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Primary and secondary hypothyroidism Thyroid gland

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Hypothyroidism - secondary

Alternative Names: Pituitary hypothyroidism Symptoms: Early symptoms: Weakness Fatigue Cold intolerance Constipation Weight gain Depression Joint or muscle pain Brittle fingernails Coarseness, thinning of hair Late symptoms: Slow speech Dry, flaky skin Thickening of the skin Puffy face, hands, and feet Decreased hearing Thinning of eyebrows Hoarseness Menstrual disorders Text Continues Below Signs and tests: A physical exam usually reveals a small thyroid gland. Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) reveal a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and low temperature. A chest x-ray may reveal an enlarged heart. Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include: Free T4 test Total T3 Serum TSH -- Results are generally low in secondary hypothyroidism because the pituitary is damaged. However, normal or even high values may be seen. Additional laboratory abnormalities may include: Increased cholesterol levels Increased liver enzymes Increased serum prolactin Low serum sodium Low blood glucose A CBC that shows anemia Deficiency or excess of other pituitary hormones Imaging will include an MRI of the pituitary to look for a tumor.

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