14119129
| Question | Answer |
| What is hypothyroidism | The thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone |
| Prevalence | 5 % of the population |
| Risk factors | Family history |
| Aetiology | Causes include: Congenital defects in the gland Loss of thyroid tissue following treatment for hyperthyroidism with surgery or radiation Antithyroid medications Thyroiditis Endemic iodine deficiency The cardiac drug amiodarine contains a high percentage of iodiine which can cause thyroid problems Secondary hypothroidism may result from pituitary TSH deficiency or peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones |
| Basic pathophysiology | Has a slow onset, with manifestations occurring over months or even years. When TH production decreases, the thyroid gland enlarges to produce more hormones. The goiter that results is usually simple or non toxic. |
| Symptoms | Goiter Fluid retention Oedema Decreased appetite Weight gain Constipation Dry skin Dyspnoea Pallor Hoarseness Muscle stiffness Decreased sense of taste and smell Menstrual disorders Anaemia Cardiac enlargement Slow pulse Sleep apnoea |
| Abnormal vital signs | HR - bradycardia, arrhythmia BP - hypotension |
| Treatments | Hypothyroidism is treated with medications that replace TH. Thyroxine, T4 (Levothyroxine) Daily body weight |
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