Discontinuing low-dose levothyroxine in older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism
Official title: Discontinuation of low dose levothyroxine therapy for older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
Funded at Biomedical Research Fdn/central Arkansas · NIH-11427473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether stopping low-dose levothyroxine in people 65 and older with subclinical hypothyroidism is safe and helps their well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Biomedical Research Fdn/central Arkansas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $720,513 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG102790-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11427473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 65 and older currently taking low-dose levothyroxine for subclinical hypothyroidism who are willing to discontinue therapy and participate in follow-up assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without subclinical hypothyroidism or those for whom LT4 continuation is clearly beneficial may not benefit from deprescribing.
What this research studies
Older adults (65+) on low-dose levothyroxine for subclinical hypothyroidism may not benefit and could be harmed by continued use. The trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to deprescribe LT4 and observe the impact on well-being, costs, and clinical outcomes. Participants will be followed to see if stopping treatment affects daily functioning, symptoms, and health care use, while maintaining blinding to treatment assignment. Results could guide clinical decisions about whether and how to discontinue LT4 in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could inform safer deprescribing of LT4 and reduce unnecessary treatment burden for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior evidence suggests uncertainty about well-being after LT4 discontinuation; this study aims to provide high-quality, patient-centered data in older adults.
Where this research is happening
-
Biomedical Research Fdn/central Arkansas
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maraka, Spyridoula — Biomedical Research Fdn/central Arkansas
- Study coordinator: Maraka, Spyridoula
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New approaches to treating hypothyroidism with LT4/LT3 therapy
A clinical study aims to find safer, more effective LT4/LT3 treatment regimens for adults with hypothyroidism to improve symptoms and heart health.
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Better Ways to Treat Hypothyroidism
This project looks for the best way to combine two thyroid hormones, LT4 and LT3, to help people with hypothyroidism feel better and reduce heart risks.
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Investigating the effectiveness of combined T4 and T3 therapy for hypothyroidism
This study is looking into how a combination of two thyroid hormones, LT4 and LT3, might help people with hypothyroidism feel better, especially since some still have symptoms even while taking the usual treatment.
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Improving care for patients with hypothyroidism using real-world data
This study is looking at how well people with hypothyroidism are treated over time and how their thyroid hormone levels affect heart health, so if you're living with this condition, your health data could help us find better ways to manage it!
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New treatments for hypothyroidism
This study is looking at new ways to treat hypothyroidism by testing a combination of two thyroid hormones to see how they work together, and it's for people who want better options for managing their condition.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.