Learn About Hypothyroidism

What is the definition of Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid.

What are the alternative names for Hypothyroidism?

Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism; Underactive thyroid; Goiter - hypothyroidism; Thyroiditis - hypothyroidism; Thyroid hormone - hypothyroidism

What are the causes of Hypothyroidism?

The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. It is located at the front of the neck, just above where your collarbones meet. The thyroid makes hormones that control the way every cell in the body uses energy. This process is called metabolism.

Hypothyroidism is more common in women and people over age 50.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is thyroiditis. In people with thyroiditis, swelling and inflammation (usually low grade) damage the thyroid gland's cells.

Causes of this problem include:

  • The immune system attacking the thyroid gland
  • Viral infections (common cold) or other respiratory infections
  • Pregnancy (often called postpartum thyroiditis)

Other causes of hypothyroidism include:

  • Certain medicines, such as lithium and amiodarone, and some types of chemotherapy
  • Congenital (birth) defects
  • Radiation treatments to the neck or brain to treat different cancers
  • Radioactive iodine used to treat an overactive thyroid gland
  • Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland
  • Sheehan syndrome, a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during pregnancy or childbirth and causes the destruction of the pituitary gland (which regulates the thyroid gland)
  • Pituitary tumor or pituitary surgery
What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Early symptoms:

  • Hard stools or constipation
  • Feeling cold (wearing a sweater when others are wearing a t-shirt)
  • Fatigue or feeling slowed down
  • Heavier and irregular menstrual periods
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Paleness or dry skin
  • Sadness or depression
  • Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
  • Weakness
  • Weight gain

Late symptoms, if untreated:

  • Decreased taste and smell
  • Hoarseness
  • Puffy face, hands, and feet
  • Slow speech
  • Thickening of the skin
  • Thinning of eyebrows
  • Low body temperature
  • Slow heart rate
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What are the current treatments for Hypothyroidism?

Treatment is aimed at replacing the thyroid hormone you are lacking.

Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medicine:

  • You will be prescribed the lowest dose possible that relieves your symptoms and brings your blood thyroid hormone levels back to normal.
  • If you have heart disease or you are older, your provider may start you on a very small dose.
  • Most people with an underactive thyroid will need to take this medicine for life.
  • Levothyroxine is usually a pill, but some people with very severe hypothyroidism first need to be treated in the hospital with intravenous levothyroxine (given through a vein).

When starting you on this medicine, your provider may check your hormone levels every 2 to 3 months. After that, your thyroid hormone levels should be monitored at least once every year.

When you are taking thyroid medicine, be aware of the following:

  • Do not stop taking the medicine, even when you feel better. Continue taking it exactly as your provider prescribed.
  • If you change brands of thyroid medicine, let your provider know. Your levels may need to be checked.
  • What you eat can change the way your body absorbs thyroid medicine. Talk with your provider if you are eating a lot of soy products or are on a high-fiber diet.
  • Thyroid medicine works best on an empty stomach and when taken 1 hour before any other medicines. Ask your provider if you should take your medicine at bedtime. Taking it at bedtime may allow your body to absorb the medicine better than taking it in the daytime.
  • Wait at least 4 hours after taking thyroid hormone before you take fiber supplements, calcium, iron, multivitamins, aluminum hydroxide antacids, colestipol, or medicines that bind bile acids.

While you are taking thyroid replacement therapy, tell your provider if you have any symptoms that suggest your dose is too high, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Palpitations
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Restlessness or shakiness (tremors)
  • Sweating
Who are the top Hypothyroidism Local Doctors?

Medstar Medical Group Ii LLC

3800 Reservoir Rd Nw, 
Washington, DC 
 8.8 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Jacqueline Jonklaas is an Endocrinologist in Washington, Washington, D.c.. Dr. Jonklaas and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothyroidism. Her top areas of expertise are Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Cancer, Follicular Thyroid Cancer, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and Thyroidectomy. Dr. Jonklaas is currently accepting new patients.

Endocrinology
Endocrinology

Whc Physician Group LLC

110 Irving St Nw, 
Washington, DC 
 8.8 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Kenneth Burman is an Endocrinologist in Washington, Washington, D.c.. Dr. Burman and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothyroidism. His top areas of expertise are Thyroid Cancer, Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, Thyroidectomy, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Dr. Burman is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Endocrinology
Endocrinology
110 Irving St Nw, #2a38, 
Washington, DC 
 8.8 mi

Leonard Wartofsky is an Endocrinologist in Washington, Washington, D.c.. Dr. Wartofsky and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothyroidism. His top areas of expertise are Thyroid Cancer, Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Nodule, Thyroidectomy, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Hypothyroidism?

In most cases, thyroid hormone level becomes normal with proper treatment. You will likely take a thyroid hormone medicine for the rest of your life.

What are the possible complications of Hypothyroidism?

Myxedema crisis (also called myxedema coma), the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It occurs when thyroid hormone levels get very, very low. The severe hypothyroid crisis is often then started by an infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medicines (opioids are a common cause) in people with severe hypothyroidism. It can also commonly be caused by failure to take prescribed thyroid hormone consistently or correctly.

Myxedema crisis is a medical emergency that must be treated in the hospital. Some people may need oxygen, breathing assistance (ventilator), fluid replacement, and intensive-care nursing.

Symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include:

  • Below normal body temperature
  • Decreased breathing
  • Low systolic blood pressure
  • Low blood sugar
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Inappropriate or uncharacteristic moods

People with untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk of:

  • Infection
  • Infertility, miscarriage, giving birth to a baby with birth defects
  • Heart disease because of higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol
  • Heart failure
When should I contact a medical professional for Hypothyroidism?

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism.

If you are being treated for hypothyroidism, contact your provider if:

  • You develop chest pain or rapid heartbeat
  • Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
  • You develop new symptoms
What are the latest Hypothyroidism Clinical Trials?
Natural History of Thyroid Function Disorders

Summary: Participants in this study will be patients diagnosed with or suspected to have a thyroid function disorder. These conditions may include: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid hormone resistance, Graves' Dermopathy, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secreting pituitary adenomas. The main purpose of this study is to further understand the natural history, clinical presentation, and genetics...

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The Use of 124-I-PET/CT Whole Body and Lesional Dosimetry in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Summary: Study rationale High risk patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) require therapy with 131 I under thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation. There are two methods of TSH stimulation endogenous by thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) leading to hypothyroidism and exogenous by injection of human recombinant TSH (rhTSH Thyrogen). The appropriate 131-I activity utilized for treatment is eit...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: July 21, 2024
Published By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Akamizu T, Jonklaas J. Hypothyroidism and thyroiditis. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 11.

Garber JR, Cobin RH, Gharib H, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association. Endocr Pract. 2012;18(6):988-1028. PMID: 23246686 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23246686/.

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;24(12):1670-1751. PMID: 25266247 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25266247/.

Pearce EN, Hollenberg AN. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 207.