Society for Endocrinology & British Thyroid Association issue statement against new treatment recommendations for subclinical hypothyroidism

[MiniMum97]

endocrinology.org/press/pre...

Hurrah!

This is in response to that paper that came out a few months ago I think it was saying that those with subclinical hypo didn’t benefit from treatment. Looks like thankfully it isn’t just us that has doubts about the study.

They make specific reference to the TSH of less than 20 that was concerning for some of us.

Apologies if this has been posted about already but I couldn’t find a post.

[MaisieGray]

Yes it was posted here last week, but with only one response healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[shaws Administrator]

It wouldn't surprise me one bit if the BTA refused to agree with research. After all, they have already withdrawn NDT through False Statements made about it and the fact that many people recovered their health with it. The product was also the only replacement since 1892. These patients were then in a panic and have been forced to source their own or remain unwell.

Then, the T3 fiasco - all due to the rise in exorbitant cost and instead of investigating why there was such an increase what was their answer? Oh - just withdraw it - the perfect excuse had arisen for them to do so and caused such panic amongst those who can only function with T3 added to T4 or T3 alone.

I just cannot understand doctors like that. Give us doctors of the quality and knowledge of Dr Peatfield and Dr Skinner - humane and kindly and who healed their patients who were let down by the guidelines. I thought the word 'guide' took us to safety but not with regard to thyroid hormones and the 'supposed to be' experts. Thousands may do fine with the guidelines, but not those who've committed suicide or threatened to due to their distress at remaining so unwell and nowhere to turn.

[MiniMum97 in reply to shaws]

Hi shaws

I think in this case though it is good to see they are reviewing and challenging research as this research intimated that anyone with SCH with TSH under 20 would not benefit from treatment. Not all research is of good quality as you know, which is why the peer review process is in place. My worry on seeing this study in particular was that it may have be used as a further excuse not to treat people who are very unwell because "no-one with SCH benefits from treatment". It's therefore good to see the study being challenged in this instance.

I do know what you are getting at though - it sometimes seems that those making the guidelines are very selective in the research they choose to take notice of, and that ones that they do take as fact are not always of good quality.

x

[Hidden in reply to MiniMum97]

I have got to a point when I cannot face reading thyroid guidelines from any of the establishment orgs. perhaps that is why people are not replying, reading and posting. I am sure a year or more ago loads of people would have read and had a good rant. We are feeling so knocked back all the time as if we are banging heads against brick walls. I wonder if part of this is similar to what is happening to children with special needs in schools, they are being 'constructively dismissed' by schools deliberately not meeting their needs and ending up homeschooled. Perhaps thyroid patients are being constructively dismissed from the NHS, perhaps rather than being concerned about the amount of us that are treating ourselves they found it a convenient way to get rid of more expensive patients.

[Neeta-K]

Is there a chance my treatment will be stopped if I am treated with a TSH of over 5? Will they listen to the society of Endocrinology and BTA? Couldn’t they ignore them? Where is this actual review of of not treating hypothyroidism until over 20? Should I be worried?

[MiniMum97 in reply to Neeta-K]

I don’t think you need to worry about not being treated. The guidelines have not changed as a result of the study in question. And it’s good news that the society of endocrinology and BTA have spoken out against some of the paper’s findings. Unlikely I would have thought that these organisations would be ignored.