Diagnosis and treatment of primary hypothyroidism

Primary hypothyroidism or underactivity of the thyroid gland is common and is usually managed in primary care.1 In recent years, increasing numbers of patients with and without confirmed thyroid disease have been diagnosed and treated inappropriately using levothyroxine and other thyroid hormones. Management that falls outside good practice as defined nationally and internationally by accredited thyroid experts may compromise patients’ safety. This is potentially an enormous problem, given that in any one year one in four people in the United Kingdom have their thyroid function checked.2 3

The Royal College of Physicians, working closely with several specialist professional associations and patient associations with interests in the safe management of thyroid diseases, has recently produced a statement on the diagnosis and management of primary hypothyroidism. This statement sets out clear guidance for general practitioners and the wider medical profession regarding the diagnosis and treatment of primary hypothyroidism in the United Kingdom.3 …