“As people get older and see doctors more often, they’re more likely to get these tests,” said Dr.<br />Caleb Alexander, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness.<br />readings over 10 milli-international units per liter of blood,<br />and who have low levels of other thyroid hormones, generally get a prescription for levothyroxine — and need one.<br />Usually, doctors order a blood test to measure the hormone when patients complain of symptoms suggestive<br />of a failing thyroid — fatigue, constipation, weight gain, muscle weakness or cold sensitivity.<br />“We were very aware the practices we adopt weren’t really based on good evidence,” said Dr. David Stott, a geriatrician at the University<br />of Glasgow who led the new study, conducted with 737 adults over age 65 in Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
