Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT3818

Many patients with hypothyroidism who are taking levothyroxine (LT4) continue to experience ongoing symptoms and a general sense of unwellness, alongside issues like a slow metabolism and obesity. This observational study investigates the impact of adding low-dose liothyronine (LT3) taken at night, along with selenium supplements and foods rich in selenium, e. g. mushrooms, three times a week, for these patients. The study included seven participants of both genders, aged between 21 and 49 years, with TSH levels reaching as high as 6.4. By monitoring T3 levels and ensuring that both T3 and T4 remained within the upper normal range, adjustments were made to their TSH levels, targeting a range of 0.8-2 based on age. This treatment approach resulted in enhanced well-being, improved weight management through diet and exercise, and even a decrease in the size of thyroid nodules. Regular thyroid function tests every three months, including serum T3 assessments, along with thyroid ultrasounds every six months, proved crucial for these patients. These results emphasize the necessity for further research into the combined therapy of LT4, LT3, and selenium in a larger population.