Year: 2021
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: The opening chapters of this book outlined the historical development of levothyroxine (LT4) as a treatment for hypothyroidism and described the pharmacokinetic properties of exogenously applied levothyroxine. The purpose of this chapter is to summarise the therapeutic actions of LT4 in key organs of the body. Exogenous LT4 is indistinguishable from endogenous T4, and so I have sought to summarise the biological actions of T4 per se , in terms of the regulation of secretion and action of thyroid hormones and the therapeutic effects of LT4 supplementation in people with hypothyroidism in key areas of the body (Fig. 1 ). This chapter will not include detailed descriptions of the effects of LT4 on the heart or the skeleton: these aspects are covered in chapters, “Levothyroxine and the Heart” and “Levothyroxine and Bone” of this book, respectively. Finally, I have considered the evolution and current status of guidelines for the management of hypothyroidism, and the current evidence base for the therapeutic use of LT4 monotherapy, the current mainstay of treatment for hypothyroidism.
Source: Springer eBooks
Author: James V. Hennessey
Institutions: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: Merck KGaA
OpenAlex ID: W3136055647