What Is Myxedema?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
4. Myxedema
When hypothyroidism reaches an advanced stage, it is known as myxedema. It occurs when severe hypothyroidism has gone untreated for whatever reason. The condition tends to happen in women more often than in men, and older people are more likely to develop it also.
In many cases, myxedema might happen because the patient has stopped taking medication for hypothyroidism. This means it makes sense for some people to be monitored to ensure they take their medication daily. In a lot of other cases, the hypothyroidism may have gone undiagnosed to begin with. The symptoms of myxedema are more severe than those of hypothyroidism.
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