Hypothyroid Myopathy - PubMed

In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.

2024 Jun 7.

Hypothyroid myopathy, observed in 30% to 80% of individuals with hypothyroidism, manifests in both congenital and acquired cases, presenting with generalized myalgias, muscle weakness, and muscle pain or stiffness. Thyroid hormone is pivotal for metabolism, growth, and organ function, thus influencing the musculoskeletal system. Severe or untreated hypothyroidism can lead to substantial muscle disease, resulting in severe functional limitations.

The symptoms of hypothyroid myopathy can be gradual in onset and nonspecific, necessitating a high index of suspicion from clinicians to differentiate this condition from fatigue and other muscle disorders with similar presentations. All patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism should be questioned about musculoskeletal symptoms. Proximal muscles, such as those in the thighs, hips, shoulders, and neck, are particularly affected, impacting activities such as stair climbing, rising from a seated position, and lifting objects. Rarely, severe hypothyroid myopathy can result in muscle necrosis, acute compartment syndrome, or respiratory failure.

Disclosure: Maria Fariduddin declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Nowreen Haq declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Nidhi Bansal declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

1. 1. Sindoni A, Rodolico C, Pappalardo MA, Portaro S, Benvenga S. Hypothyroid myopathy: A peculiar clinical presentation of thyroid failure. Review of the literature. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2016 Dec;17(4):499-519. - PubMed
2. 1. Brzozowska MM, Banthia S, Thompson S, Narasimhan M, Lee J. Severe Hypothyroidism Complicated by Myopathy and Neuropathy with Atypical Demyelinating Features. Case Rep Endocrinol. 2021;2021:5525156. - PMC - PubMed
3. 1. Pearson S, Donnellan C, Turner L, Noble E, Seejore K, Murray RD. Endemic goitre and hypothyroidism in an adult female patient dependent on total parenteral nutrition. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep. 2017;2017 - PMC - PubMed
4. 1. Bird RJ, Bryce DP. Longterm effects of heavy irradiation to the neck. J Otolaryngol. 1980 Feb;9(1):18-23. - PubMed
5. 1. Mammen JSR. Thyroid and Aging. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;52(2):229-243. - PubMed