(d) Unexplained weight gain.
(e)
Constipation.
Later signs/symptoms.
(3)
(a)
Decreasing mental stability.
(b)
Dry, flaky, inelastic skin.
(c)
Puffy face, hands, feet.
(d) Hoarseness.
(e) Edema around the eyes.
(f)
Upper eyelids droop.
(g) Dry, sparse hair.
(h) Thick, brittle nails.
(4)
Still later signs/symptoms.
(a)
Gradual or sudden coma.
(b)
Progressive stupor.
(c)
Hypoglycemia.
(d)
Hypotension.
(5) Treatment. Treat by giving thyroid extract or synthetic thyroid
preparation usually by mouth. The drugs of choice are Synthroid and Levothroid.
Diagnostic tests.
(6)
(a) Thyroxin test (T4). This is a blood test which measures the amount
of thyroxin in the blood. The level of thyroxin in the blood will be lower in
hypothyroidism and higher in hyperthyroidism.
MD0583
2-4