Chapter 31 Hypothyroidism
INTRODUCTION
Description: Reduced or inadequate circulating levels of thyroid hormone. Women are 5 to 10 times more likely than men to suffer from hypothyroidism. Menstrual disturbances may be the first indication of this abnormality. Some women develop a transient (3 to 4 months) hypothyroid state (painless subacute thyroiditis) after giving birth.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS
Causes: Idiopathic or autoimmune (most common when goiter is present)—after ablative medical or surgical therapy. Postpartum thyroiditis (silent)—abnormalities of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) production or release.
