Use of thyroid hormones in the treatment of hypothyroidism: Thesis questionnaire survey for Finnish specialists
Background The standard treatment of hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (LT4). The aim of the study was to investigate Finnish endocrinologists’ use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients as part of the international THESIS study carried out in 28 European countries.
Methods The survey was sent to all members of the Finnish Endocrine Society by email (n = 504) using the LimeSurvey platform.
Results A total of 112 responding participants were specialists in endocrinology, paediatric endocrinology, or internal medicine. Ninety-nine percent of the specialists preferred LT4 tablets as the first-line treatment in hypothyroidism. According to 43% of the specialists, combined LT4 and liothyronine (LT3) treatment was indicated in patients with symptoms of hypothyroidism despite normal serum TSH. Thirty-four percent of the specialists never used thyroid hormones in euthyroid patients while 41% used them for growing goitre and 30% for female infertility with a high level of thyroid antibodies.
Conclusions LT4 was used as the first line treatment for hypothyroidism. LT4 was used almost exclusively in tablet form, and the use of liquid solution and capsules was extremely rare because these formulations are not reimbursed in Finland. Combined LT4 and LT3 treatment was commonly used in patients with normal serum TSH who still complained of symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism.
