Hypothyroidism, lipids, and lipidomics

Hypothyroidism is a relatively common endocrine disorder and is well documented to be associated with lipid abnormalities.

A narrative review was conducted of studies describing the alterations in the lipid profile accompanying both subclinical and overt hypothyroidism.

Lipid abnormalities are seen with TSH values in the upper end of the accepted reference range, as well as with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism. The degree of lipid derangement is generally proportional to the degree of TSH elevation. Other factors such as age, sex, and body mass index can also influence the pattern of the lipid abnormalities seen. The most robust finding with TSH elevation is increases in the low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Thyroid hormone treatment is efficacious in reversing the lipid abnormalities in both subclinical and overt hypothyroidism.

Given the association of lipid abnormalities with metabolic and cardiovascular disease, consideration of hypothyroidism as an important non-communicable disease may facilitate studies that test the hypothesis that thyroid hormone treatment to reverse hypothyroidism-associated lipid abnormalities may improve metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes.