Hypothyroidism is an endocrinopathy (a disease of the endocrine glands) that is primarily characterized by reduced function of the thyroid gland. It can be primary (when the failure is primary in the gland) or secondary (when the failure is in another gland that regulates thyroid function, called the pituitary). It can be caused by various other morbidities like autoimmune thyroid inflammation, infections or even drug toxicity. Since the reduction in thyroid function affects the metabolism, in hypothyroidism patients' metabolism is expected to be slowed down, so that most patients report feeling permanently tired and unwell. Patients with hypothyroidism also often experience hair loss, brittle nails, constipation, swelling in the body, heart problems, increased blood pressure and cholesterol. In case of suspicion of hypothyroidism, it is important to seek medical help, and to perform the appropriate laboratory tests for the diagnosis of the condition (level of thyroid hormones in the blood).
→ Learn more about hypothyroidism: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is more common in women. It was first diagnosed in the middle of the 19th century, and about 50 years later its treatment was discovered. Hypothyroidism is one of the founding diseases of endocrinology. It’s associated to a variety of others autoimmune diseases.
Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder. In olden days, eating sheep thyroid was considered a cure. Most cases need treatment for life. You become slow and sluggish in this condition.
What are people curious about? | |
---|---|
Chronic kidney disease | Weight loss medications |
Ankylosing spondylitis | Respiratory syncytial virus symptoms |