Thyroid hormone therapy initiation after hemithyroidectomy: treatment burden, timing, and predictors in a population-based cohort

Purpose To determine the two-year burden, timing, and predictors of thyroid hormone therapy initiation after hemithyroidectomy in previously euthyroid adults. Methods Retrospective population-based cohort study using de-identified electronic health record data from Clalit Health Services (2003–2020), extracted through the MDClone research platform. Adults undergoing hemithyroidectomy with preoperative TSH < 5.0 mIU/L, no preoperative thyroid hormone therapy, and at least two years of follow-up were included. The primary endpoint was first levothyroxine dispensing or overt biochemical hypothyroidism within 24 months. Results Among 8,467 eligible patients, 3,362 (39.7%) reached the endpoint within 24 months: 2,179 (25.7%) by 4 months and 3,100 (36.6%) by 12 months. Extended follow-up identified 558 additional initiations (cumulative 46.3%). Treatment initiation was markedly higher among patients with thyroid cancer (72.7%) than those without (33.4%). The strongest multivariable predictors were preoperative TSH (OR 1.55 per 1 mIU/L; 95% CI, 1.47–1.64) and thyroid cancer (OR 4.99; 95% CI, 4.29–5.81). Conclusion Thyroid hormone therapy initiation is common after hemithyroidectomy, affecting nearly 40% of previously euthyroid adults within two years. Preoperative TSH and thyroid cancer identify high-burden subgroups and should inform preoperative counseling when hemithyroidectomy is chosen to preserve endogenous thyroid function.