Testing and treatment for underactive thyroid is increasing in Australia. Why?

An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is thought to affect about 4% of the population, though it’s more prevalent among women and those over 40.An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is thought to affect about 4% of the population, though it’s more prevalent among women and those over 40.

According to an analysis by the chief of the medical advisory committee of the Endocrine Society of Australia, Assoc Prof Shane Hamblin, these increases outstrip population growth . Testing asymptomatic people’s thyroid function is not recommended in the national guidelines for GPs.

Next time your doctor orders a scan, know the benefits but don’t forget to ask about the harm | Ranjana SrivastavaThe chair of the RACGP expert committee for quality care, Dr Mark Morgan, says in addition to detecting some hypothyroidism early, “Some of the increase might be happening because we have very sensitive tests for thyroid function and minor temporary upsets lead to lifelong treatments with low dose thyroid supplements”.

Prof Creswell Eastman AO, a world-renowned endocrinologist and principal medical adviser for the Australian Thyroid Foundation, says there’s no good evidence that viral or bacterial infections trigger Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease . “The harms associated with treatment with thyroxine for subclinical hypothyroidism include increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation – a condition where the heart beats erratically and can cause a stroke,” Morgan, says. “Other risks include osteoporosis – reducing the strength of your bones, and fractures.”

Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)

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