The risk of hypothyroidism does not remain the same across entire population. It changes depending upon sex, age and with presence or absence of other autoimmune disorders.
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The following is the list of such factors which will serve as needle of 'suspicion' and may help in early diagnosis as well as treatment of hypothyroidism. |
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Past history of thyroid / pituitary / hypothalamic disease.
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Family history of thyroid disease.
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Elderly individuals.
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History of hyperlipidaemia.(increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides)
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History of depression.
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Obesity.
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History of drug intake e.g. amiodarone, iodine, lithium carbonate, para-aminosalicyclic acid
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History of other autoimmune diseases in the patients or in the family.
Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
Primary adrenal insufficiency
Pernicious anemia
Vitiligo
Malabsorption syndromes.
Collagen vascular disorders
History of thyroid surgery.
History of RAI-131 treatment for thyrotoxicosis
History of head and neck irradiation
History of postpartum thyroid dysfunction
Down syndrome
Short stature
 | These patients need to be screened for the presence of hypothyroidism. |