No chaNge of thyroid hormoNes followiNg iNhalatioN therapy with alkaliNe saliNe-sulfate spa water

The benefits of spa therapy on different medical diseases are known since ancient times, as well its positive effects on some psychiatric symptoms. In the last decades different studies have been carried out in order to elucidate some of the possible biological mechanisms underlying spa treatment effectiveness, which include thermal, mechanical, immunomodulatory and chemical effects. It is still an open question whether or not spa waters may or not modify thyroid functions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the possible influence of alkaline saline-sulfate spa waters on thyroid functions, as assessed by the FT3, FT4 and TSH levels, in a group of 12 healthy women. Al subjects were recruited amongst administrative and nursing staff at the Montecatini spa (Italy), on the basis of absence of hormonal dysfunctions, medical illness and psychiatric disorders. The thyroid hormones were measured by common chemiluminescent immunoassays before (t0) and 24 hours after (t1) inhalation therapy with alkaline saline-sulfate spa waters (Leopoldina water of Montecatini Terme Spa, Italy). The results, while showing a stability of thyroid hormone levels at to and t1, suggest that treatment with alkaline saline-sulfate spa waters may be safely used in patients with different thyroid disturbances.