Comorbidities of hypothyroidism

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Internal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Hypothyroidism, encompassing overt and subclinical forms, affects up to 10% of the global population.
• Clinical comorbidities are highly prevalent in individuals with hypothyroidism, diminishing quality of life and functional status.
• The severity and number of comorbidities correlate with reduced quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common comorbidities associated with hypothyroidism.
• To highlight conditions that may share pathogenic backgrounds or arise secondary to hypothyroidism.
• To emphasize the impact of certain medications on thyroid function monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of common comorbidities of hypothyroidism.
• Analysis of conditions associated with hypothyroidism, including those with shared pathogenesis or iatrogenic causes.
• Examination of medication effects on thyrotropin levels and thyroid dysfunction diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Common comorbidities include dyslipidemia, hypertension, fatigue, and potentially cardiovascular disease, irrespective of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment.
• Other comorbidities like depression, anxiety, and autoimmune conditions may share pathogenic links.
• Certain treatments (e.g., cancer therapies, metformin, glucocorticoids) can induce hypothyroidism or affect thyroid monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of hypothyroidism is crucial.
• Physicians must recognize and address comorbid conditions for optimal patient outcomes.
• Awareness of medication effects on thyroid function tests is essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.