Highlights & Basics
- Primary hypothyroidism usually presents with nonspecific symptoms of fatigue, depression, constipation, and mild weight gain.
- Commonly, disease is subclinical.
- Physical exam may show dry skin, thick tongue, eyelid edema, and bradycardia.
- Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone and low free thyroxine confirms the diagnosis.
- Treatment is with levothyroxine; starting dose depends on age and presence of co-existing cardiac disease.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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Alexander EK, Pearce EN, Brent GA, et al. 2017 guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease during pregnancy and the postpartum. Thyroid. 2017 Mar;27(3):315-89.[Abstract][Full Text]
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 Dec;24(12):1670-751.[Abstract][Full Text]
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