Q. What are some signs and symptoms found in patients with hypothyroidism?
In hypothyroidism the production and secretion of T3 and T4 are impaired. Since these thyroid hormones stimulate the basal metabolism of the body (cellular respiration, fat acid and protein metabolism, etc.) the patient with hypothyroidism may present bradycardia (low heart rate), low respiratory rate, excessive tiredness, depression, cold intolerance and weight gain. Hypothyroidism is normally accompanied by goiter (enlargement of the thyroid in the neck).