The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It makes hormones that control metabolism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroidism may be caused by damage or injury to the thyroid. This may happen with:
It may also be caused by:
In some people, the cause may remain unknown.
Hypothyroidism is more common in women. It is also more common in those aged 65 years and older. Other factors that may increase your chance of hypothyroidism include:
Symptoms may not always appear. In those that have symptoms, hypothyroidism may cause:
Symptoms of severe or long-term hypothyroidism causes:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
A blood test may be done to check levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and/or free T4. Other tests may be recommended to rule out health conditions that are similar to hypothyroidism.
Medicine can be used to make up for the missing thyroid hormones. The amount of medicine needed may change over time.
There are no current guidelines to prevent hypothyroidism.
American Thyroid Association
Office on Women's Health
Health Canada
Thyroid Foundation of Canada
Escobar-Morreale HF, Botella-Carretero JI, Escobar del Rey F, et al. Treatment of hypothyroidism with combinations of levothyroxine plus liothyronine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90(8):4946-4954.
Hypothyroidism in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115914/Hypot...oidism-in-adults. Updated November 27, 2017. Accessed December 15, 2017.
Roberts CG, Ladenson PW. Hypothyroidism. Lancet. 2004;363(9411):793-803.
Surks MI, Ortiz E, Daniels GH, et al. Subclinical thyroid disease: scientific review and guidelines for diagnosis and management. JAMA. 2004;291(2):228-238.
Thyroid hormone treatment. American Thyroid Association website. Available at: https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-hormone-treatment. Accessed December 15, 2017.
Last reviewed December 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcie L. Sidman, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.