American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Dental Hygiene Licensing Examination 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Myxedema is a late-stage symptom of hypothyroidism characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the skin and other tissues. This condition results in a distinctive swelling, particularly noticeable in the face and eyelids, giving them a puffy appearance. In individuals with myxedema, the skin may also appear dry and thickened, which is a direct consequence of the altered metabolism and the lack of thyroid hormone.

This symptom is critical to recognize, as it indicates a significant deficiency of thyroid hormones and suggests that the condition may have progressed without adequate treatment. Although goiter is related to thyroid issues and is common in hypothyroidism, it does not describe the facial effects observed in myxedema. Exophthalmos is typically associated with hyperthyroidism, particularly in Graves' disease, and hyperpigmentation is not characteristic of hypothyroidism. Therefore, myxedema stands out as the defining symptom affecting the face and eyelids in later stages of hypothyroidism.