noun
- a condition caused by severe deficiency of thyroid hormone, characterized by swelling of soft tissues, weight gain, fatigue, and slowed metabolism
Usage: medical term; also spelled myxedema in U.S. English; can occur in adults or children
Examples
- The patient was diagnosed with myxoedema after blood tests revealed critically low thyroid hormone levels.
- Myxoedema can develop gradually, making early detection difficult without proper screening.
- Treatment with thyroid hormone replacement therapy is effective for managing myxoedema.
- Symptoms of myxoedema include fatigue, weight gain, and puffiness in the face and hands.
- If left untreated, myxoedema can lead to serious complications affecting the heart and nervous system.