Patient Education - Endocrine Encyclopedia
Endocrine Surgery Encyclopedia
Hypothyroidism is a decreased activity of the thyroid gland which may affect all
body functions. The rate of metabolism slows causing mental and physical sluggishness.
The most severe form of hypothyroidism is myxedema, a medical emergency. Hypothyroidism
can be caused by a problem with the thyroid itself (primary), or by the malfunction
of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus (secondary).
Review Date: 8/6/2004 12:00:00 AM
Reviewed By: Aniket R. Sidhaye, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network.
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