Hypothyroidism Treatment Optimization

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Suboptimal Treatment

• Patients with hypothyroidism may experience cold intolerance that doesn't improve with medication, dry skin and hair loss that continues despite treatment, constipation that persists after starting thyroid medication, and depression or mood changes that don't resolve with treatment, according to the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer 1, 2

Special Considerations

• Patients with both adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism should always start steroids prior to thyroid hormone to avoid adrenal crisis, as recommended by the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer 1, 3
• Thyroid dysfunction may be masked if the patient is taking beta-blockers, as noted by the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer 1, 2

When to Consider Referral

• Consider endocrinology consultation for complex cases or when standard therapy fails, according to the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer 2