Myths and Facts
- Make sure that the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is firmly established before you accept treatment because of possible complications including irregular heartbeat and osteoporosis.
- Iodine does not help the thyroid gland. In fact, it may damage it with very few exceptions.
- Wilson’s Syndrome (inability to convert T4 to T3) is not accepted as a diagnosis by the American Thyroid Association or the American College of Endocrinology. The ability to convert T4 to T3 is present in all normal adults.
- Treatment with T3 preparations has been discouraged in the past due to possible toxicity. Recent studies, however, are uncovering a possible subgroup of patients who could benefit from T3 preparations under the care of an expert thyroid specialist.
- Animal extracts of thyroid hormone are not recommended for the majority of patients because the dose cannot be standardized and the management of the patient may be difficult. This is especially true for elderly patients who may be at risk for atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, or for pregnant patients in whom exact dosing is of utmost importance for the fetus.