Professional Faqs: What Are Some Interesting Facts About Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism image

Expert opinion from Marcelle Freire

Doctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience · Brazil

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).

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Expert opinion from Ipsa Arora

MD (Internal Medicine) · 5 years of experience · USA

Hypothyroidism usually develops slowly. Women over 50 are particularly susceptible to developing hypothyroidism. Dry, thinning hair is one of many symptoms of hypothyroidism. Some children have an inherited form of the disorder. A disease called Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Expert opinion from Gustavo Campos

Doctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience · Brazil

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.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.