Hypothyroidism
What is this condition?
Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid disease, is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs. The thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, which affects nearly every organ in the body. When the thyroid is underactive, it leads to a slowdown in various bodily functions.
In Europe, the prevalence of undiagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism is estimated at 4.11%, with higher rates observed in women, older adults, and Caucasians. In the United States, the prevalence of hypothyroidism has been reported to range from 4.6% to 11.7%, with a notable increase in cases of subclinical hypothyroidism over recent years. Globally, the prevalence of hypothyroidism is influenced by iodine intake, with higher rates in regions with both high and severely deficient iodine levels. Additionally, hypothyroidism is more common in women, particularly those aged 40-50, and its prevalence increases with age.
References
Copari-Vargas, E., Copari-Vargas, T.L., Domínguez-Valdez, L.F., Copari-Vargas, L.E., Copari-Jimenez, E., Vargas, E.C. and Vargas, T.L.C., 2025. Vitamin D status and its association with disease severity in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Cureus, 17(5)
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Garmendia Madariaga, A., Santos Palacios, S., Guillén-Grima, F. and Galofré, J.C., 2014. The incidence and prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Europe: a meta-analysis. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 99(3), pp.923-931.
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​Mendes, D., Alves, C., Silverio, N. and Marques, F.B., 2019. Prevalence of undiagnosed hypothyroidism in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Thyroid Journal, 8(3), pp.130-143.
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​Shulhai, A.M., Rotondo, R., Petraroli, M., Patianna, V., Predieri, B., Iughetti, L., Esposito, S. and Street, M.E., 2024. The Role of Nutrition on Thyroid Function. Nutrients, 16(15), p.2496.
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Severo, J.S., Morais, J.B.S., de Freitas, T.E.C., Andrade, A.L.P., Feitosa, M.M., Fontenelle, L.C., de Oliveira, A.R.S., Cruz, K.J.C. and do Nascimento Marreiro, D., 2019. The role of zinc in thyroid hormones metabolism. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research.
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​Triggiani, V., Tafaro, E., Giagulli, V.A., Sabbà, C., Resta, F., Licchelli, B. and Guastamacchia, E., 2009. Role of iodine, selenium and other micronutrients in thyroid function and disorders. Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets-Immune, Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders), 9(3), pp.277-294.