Kathrine T. answered • 10/10/19
Nursing tutor, NCLEX prep, test/study skills
The easiest way to remember the symptoms of hypothyroidism is to remember that everything is slowed down aka reduced celluar energy release.
Skin/nails/hair: Decreased epidermal turnover leads to thick, dry, skin; brittle nails, hair loss.
Reflexes: "Hung up" patellar reflex, slow arc out, slower arc back, overall hyporeflexia.
Mentation: "Can't make sense, thoughts too slow."
Weight: Small gain (5-10 lbs), largely fluid, due to slower diuresis
Stool pattern: Constipation due to slowed GI transit.
Menstrual Issues: Menorrhagia due to slowed endometrial shreddin.g.
Temperature: Easily chilled due to decreased heat production
CV: Bradycardia
Generalized: Extreme weakness, fatigue, arthralgias.
