Question

A health disorder that results from the deficiency of thyroxine in adults and characterized by (i) a low metabolic rate, (ii) increase in body weight and (iii) tendency to retain water in tissues is

• A. Hypothyroidism
• B. Simple goitre
• C. Myxoedema
• D. Cretinism

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Myxoedema

Hypothyroidism refers to a deficiency of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine is the principal hormone produced by the thyroid gland. The major function of thyroxine is to control the rate of metabolism. In adults, hypothyroidism causes a condition called myxoedema. The symptoms of myxoedema are weakness, lethargy, headache, slow speech, angina (heart pain), shortness of breath and a characteristic "moon face" (puffiness caused by water retention). Milder states of deficiency cause cold intolerance, anaemia, infertility, constipation, fatigue, easy weight gain, menstrual disorders, memory and concentration difficulties.