hypothyroidism
Start with the big picture
Primary hypothyroidism may result from Hashimoto thyroiditis, iodine imbalance, thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine, certain medicines, or congenital causes. Common features include fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, and constipation; examination may reveal dry skin, non-pitting edema, delayed reflex relaxation, or goitre. Elevated TSH with low free T4 supports primary disease, while elevated TSH with normal T4 describes subclinical hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is the preferred treatment, with dosing and monitoring shaped by factors such as age, cardiac disease, pregnancy, and interacting medicines. The deeper lesson also addresses treatment decisions in subclinical disease, emergency management of myxoedema coma, and why desiccated thyroid and routine combination therapy are not preferred.
What you'll learn
- Identify common causes and clinical features of primary hypothyroidism.
- Interpret TSH and free T4 patterns in primary and subclinical disease.
- Describe levothyroxine administration, interactions, and monitoring considerations.
- Recognize special management considerations in pregnancy and cardiac disease.
- Distinguish preferred therapy from non-preferred approaches and emergency care.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
