Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome from insufficient thyroid-hormone production or action. It is divided into primary (thyroid failure: autoimmune thyroiditis, post-surgical/radioiodine, iodine deficiency) and secondary/tertiary (pituitary/hypothalamic disease). Clinical: fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, bradycardia, myxedema, dry coarse skin, hair loss, constipation, cognitive slowing, hyperlipidemia, hyperprolactinemia; severe long-standing cases develop myxedema coma.

Common Symptoms

Fatigue; cold intolerance; weight gain; bradycardia; myxedema; dry skin; hair loss; constipation; cognitive slowing; menorrhagia

Causes and Pathogenesis

Primary: autoimmune (Hashimoto) thyroiditis, post-thyroidectomy/radioiodine, iodine deficiency/Medication. Secondary: TSH deficiency. Reduced T3/T4 causes slowed metabolism and mucopolysaccharide dermal accumulation (myxedema).

Treatment

L-thyroxine replacement; titrate by TSH; treat underlying cause

Preventive Measures

Newborn screening; monitor at-risk patients post-radioiodine/surgery; iodized salt; pregnancy screening.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Endocrinology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.