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Effect of danazol on thyroid function in women
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Danazol treatment significantly alters thyroid hormone levels by decreasing thyroid hormone binding globulin (TBG). These changes, including altered thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) levels, occur within normal ranges and are likely not pathological.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Danazol is a synthetic steroid used to treat various conditions.
- Its effects on thyroid function are not fully understood.
- Thyroid hormone binding globulin (TBG) plays a crucial role in regulating thyroid hormone availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal changes in thyroid function during danazol therapy.
- To assess the impact of danazol on thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), tri-iodothyronine (T3), and TBG levels.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 18 women undergoing danazol treatment.
- Measurement of serum TSH, T4, T3, free T4 index, free T3 index, and TBG before and during 6 months of therapy.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in TBG concentrations to one-third of pretreatment levels was observed.
- Slight decreases in T3 and T4 levels, with a concurrent increase in free T4 and free T3 indices.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels showed a decrease from 2.4 +/- 0.6 to 1.7 +/- 0.3 mIU/l.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal changes during danazol treatment are likely due to decreased TBG concentrations.
- These alterations are generally within normal physiological ranges and probably without pathological significance.
- Awareness of these danazol-induced thyroid function changes is essential for accurate interpretation of thyroid tests.