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Hypothyroidism - Symptom

Alternative Names

Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism

Symptoms:

Early symptoms:

Late symptoms:

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

Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:

Signs and tests:

A physical examination will show:

Brittle nails
Coarse facial features
Firm swelling of the arms and legs
Low blood pressure
Low temperature
Mental slowing
Muscle atrophy
Pale, yellow skin
Separated sutures
Slow heart rate
Slow relaxation of muscles during reflex tests
Thin and brittle hair

A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart.

Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:

Other findings on lab tests may include:

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

Reviewed last on: 6/17/2008
Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

AACE Thyroid Task Force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Evaluation and Treatment Of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002;8 (6).

Ladenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L and Ausiello D, eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders; 2007:chap 244.

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