Validates guidelines on treating patients with an underactive thyroid

A study led by the University of Birmingham provides strong support for current recommendations on treating patients with an underactive thyroid and validates latest UK and US guidelines, say researchers. The retrospective cohort study , published in The BMJ , analysed anonymous GP records of over 162,000 patients who have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism - a highly prevalent condition more commonly known as an underactive thyroid. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, and common symptoms are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed. In the UK, it affects 15 in every 1,000 women and one in 1,000 men. Children can also develop an underactive thyroid. There's no way of preventing an underactive thyroid and most cases are caused either by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and damaging it, or by damage to the thyroid that occurs during some treatments for an overactive thyroid or thyroid cancer. If an underactive thyroid isn't treated it can lead to complications including heart disease, pregnancy problems and, although rarely, a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma.