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Hypothyroidism
Alternative Names: Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism Symptoms: Early symptoms: weakness fatigue cold intolerance constipation weight gain (unintentional) depression joint or muscle pain thin, brittle fingernails thin and brittle hair paleness Text Continues Below Late symptoms: slow speech dry flaky skin thickening of the skin puffy face, hands and feet decreased taste and smell thinning of eyebrows hoarseness abnormal menstrual periods Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: overall swelling muscle spasms (cramps) muscle pain muscle atrophy uncoordinated movement absent menstruation joint stiffness dry hair hair loss facial swelling drowsiness appetite loss ankle, feet, and leg swelling short stature separated sutures delayed formation or absence of teeth Signs and tests: A physical examination reveals delayed relaxation of muscles during tests of reflexes. Pale, yellow skin; loss of the outer edge of the eyebrows; thin and brittle hair; coarse facial features; brittle nails; firm swelling of the arms and legs; and mental slowing may be noted. Vital signs may reveal 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: T4 test (low) serum TSH (high in primary hypothyroidism, low or low-normal in secondary hypothyroidism) Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>