Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland: Hypothyroidism is a disorder where the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones.
   • A glandular disorder resulting from insufficient hormone production: It refers specifically to the endocrine system malfunction where the thyroid's low activity leads to a deficiency of crucial hormones.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor diagnosed her with hypothyroidism after reviewing her blood tests.
  • Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold.
  • Treatment for hypothyroidism typically involves daily hormone replacement medication.

Advanced Usage

• "subclinical hypothyroidism": A mild form where thyroid hormone levels are borderline or slightly low, but overt symptoms may not be present.
  • The patient's test indicated subclinical hypothyroidism, so the doctor recommended monitoring rather than immediate medication.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypothyroid (adj): Pertaining to or affected by hypothyroidism.
  • The patient is hypothyroid and requires treatment.
• Thyroid (noun): The butterfly-shaped gland in the neck whose underactivity causes hypothyroidism.
• Myxedema (noun): A severe, advanced form of hypothyroidism characterized by tissue swelling.

Synonyms

• Underactive thyroid: A direct descriptive synonym.
• Thyroid deficiency: Highlights the hormone insufficiency.
• Low thyroid function: A common non-technical term.

Antonyms

• Hyperthyroidism: A medical condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland producing excessive hormones.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "manage hypothyroidism": To control the condition through treatment.
  • With proper medication, it is possible to effectively manage hypothyroidism.
• "congenital hypothyroidism": A form present from birth.
  • Newborn screening tests check for congenital hypothyroidism.

Noun

1. an underactive thyroid gland; a glandular disorder resulting from insufficient production of thyroid hormones