[Endocrinology]

Abstract

There is now convincing evidence that the risks of hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women exceed its benefits. Similarly, it has now been shown that the current use of low-dose oral contraceptives significantly increases the risk for cardiac and arterial thrombotic events. With regard to hypothyroidism, it is now clearly established that the adjunction of T3 to T4 does not offer any benefits. Furthermore, a study has now demonstrated that patients with no symptoms of coronary heart disease can be started safely on the full replacement dose of T4 rather than titrating the dose over a prolong period of time. Finally, several theses are now well documented where chinese herbal products contain thyroid hormones or glucocorticoids potentially leading to serious side effects and our patients should be informed about these dangers.