Mixedema is a skin condition, most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50, which usually occurs due to severe and prolonged hypothyroidism, such as swelling of the face.
Hypothyroidism is characterized by a decrease in hormone production by the thyroid, resulting in the onset of symptoms such as headache, constipation and unexplained weight gain. Understand what hypothyroidism is and how treatment is done.
- The main symptoms of mixedema are swelling of the face and eyelids.
- With the formation of a kind of bag in the eyes.
- In addition.
- There may be swelling of the lips and limbs.
Although it is a more common condition as a result of hypothyroidism, it can also occur, but less often, due to infections, trauma or the use of medications that depress brain function, such as sedatives and tranquilizers.
Mixedema can be classified into
Diagnosis is made by the endocrinologist based on the evaluation of symptoms and blood tests that confirm hypothyroidism, such as TSH, T3 and T4.
If hypothyroidism is not treated properly, it can progress to a life-threatening condition, a mixedematous coma, in which the thyroid is enlarged or not palpable, severe facial swelling and eyelids, delusions and decreased heart rate, for example.
Mixedema is treated to reverse hypothyroidism, that is, it is done with the replacement of hormones produced by the thyroid as recommended by the endocrinologist.
After a few months of starting treatment, your doctor will usually prescribe blood tests to verify that your thyroid hormone levels are normal and adjust your dose if necessary. See what tests are essential for thyroid evaluation.