In the adult thyroid hormone deficiency causes myxoedema. In this condition the metabolism is slowed, the heart rate is slow, weight increases, the voice gets deeper and thinking is slow. The skin is cold and dry weakness and lethargy are major complaints and so is intolerance of cold. The hair becomes coarse and dry and falls out. Nails are brittle.

Constipation may be an early sign with weight gain. The principal symptoms and signs of established cases of hypothyroidism include a dry cold puffy skin particularly around the eyes, hair tends to fall out in clumps, constipation becomes more of a problem with a large tongue, deafness, and hoarseness of the voice. The facial appearance is one of dullness with rosy cheeks on a yellowish skin. There may be an associated goitre or swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. Swelling of the hands and feet can occur with breathlessness. In advanced cases, heart problems appear. Mental deterioration can take place and there is the dangerous possibility of a myxoedema coma occurring which is a medical emergency and can result in death.

Treatment of hypothyroidism involves the taking of thyroid replacement hormones.

Treatment should be regularly supervised by your doctor and may need careful adjustment particularly in the early stages until stabilisation of the dosage has been achieved. Treatment will be needed for the life time of the patient.