What is it about?
Hypothyroidism is a condition when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones. There are two thyroid hormones; T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). 80 % of T4 and 20% of T3 make up the thyroid gland secretions. T4 is converted to T3 in the liver and other organs. T3 produces biological effects in the body.
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Why is it important?
Some patients have diseased thyroid glands that stop or diminish the production of T4 and T3. Some others have had their thyroid glands surgically removed due to an enlarged gland (goiter) or cancer. In any case the patients need thyroid hormones replaced for maintaining body functions. This is given as T4 usually in tablet form in the morning on an empty stomach. Some health conditions, foods, and medications prevent T4 absorption. Researchers have developed alternative forms of T4 as solution and soft gel capsules. This article evaluates unbiased evidence for and against these newer formulations.
Perspectives
As a subspecialist practitioner in a tropical environment, I treat many patients with thyroid diseases. I have evaluated the effects of a high ambient temperature that is prevalent in the average tropical pharmacy on T4 tablet efficacy in achieving the desired results which is unique to my article.
Dr Venkatraman Rajkumar
Banting Clinic for Diabetes and Endocrinology Chennai India
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Newer Oral Levothyroxine Formulations: Is It Time to Switch Over?, EMJ Diabetes, January 2023, European Medical Group,
DOI: 10.33590/emj/10306765.
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