Which statement best describes the metabolic state in hypothyroidism?

• A. Low metabolism
• B. Normal metabolism
• C. High metabolism
• D. Metabolism varies

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is how thyroid hormone sets the body's baseline energy use. Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) boost cellular energy production and heat generation, so they raise the resting metabolic rate. In hypothyroidism, there isn’t enough thyroid hormone, which slows cellular metabolism and reduces overall energy expenditure. That leads to a lower resting metabolic rate, making the body burn fewer calories at rest, contributing to symptoms like weight gain and cold intolerance. So the metabolic state in hypothyroidism is characterized by low metabolism. Normal or high metabolism would not explain the symptoms seen with insufficient thyroid hormone, and “metabolism varies” isn’t as precise a description of the typical state produced by hypothyroidism.