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: 05/23/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
