Overuse of Levothyroxine in Patients With Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Recent clinical trials and a meta-analysis demonstrate no symptomatic benefit from treatment with levothyroxine among nonpregnant adults with subclinical hypothyroidism (defined as an elevated thyrotropin level with normal serum thyroid hormone levels). Contemporary evidence-based clinical practice guidelines strongly advise against levothyroxine supplementation for subclinical hypothyroidism. Older guidelines from professional societies generally do not recommend treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism with a thyrotropin level less than 10 mIU/L, except in special circumstances.
Source: JAMA Internal Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research