Combined Therapy With L-Thyroxine and L-Triiodothyronine Compared to L-Thyroxine Alone
Combined Therapy With L-Thyroxine and L-Triiodothyronine Compared to L-Thyroxine Alone
The objective of this study was to analyze the features of monotherapy with L-T4 in
 comparison with combined therapy with L-T4 and L-T3 in patients with primary hypothyroidism.
We conducted a randomized controlled study with a crossover design in 36 premenopausal women
 with overt primary hypothyroidism (reduced T4 concentration accompanied by increased TSH
 concentration at the time of initial diagnosis) who did not receive thyroid hormones. All
 patients were divided into two groups: patients from Group A (n=20) were randomized to L-T4
 in dose of 1,6 μg per kg, followed by combined L-T4 and L-T3; and 16 women from Group B
 received the combination of L-T4+L-T3 (the dose of L-T4 was reduced by 25 μg and replaced
 with 12,5 μg of L-T3), followed by monotherapy with L-T4. The treatment periods lasted for 6
 months. Patients were examined at baseline and at the end of each treatment period.Blood
 samples were obtained to measure serum TSH, free T4, free T3, lipid profile, osteocalcin.
 Urine samples were collected to measure urinary deoxypyridinoline / creatinine ratio. 24-hour
 ECG-monitoring, osteodensitometry and psychological testing were also performed at baseline
 and at the end of each treatment period.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Premenopausal women with overt primary hypothyroidism (reduced T4 concentration
 accompanied by increased TSH concentration at the time of initial diagnosis) who did
 not receive thyroid hormones

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Peri- and postmenopause

 -  Pregnancy

 -  Major comorbidity

 -  Use of drugs that affect metabolism or bioavailability of thyroid hormones
 preparations.