Hypothyroidism, also known as thyroid hormone deficiency, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs. Without enough thyroid hormone, many of the body’s functions slow down. About 5 percent of the U.S. populations have hypothyroidism.

Types of Hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency):

Type	Origin	Description
Primary	Thyroid gland	Most common is the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s disease
Secondary	Pituitary gland	Occurs if the pituitary gland does not produce enough TSH.
Tertiary	Hypothalamus	Results when hypothalamus does not produce enough TRH. TRH prompts the pituitary gland to produce TSH.

 

 

Causes of thyroid hormone deficiency:

·         Hashimoto’s disease

·         Congenital hypothyroidism (present at birth)

·         Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland

·         Radiation treatment of the thyroid gland

·         Medications

o   Amiodarone

o   Propylthiouracil

o   Methimazole

o   Lithium

o   Interferon-alpha

·         Abnormalities of the pituitary gland

·         Radioactive iodine-131

·         Iodine deficiency

Risk Factors for hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency):

1. Women – The American Thyroid Association recommends that adults have a blood test to identify thyroid problems every 5 years starting at age 35.
2. Thyroid problems in the past
3. Family history of thyroid disease
4. Autoimmune diseases
5. Older than age 60
6. Pregnant or delivered a baby within the past 6 months
7. Received radiation to the thyroid, neck or chest

Diagnosis: TSH test is the gold standard (normal range is 0.4-4.0 uIU/mL)

 

TSH Level	Diagnosis
>4.0 uIU/ml	Hypothyroidism
0.4-4.0 uIU/mL	Normal
<0.4 uIU/mL	Hyperthyroidism

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