Chapter 21 HYPOTHYROIDISM
Hypothyroidism usually results from decreased thyroid hormone production and secretion by the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can be either primary or central. Central hypothyroidism involves either the pituitary gland (secondary hypothyroidism) or the hypothalamus (tertiary hypothyroidism). In the United States, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.