It is the decrease or absence of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It is more common in women, and above the age of 60 years old.
There exist multiple causes related to it, such as: autoimmune disorders (Hashimoto’s disease), thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, partial or complete surgical removal of the gland, side effect of some medicines, radiotherapy of the gland and hereditary or congenital hypothyroidism.
Its symptomatology is comprised of fatigue, weight gain, swelling of the face, intolerance of the cold, joint and muscle pain, constipation, dry skin, thin and dry hair, decreased sweating, heavy or irregular menstrual periods and fertility problems, depression and decreased heart rate.
Diagnosis is reached through questioning, performing a full physical examination and blood testing, in which low levels of thyroid hormones are detected.
Treatment is aimed at treating the triggering cause and correcting the hormone deficit with a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone.
- Douglas S Ross. Diagnosis of and screening for hypothyroidism in nonpregnant adults. UpToDate. Dec 14, 2015.
- Douglas S Ross. Treatment of hypothyroidism. UpToDate. Feb 22, 2016.
- Aoki Y, Belin RM, Clickner R, et al. Serum TSH and total T4 in the United States population and their association with participant characteristics: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2002). Thyroid 2007; 17:1211.
- Jonklaas J, Bianco AC, Bauer AJ, et al. Guidelines for the treatment of hypothyroidism: prepared by the american thyroid association task force on thyroid hormone replacement. Thyroid 2014; 24:1670.
- J. Larry Jameson, Susan J. Mandel, Anthony P. Weetman. Trastornos de la glándula tiroides. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 2289:2293.
- M. Foz. Enfermedades del tiroides. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 12º edición.2016:2024.
