Can long-term hypothyroid medicines lead to myxedema?

Question

Hi doctor,

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism many years ago. However, when I take my medication, Synthroid 175 mg, I experience symptoms like devastating brain fog, constant tiredness, always feeling cold (even during summer), being overweight (unable to lose weight), depression, losing my hair, and having extremely dry skin. Also, my wife says my voice is hoarse. Do I have myxedema?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Your symptoms suggest that you have severe hypothyroidism, also called myxedema. By undergoing thyroid function tests, the diagnosis can be confirmed. So I suggest you check your thyroid hormone levels, visit your doctor, and get the thyroxine supplement dose adjusted or prescription refill, as your symptoms are not controlled with the current dose.

I suggest you undergo free T4 (thyroxine), serum T3 (triiodothyronine), total T4, TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels, and thyroid antibody tests. Also, get an ultrasound of the thyroid gland done.

Your symptoms might lead to more serious complications like myxoedema coma. So kindly do the needful.

I hope this was helpful.

Kindly follow up with the reports.