Endocrine Abstracts

ObjectiveIt is controversial whether subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) always reflects mild thyroid failure and if treatment is beneficial. The arguments in favour of treatment are prevention of progression, reducing cholesterol levels and improving symptoms. The consequence of SCH on body weight and its response to treatment has never been studied in a systematic manner.MethodsUnselected population-based stud...

Background: It is controversial whether symptoms of hypothyroidism and quality of life (QoL) in people with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) are impaired and whether treatment with L-thyroxine alleviates these. Previous studies of L-Thyroxine therapy have shown conflicting results. No previous study has simultaneously 1investigated effects of treatment on quality of life (QoL), health status, symptoms and treatment satisfaction.Methods: One hundred patie...

A 55 year old gentleman, previously fit and well, presented with an insidious onset of visual disturbance, tiredness and frontal headaches over 2 years, which had been worsening during the previous 3 months. A routine optician review revealed bi-temporal hemianopia and prompted endocrine referral. Apart from superior bi-temporal hemianopia, clinical examination was otherwise normal. Serum prolactin levels were grossly elevated at 544,800 mU/l with no macroprolactin. Despite th...

Index case and aimsA 26 year old woman was referred to our endocrine clinic with infertility and raised testosterone levels. Clinical examination was completely normal, with no hirsuitism or virilizing features. She had normal gonadotropin and SHBG levels, but had elevated testosterone (6.6 nmol/l (0.5–2.8) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) levels (13.5 umol/l (1.4–11.1)). To exclude the possibility of interference in our direct assa...