Reducing unnecessary thyroid hormone use in older adults

Optimizing Care for Older Adults Through Thyroid Hormone Deprescribing

Not applicable Interventional University of Michigan · NCT06629272

This study is testing a new program to help doctors give less unnecessary thyroid hormone to older adults by providing them with better information and support.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment900 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan Academic / other
Locations3 sites (San Francisco, California and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06629272 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests a new intervention called D-THIO, aimed at helping healthcare providers reduce overtreatment of thyroid hormone in older adults. It involves a multi-level approach that includes educational materials for patients and guidance for providers. The trial will take place at three sites and will assess the effectiveness of D-THIO compared to standard care in improving provider and patient knowledge, as well as reducing inappropriate thyroid hormone use. The study will also explore factors that affect the implementation of this deprescribing strategy in various healthcare settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 and older who are currently on thyroid hormone therapy and have low serum TSH levels or are using thyroid hormone for inappropriate reasons.

Not a fit: Patients with thyroid cancer, secondary hypothyroidism, or those who have had a total thyroidectomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risks associated with thyroid hormone overtreatment in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in deprescribing interventions, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patient Eligibility:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age 65 years and older
2. on thyroid hormone therapy and have a serum Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) \<0.5 mIU/L or are on thyroid hormone therapy for an inappropriate indication
3. English speaking
4. without cognitive impairment

Exclusion Criteria:

1\) Patients with a diagnosis of thyroid cancer, secondary hypothyroidism, history of total thyroidectomy or hospitalization in the past 3 months will be excluded.

Provider eligibility:

Inclusion: Primary care physicians, endocrinologists, geriatricians, and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who practice at University of Michigan, Henry Ford Health System or University of California San Fransico (UCSF) and who prescribe thyroid hormone for eligible patients identified above will be eligible for study participation.

Exclusion: Providers who don't prescribe thyroid hormone.

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hypothyroidismthyroid hormone overtreatment and misuseolder adultsdeprescribing
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.