Hypothyroidism

Undersupply of the organism with the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and a resulting state of hypometabolism. In most cases an underfunction of the thyroid gland (primary hypothyroidism) is responsible for the hypometabolism. Very rare are the pituitary or hypothalamic disorders of secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism.

The resulting hormone deficiency slows down numerous metabolic functions of the body. The consequences are reduced physical and mental performance. The diagnosis of florid hypothyroidism is obvious. In less pronounced hypothyroidism (e.g. hypothyroidism in the elderly), an uncharacteristic symptom pattern is in the foreground; in some cases symptoms may be completely absent.

Primary (thyrogenic) hypothyroidism

• Congenital hypothyroidism (congenital/intrauterine acquired)
• Acquired hypothyroidism in childhood (postnatal hyperthyroidism)
• Acquired hypothyroidism in adulthood (destruction of thyroid tissue, e.g. after atrophic thyroiditis.

  Also exogenous factors: iatrogenic (treatment with thyreostatics, cytokines, lithium, after thyroid surgery, after radioiodine therapy), health behavior (extreme iodine and selenium deficiency); possibly periocular mucinous edema

• Acquired hypothyroidism in the elderly (senile hypothyroidism)

Secondary (pituitary) hypothyroidism (very rare)

Tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism (very rare)