Hipotireoidismo: Revisão de literatura

Hypothyroidism is a condition associated with insufficient production of thyroid hormones or, less frequently, with central abnormalities that impair stimulation of the thyroid gland. This condition can affect the cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems, although initial symptoms are often nonspecific. This article aims to discuss the pathophysiology, etiology, clinical presentation, interpretation of test results, therapeutic principles, and special situations related to hypothyroidism in adults. It emphasizes that the diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism relies on the combined interpretation of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels, while taking into account age, pregnancy, concurrent illnesses, medications, and the possibility of pituitary dysfunction. While levothyroxine is the first-line treatment for primary hypothyroidism, the decision to treat subclinical cases must be individualized for each patient and is generally based on the persistence of laboratory abnormalities and the clinical context.