Final answer:
Hypothyroidism, or myxedema, is characterized by symptoms such as c) cold intolerance, fatigue, and weight gain, reflecting the slow metabolic processes due to deficient thyroid hormone levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism (also known as myxedema) include a range of physiological changes and discomforts. Patients with hypothyroidism typically present with symptoms such as cold intolerance, fatigue, and weight gain. These symptoms are indicative of the body's slowed metabolic processes due to insufficient thyroid hormone production. Other symptoms often associated with hypothyroidism include constipation, menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), poor memory and hearing, hoarseness, slow heart rate, delayed reflexes, baldness, and conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients with these signs are likely undergoing reduced mental activity, as opposed to the increased energy and weight loss associated with hyperthyroidism, which is the overactive state of the thyroid gland.