Final answer:
Myxedema (hypothyroidism) signs and symptoms include fatigue, cold sensitivity, weight gain, and constipation, among others. It is often caused by autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto thyroiditis and treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, especially crucial during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Myxedema, also known as hypothyroidism, is characterized by several signs and symptoms that can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. The common manifestations may include fatigue, a feeling of coldness, weight gain, shortness of breath, constipation, menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), poor memory, difficulty with hearing, hoarseness, a slow heart rate, delayed reflexes, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition is due to decreased production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism can also lead to more specific physical signs like thick, dry, and waxy skin, dull mental faculties, and a high sensitivity to cold. It is often associated with other conditions such as thyroiditis with goiter, muscle weakness, painful and stiff joints, depression, and memory loss. The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is an autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto thyroiditis.
Treatment for hypothyroidism typically involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which may need to be continued for life. It's especially important to manage hypothyroidism during pregnancy as it can lead to serious consequences for the fetus, including cognitive deficits and potentially deafness if not adequately controlled.