Study of Clinicobiochemical Spectrum of Hypothyroidism

The aim of this study was to assess the clinico biochemical spectrum of hypothyroidism and the relative importance of thyroid function tests, clinical symptoms and signs in thyroid dysfunction.

A retrospective study was done and 1702 requisitions for screening of hypothyroidism were analysed. The clinical presentation of cases was correlated with the results of thyroid profile tests.

31.5% of the 1702 cases referred had thyroid dysfunction in the form of subclinical or overt hypothyroidism. In the hypothyroid group generalized weakness, weight gain and myxoedema was common. In cases of primary infertility and depression, subclinical and overt hypothyroidism was high (40% and 45.8% respectively). The average age of females with subclinical hypothyroidism was 30.8 years, 5.4 years less than females with overt hypothyroidism.

We conclude that hypothyroidism is common and often under-diagnosed. Therefore routine evaluation of female patients with weight gain, generalized weakness, infertility, depression and mood changes should include thyroid profile.