Clinical features: Hypothyroidism is a deficiency of circulating thyroid hormones. It may occur congenitally (cretinism) or may arise later in life. Early symptoms in neonates are non-specific and vague but include constipation, lethargy, jaundice or respiratory distress. Symptoms in adult cases include gradual increase in fatigue and cold intolerance, weight gain and constipation, alopecia, angina pectoris, anaemia, depressive disorders, goitre, heart failure and myalgia.

Treatment guideline

In autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism following radioiodine or total thyroidectomy, treat with:

Levothyroxine (O) start dose 100 micrograms once daily (give half the dose to the elderly) increasing by 25-50 micrograms every four weeks as may be required.