Question

Myxoedema is due to
(a) Decreased production of thyroxine.
(b) Increased production of thyroxine
(c) Excess GH
(d) Decreased insulin

Answer 1

Hint: The hypothalamus secretes a thyrotropin-releasing hormone which, in turn, stimulates the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH). After getting activated this TSH stimulates the production of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine, by the thyroid gland. Due to the imbalance of this hormone, it can disrupt such things as heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of metabolism. It is most prevalent in older women than men.

Completed step by step answer:
A condition in which our thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones is called hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). When hypothyroidism occurs it may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of this imbalanced hormone include fatigue, depression, weight gain, elevated blood cholesterol, dry, thinning hair, fertility difficulties or menstrual changes, muscle stiffness, aches, and tenderness, puffy, sensitive face.
Now, myxedema is another term for severely advanced hypothyroidism. This is a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a small gland that sits right at the front of your neck. It releases hormones that help your body regulate energy and control a wide variety of functions. Myxedema is the result of having undiagnosed or untreated severe hypothyroidism.

So, the correct answer is, ‘decrease in thyroxine’.

Additional information:
1) Myxedema crisis can cause death often due to complications from an infection, bleeding, or respiratory failure.
2) Myxedema is more common in women and people over the age of 60. It can occur during pregnancy as well.
3) Myxedema can cause due to the following reasons: an autoimmune condition, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, surgical removal of your thyroid, radiation therapy for cancer, certain medications, such as lithium or amiodarone (Pacerone), iodine deficiency, or an excess of iodine, immune system medications like those used in cancer treatment, etc.
4) Deposits of chains of sugar molecules (complex mucopolysaccharides) in the skin cause the skin condition myxedema. These compounds attract water, which leads to swelling.
5) Myxedema crisis is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. The individual who is undergoing a myxedema crisis needs to be treated in an ICU. Their heart and breathing are continually monitored. Along with thyroid hormone replacement, steroid treatments and other medications may be needed.

Note: The treatment of myxedema involves administering thyroid hormone replacement medication into a vein as well as also antibiotics, steroid treatment, and breathing support may be necessary. A person may need breathing assistance, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) if carbon dioxide levels in the blood are very high. If someone has severely advanced hypothyroidism, it can lead to what is called a myxedema crisis, a medical emergency. The term “myxedema coma” expressed this life-threatening situation, but the “myxedema crisis” has replaced it, as a comatose state is no longer required to diagnose the condition.