The dosage is important: Therapy with thyroid hormones

MAINZ – Thyroxine is a hormone produced naturally in the body. Together with the hormone triiodothyronine, which is also produced in the thyroid gland, it controls very different processes in our body. L-thyroxine, also known as levothyroxine, is primarily used in cases of hypothyroidism. People who suffer from an underactive thyroid often feel listless and tired. They lack drive and have difficulty concentrating. The hormone thyroxine is also used in rare cases of hyperthyroidism or to treat goitre (goitre).

• Areas of application for thyroxine:
• For the treatment of an underactive thyroid
• For the prevention of (renewed) goitre formation (goitre)
• After goitre surgery
• As part of the treatment of a thyroid tumour

Therapy with thyroid hormones should always be based on a thorough examination, which should also include a laboratory test. According to Prof Dr Christian Wüster, a practising endocrinologist in Mainz, thyroxine is generally very well tolerated and reliably achieves the desired therapeutic results.

Side effects would only occur in very rare cases during treatment and are usually dose-dependent.

Endocrinologist (Mainz): Thyroxine therapy requires (laboratory) examination

Side effects can occur in particular if an overdose has been administered. Patients often cannot tolerate the administered dose. The typical side effects of an overdose are then

• Cardiac arrhythmia and palpitations,
• Tremors, hot flushes, sweating,
• Great inner restlessness, nervousness,
• Sleep disorders.

If these side effects occur, a specialised endocrinologist should be consulted as soon as possible. ‘The right dosage is important. It may be necessary to discontinue the medication and then restart therapy with the correct dosage,’ says endocrinologist Prof Dr Christian Wüster (Mainz).

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