myxoedema

a disease caused by underactivity of the THYROID GLAND . There is a characteristic development of a dry, coarse skin and swelling of subcutaneous tissue. There is intellectual impairment, with slow speech and mental dullness, lethargy, muscle pain, weight gain and constipation. The hair thins and there may be increased sensitivity to cold. As the symptoms are caused by the deficiency of thyroid HORMONES , treatment consist of giving THYROXINE in suitable amounts.