Hypothyroidism classification
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Hypothyroidism Main page |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Classification
Hypothyroidism is often classified by the organ of origin:[1][2]
| Type | Origin | Description |
| Primary hypothyroidism | thyroid gland | The most common forms include Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease) and radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. |
| Secondary hypothyroidism | pituitary gland | Occurs if the pituitary gland does not create enough thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, Thyrotropin) to induce the thyroid gland to create a sufficient quantity of thyroxine. Although not every case of secondary hypothyroidism has a clear-cut cause, it is usually caused when the pituitary is damaged by a tumor, radiation, or surgery so that it is no longer able to instruct the thyroid to make enough hormone[3] |
| Tertiary hypothyroidism, also called hypothalamic-pituitary-axis hypothyroidism | hypothalamus | Results when the hypothalamus fails to produce sufficient TRH. |
References
- ↑ http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_causes_hypothyroidism_000038_2.htm
- ↑ http://www.pathology.vcu.edu/education/endocrine/endocrine/pituitary/diseases.html
- ↑ American Thyroid Association (ATA) (2003). Hypothyroidism Booklet (PDF). p. 6.