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Thyroid Drugs Reduce Risk of Atherosclerosis in Women with Borderline Hypothyroidism
More Reasons to Treat Subclinical Hypothyroidism

by Mary Shomon

July 7, 2003 -- At the May, 2003 American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 12th Annual Meeting and Clinical Congress, researchers reported that the thyroid drug levothyroxine (i.e., Synthroid, Unithroid, Levoxyl) appears to decrease the risk of atherosclerosis for women with subclinical hypothyroidism.

What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis (pronounced ath-er-o-skleh-RO-sis) comes from the Greek words athero (meaning paste) and sclerosis (hardness). Some people refer to it as “hardening of the arteries.” But it actual refers to the process by which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, and calcium, among others, build up on the linings of the artery. The buildup, known as plaque, can ultimately reduce or even block blood flow through the artery, causing a stroke. Or plaques can rupture, cause a clot, and block the artery, or break off and travel elsewhere in the body, and cause a heart attack or stroke.

According to the researchers, these findings suggest that routine thyroid-function screening in women – whether symptomatic or not -- is essential, especially in women in their 40's.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about getting diagnosed and treated for subclinical/borderline hypothyroidism, read my bestselling book, Living Well With Hypothyroidism.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Thyroid Disease Is Far More Widespread Than Originally Thought

Source: “Hemostatic System as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism,” Abstract 78, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 12th Annual Meeting and Clinical Congress.

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