[Current views on hypothyroidism in adults].

The various aspects of primary thyroid insufficiency are presented. Subclinical hypothyroidism is a special condition the prevalence of which is increasing. In the face of a growing concern of the population, subclinical hypothyroidism receives much attention from endocrinologists and internists but despite recent recommendations therapeutic strategies are not clear enough yet. The question of the feasibility of the systematic screening, at least in predisposed people, for hypothyroidism is under study. Overt hypothyroidism which is usually preceded by a long phase of subclinical hypothyroidism is therefore presentable if substitutive treatment is given early enough. Occasional patients, however, may rich the level of profound hypothyroidism unnoticed. The modalities of treatment of over hypothyroidism are described. Latrogenic hypothyroidism is also described. Finally, myxoedema coma is discussed not because its prevalence, which is very low, but because this condition may be forgotten.