MON-373 T3 Therapy in Hypothyroidism: A Single-Clinic Perspective on Symptom Overlap With Menopause, Anxiety, and Depression
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Disclosure: R.R. Patel: None. S.R. Patel: None. Triiodothyronine (T3) therapy occupies a unique yet controversial role in thyroid hormone replacement, particularly for patients with persistent hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue, sluggishness, and weight gain. These symptoms often overlap with conditions like menopause, anxiety, depression, and older age, raising concerns that T3 may be overprescribed to patients with these comorbidities due to symptom similarities with hypothyroidism. This study seeks to determine whether T3 prescribing practices reflect evidence-based decision-making or are influenced by symptom overlap. This study investigated the use of T3 therapy in patients with menopause, anxiety, depression, or older age within a multidisciplinary group practice of endocrinologists and psychiatrists. A key objective was to assess whether the high prevalence of T3 use in these populations stems from proper clinical indications or compensatory practices for gaps in treatment paradigms. Patient data from a single clinic were reviewed, capturing age, menopause status, anxiety/depression state, and T3 daily doses. Statistical analysis using ANOVA was conducted to explore correlations. Results revealed that 72.92% of patients prescribed T3 had menopause, anxiety, or depression a nearly 3:1 ratio compared to patients without these conditions. Despite this prevalence, the T3-to-body-weight dosing ratio remained consistent across all subgroups, suggesting a standardized approach to dosing rather than demographic bias. ANOVA results showed no significant correlation between T3 dosing and menopause, age, or anxiety/depression (p > 0.05), indicating appropriate prescribing practices. The findings highlight the need to critically evaluate the role of T3 therapy in addressing persistent hypothyroid symptoms, particularly in populations with overlapping conditions such as menopause, anxiety, depression, or older age. While this study found no evidence of inappropriate dosing or demographic bias, the high prevalence of T3 use in these populations underscores the importance of patient-centered research to better understand its therapeutic potential. Clearer clinical guidelines and evidence-based prescribing practices are essential to optimize T3 use and ensure it is reserved for cases where it provides genuine benefit. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025
Source: Journal of the Endocrine Society
Authors: Rakesh R Patel, Simran R Patel
Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,255
OpenAlex ID: W7093336663
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