Hypothyroidism

• Hashimoto's Disease is an autoimmune condition that causes destruction of thyroid gland decreasing thyroid hormone
• Hypothyroidism 


  Is the deficiency of thyroid hormones.
• Hypothyroidism

  Myxedema is hypothyroidism in adults; cretinism in children.
• Hypothyroidism Clinical Findings:

  • Appearance: Myxedema -  swelling of the skin (eyes and face) that gives it a waxy appearance due to increased mucopolysaccharide
  • T3 & T4: Low
  • TSH: High
  • Metabolism: Low
  • Weight: High
  • Appetite: Low (Anorexia)
  • GIT: Constipation
  • Heat production: Low temp. leading to cold intolerance
  • Skin: Dry + Hair loss
  • SNS: Hypoactive
  • Vital Signs: Low HR
  • Complication: Myxedema Coma
  • Calcium: Increased due to low calcitonin
• Hypothyroidism Clinical Findings:

  "Everything is low, slow, and dry"

  • ex: low and slow - slowed physical and mental reactions, lethargy, low temp, bradycardia, slow metabolism; dry - hair and skin, brittle nails, constipation

  "Hypercalcemia" - low thyrocalcitonin secretion: elevated serum calcium"
• Hypothyroidism Clinical Findings:

  Summary: All Low except weight and TSH.
• Hypothyroidism Management:

  • Calorie: Low
  • Fiber: High
  • Fluids: High
  • Activity: Exercise
  • Environment: Warm
  • Sedatives: NO
  • Stimulants: YES
• Hypothyroidism Drug of Choice

  • Drug: Levothyroxine
  • Taken: Morning + Empty Stomach
  • Underdose WOF: Hypothyroidism s/sx
  • Overdose WOF: Hyperthyroidism s/sx
• Myxedema Coma 


  Is extreme, severe stage of hypothyroidism.
• In myxedema coma, all vital signs are low. It is potentially fatal.