Fatigue can be a prominent feature of hypothyroidism and can have a negative impact on the patient's quality of life.
Hypothyroidism may be associated with:
(1) fatigue and lack of energy
(2) weight gain
(3) depression
(4) myalgia
Hypothyroidism should also be suspected if a patient with another diagnosis complains of fatigue, especially if the patient has an autoimmune disease, received chemotherapy or had a radiation field involve the neck.
If hypothyroidism is demonstrated, then the severity and impact of fatigue on the quality of life should be determined as baseline. The fatigue and its impact can then be monitored during thyroid hormone replacement. Persistent fatigue may require addressing other issues such as obesity, lack of exercise and depression.
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