secondary hypothyroidism


hypothyroidism

 [hi″po-thi´roi-dizm] deficiency of thyroid gland activity, with underproduction of thyroxine" >thyroxine, or the condition resulting from it. In its severe form it is called myxedema and is characterized by physical and mental sluggishness, obesity, loss of hair, enlargement of the tongue, and thickening of the skin. In children the condition is known as cretinism. Called also athyria. adj., adj hypothy´roid.pituitary hypothyroidism secondary hypothyroidism caused by a defect or lesion of the pituitary gland" >pituitary gland that interferes with production of thyrotropin" >thyrotropin; the majority of cases are caused by tumors.primary hypothyroidism hypothyroidism due to disease of the thyroid gland itself, usually accompanied by increased levels of thyrotropin" >thyrotropin.secondary hypothyroidism that caused by thyrotropin" >thyrotropin deficiency.

sec·on·dar·y hy·po·thy·roid·ism

hypothyroidism that arises as a consequence of inadequate thyrotropin secretion by the anterior pituitary gland.