Hypothyroidism linked to high comorbidities and adverse Quality of Life

A recent study carried out by Hanneke and colleagues assessed the intricate relationship between hypothyroidism and overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Hypothyroidism, marked by an underactive thyroid often requiring thyroid hormone (TH) supplementation, has long been associated with a diminished HRQoL. However, this comprehensive investigation published in Endocrine Connections reveal that individuals with hypothyroidism, particularly those facing impaired HRQoL, exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of comorbid disorders.

The study involved 14,720 participants from the population-based Lifelines cohort, unfolded striking insights. Of the 4,537 individuals using TH, 85% showcased the presence of at least one affected disease domain, emphasizing the association between hypothyroidism and an increased risk of comorbidities. This prevalence was notably higher compared to the 71% observed in non-users.

TH users were found to have a higher odds ratio for 13 out of 14 affected disease domains, even after accounting for age and sex. Moreover, a multivariable model demonstrated a significant association between TH use and decreased HRQoL across six out of eight dimensions.

Crucially, the study uncovered that the impact of hypothyroidism on HRQoL is not uniform. While the presence of comorbidities exacerbated the decline in HRQoL, no significant interactions between TH use and affected disease domains were noted.

This study underscores the importance a holistic approach to manage hypothyroidism. As TH users with impaired HRQoL were found to have a more extensive burden of comorbidity, this highlights the importance of addressing thyroid disorders in tandem with associated health conditions. The findings not only deepen our understanding of the complexities surrounding hypothyroidism but also pave the way for more nuanced and effective interventions, signaling a paradigm shift in the approach to thyroid health. 

Source:

Wouters, H. J. C. M., Wolffenbuttel, B. H. R., Muller Kobold, A. C., Links, T. P., Huls, G., & van der Klauw, M. M. (2023). Hypothyroidism, comorbidity and health-related quality of life: a population-based study. In Endocrine Connections (Vol. 12, Issue 12). Bioscientifica. https://doi.org/10.1530/ec-23-0266