Quality of life of patients with thyroid dysfunction

Abstract

Background. The thyroid gland plays an indispensable role in the human body, and its dysfunction is one of the most diagnosed issues in clinical practice. Thyroid dysfunction is associated with a reduced quality of life due to its wide-ranging physiological and psychological effects. Objective of the Study. To evaluate the relationship between thyroid variables and health-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Material and methods. A narrative literature review was conducted using top-tier papers from databases such as PubMed, WebMed, Google Scholar, the National Institutes of Health, and Med Central. Various combinations of keywords were used, including hypothyroidism, quality of life, and thyroid dysfunction. Results. Thyroid dysfunction manifests as tiredness, variations in body weight, mood swings, and impacts on metabolism, energy, and cognitive function. These disorders significantly lower quality of life, leading to depression, anxiety, stress, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Hypothyroid patients face diminished quality of life, affecting both physical and mental health. This is exacerbated by the link between thyroid disorders and sleep, with moderate negative correlations between sleep quality and cognitive function, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Conclusion. Further research aimed at enhancing a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to managing thyroid disorders, and studies correlating clinical factors with quality-of-life indicators within a defined theoretical framework, would substantiate and introduce innovative aspects to our findings.