Hypothyroidism

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Endocrine glands

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid gland

Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism

Early symptoms:

• Being more sensitive to cold
• Constipation
• Depression
• Fatigue or feeling slowed down
• Heavier menstrual periods
• Joint or muscle pain
• Paleness or dry skin
• Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
• Weakness
• Weight gain (unintentional)

Late symptoms, if left untreated:

• Decreased taste and smell
• Hoarseness
• Puffy face, hands, and feet
• Slow speech
• Thickening of the skin
• Thinning of eyebrows

A physical examination may reveal a smaller than normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal:

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• Brittle nails
• Coarse facial features
• Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch
• Swelling of the arms and legs
• Thin and brittle hair

A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart.

Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:

• TSH test
• T4 test

Lab tests may also reveal:

• Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC)
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Increased liver enzymes
• Increased prolactin
• Low sodium

Review Date: 04/19/2010
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).