SPECTRUM OF QUALITY-OF-LIFE IMPAIRMENT IN HYPOTHYROIDISM

The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and relative import ance of different aspects of health related quality of life (HRQOL) im pairment in patients with hypothyroidism. A survey of 200 patients wit h treated hypothyroidism was undertaken. Patients were identified and questionnaires distributed through family physicians, endocrinologists , and regional branches of the Thyroid Foundation of Canada. Frequency of importance of patients' symptoms attributed to hypothyroidism and resolved or improved with treatment were measured. Establishing the wi de variety of patient-specific complaints associated with hypothyroidi sm provides guidance for clinicians dealing with hypothyroid patients, and investigators interested in HRQOL impairment in these patients.