Thyroid dysfunction (2019)
Summary of recommendations for clinicians and policy-makers
The Task Force recommends against screening asymptomatic nonpregnant adults aged 18 years and older for thyroid dysfunction in primary care settings (strong recommendation, low-certainty evidence).
This recommendation does not apply to adults with the following risk factors for thyroid dysfunction: individuals who have had a previously diagnosed thyroid disease or surgery; individuals receiving thyroid medications or medications that may affect thyroid function (i.e., lithium, amiodarone); individuals with previous or ongoing exposure to thyroid radioiodine therapy or head and neck radiotherapy; or individuals with pituitary or hypothalamic diseases.
Screening refers to measuring levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in patients with no apparent signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
A systematic review suggests that treating screen-detected hypothyroidism in asymptomatic adults results in little to no difference in clinical outcomes. No studies on treating screen-detected hyperthyroidism were found. Similarly, no studies were found on screening for thyroid dysfunction. Screening for thyroid dysfunction in asymptomatic nonpregnant adults is not likely to confer clinical benefit but could lead to unnecessary treatment for some patients and consume resources.
This recommendation applies only to screening for asymptomatic nonpregnant adults aged 18 years and older. While the Task Force recommends against routinely screening for thyroid dysfunction in this population, clinicians should remain alert to signs and symptoms (e.g., unusual fatigue, unexpected weight loss or gain, menstrual irregularities, goiter) or risk factors (e.g., pituitary or hypothalamic diseases) suggestive of thyroid dysfunction and investigate accordingly.
The Task Force will continue to carefully monitor the scientific developments in the screening and treatment of asymptomatic thyroid dysfunction in adults that could have an impact on these recommendations.