugs in Graves' disease, to inhibit the secretion of TSH.
Individualisation of dosage and monitoring of treatment is especially important in all patients
Notice
Tiratricol is a metabolite of T3 which inhibit the secretion of TSH more than T3 and T4 It should not be used in the treatment of hypothyroidism nor obesity. Its therapeutic uses are not clearly defined.
Adverse effects
The adverse effects of thyroid hormones correspond generally to their inappropriate prescription or to an excessive dosage and lead to appearance of symptoms of hyperthyroidism with possibly heart disorders.
Although thyroid hormones and tiratricol induce weight loss, they should not be used in the treatment of obesity not caused by thyroid insufficiency, because they are likely to disturb the hormonal homeostasis.
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