Drug-induced hypothyroidism

Symptoms:

Early symptoms:

• weakness
• fatigue
• cold intolerance
• constipation
• weight gain
• depression
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• thin, brittle fingernails
• thinning of hair
• pale color

Late symptoms:

• slow speech
• dry flaky skin
• thickening of the skin
• puffy face, hands and feet
• decreased taste and smell
• thinning of eyebrows
• hoarseness
• menstrual disorders

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• weight gain (unintentional)
• joint stiffness

Signs and tests:

A physical examination reveals enlarged thyroid gland and delayed muscular reflexes. Vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) may reveal slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and low temperature. A chest X-ray may reveal an enlarged heart.

Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:

• T4 test
• T3 resin uptake
• serum TSH

Other laboratory abnormalities may include:

• increased cholesterol
• increased liver enzymes
• increased serum prolactin
• low serum sodium
• low blood glucose
• CBC that shows anemia