Risks Associated with Treating Hypothyroidism: Potential hazards of L-thyroxine therapy.

Most patients with hypothyroidism can be treated simply and safely with physiologic replacement dosages of L-thyroxine. Recently, concerns have been raised about potential hazards of L-thyroxine therapy, including a possible increased risk of osteoporosis and ischemic heart disease. The author reviews these concerns and describes a modern approach to initiation and maintenance of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.