Medication use in the hypothyroid patient

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland are essential for normal growth, maturation, and regulation of all organ systems. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to secrete adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. As a consequence there is a slowing of all body processes. Hypothyroidism occurs in 2% of women and 0.2% of men. The incidence increases with age; among people older than 60 years of age, 6% of women and 2.5% of men have abnormal thyroid function test values indicative of the condition. The incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism may approach 15% in persons 60 years of age or older. This finding is significant because within 4 years of diagnosis, subclinical hypothyroidism progresses to overt hypothyroidism in 20% to 40% of patients.