Abstract

A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW ON PREVALENCE, DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Abhiram U.V Bhat*, Viresh K. Chandur and A. R. Shabaraya

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Abstract

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the endocrine system in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism and endemic goiter worldwide. In areas of the world with sufficient dietary iodine, hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by the Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It was found out that in India inland cities showed a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism [11.73%] as compared to coastal cities [9.45%]. Percentage affected were more in females [around 15.86%] than in males [5.02%] and it also stated that it affected a greater number of elderly people [13.11%] than younger people [7.53%]. Among all cities, Kolkata has recorded the highest prevalence of hypothyroidism [21.67%]. There was a predominance of thyroid dysfunction in women especially in overweight older women. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is commonly done by measuring thyroid hormones [T3 and T4] level in the blood. Iodine supplements can be used for the prevention or treatment for hypothyroidism, especially in areas of iodine deficiency. Thyroid replacement therapy that are include desiccated thyroid extracts, synthetic T4 therapy and synthetic T3 and T4 combination therapy. However, the most commonly used treatment is levothyroxine that is taken on an empty stomach which is considered to be effective, inexpensive, and free of complications.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Levothyroxine, Thyroid dysfunction.