The epidemiology of hypothyroidism--an update

Comparison of studies of the prevalence and incidence of hypothyroidism is hampered by differing definitions and population samples. Using a uniform set of diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of previously undiagnosed, spontaneous, overt hypothyroidism in community-based studies has been estimated between 2-4/1000 total population world-wide. If all cases of previously diagnosed hypothyroidism, previous thyroid surgery and radioiodine treatment are included, this prevalence rises to approximately 10/1000, and if subclinical cases are included, then the prevalence is probably over 50/1000 total population. The annual incidence of overt hypothyroidism is between 1-2/1000 for female and around 2/10,000 for males, with individuals having previously elevated TSH and positive circulating thyroid autoantibodies, being particularly at risk. The question of widespread population screening for hypothyroidism is unsettled, but it is probably not cost-effective unless incorporated as part of a screening programme for other conditions such as cervical cancer, or targeted at high risk groups such as post-menopausal women. The combination of serum TSH estimation and a high clinical index of suspicion should detect most patients with thyroid dysfunction, although detailed studies on the use of the more sensitive assays in the detection of both hyper- and hypothyroidism have yet to be published.