Assessment of Quality of Life Among Hypothyroid Patients in Assiut University Hospitals

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland can't make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally. People are hypothyroid if they have too little thyroid hormone in the blood. Common causes are Iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, surgical removal of the thyroid, and radiation treatment.

There are three types of hypothyroidism: primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary hypothyroidism results from a low level of thyroid hormone due to destruction of the thyroid gland. This condition results in increased secretion and elevation of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. If the structure of the gland remains normal, dysfunction can be caused by decreased TSH secretion from the pituitary; this Is called secondary hypothyroidism.

In tertiary hypothyroidism, a decrease in thyroid hormone arises from inadequate secretion of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus. It is not always possible to differentiate between secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism, and they are often collectively referred to as central hypothyroidism. About 99%ofhypothyroidism cases are primary hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is common throughout the world. In iodine-sufficient countries, the prevalence of hypothyroidism ranges from 1% to 2%. rising to 7% in individuals aged between 85 and 89 years. In the absence of age-specific reference ranges for TSH, an ageing population is likely to result in a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is approximately ten times more prevalent in women than men10. the awareness of hypothyroidism has increased gradually, as has rate of initiation of levothyroxine substitution.

Symptoms usually develop slowly and the patient may not realise to have a medical problem for several years. Common symptoms include: tiredness, being sensitive to cold, weight gain, constipation, depression, slow movements and thoughts, muscle aches and weakness, muscle cramps, dry and scaly skin, brittle hair and nails, loss of libido (sex drive), pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome),irregular periods or heavy periods.