ABSTRACT

The thyroid gland is important in the metabolism of the body by secretion of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), working in collaboration with the nervous and immune system. Hypothyroidism is a widespread endocrine condition that is marked with lack of thyroid hormones. It can be caused by endogenous factors, especially by the autoimmune destruction as is the case with Hashimoto thyroiditis, or exogenous factors, like iodine deficiency. Epidemiology reports that, women are more likely to suffer hypothyroidism which has a risk of 4-10 times more than that of men with its common occurrence observed between 30-60 years. The incidence rises with the age of more than 65 years of age, namely, in one out of 10 women and 6 men. Almost 95% of the cases that are diagnosed are primary hypothyroidism. The increased detection rates are due to the improved screening, the change in the nutritional intake of iodine, and the auto immune etiologies. Besides physical signs that include cold intolerance, puffiness, reduced sweating, and skin alterations, hypothyroidism is correlated withpsychological problems, especially with depression which has a significant effect on the quality of life of patients. The purpose of this review is to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and etiology of hypothyroidism and to determine its effect on health-related quality of life. Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Thyroid hormones [T3 & T4], Epidemiology, Clinical features, Quality of life
Publication date: 2026/10/01

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/October/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10557.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.10.10557