甲状腺功能减退的临床表现 varies with age， severity， and duration， but common symptoms include fatigue， cold intolerance， weight gain despite reduced appetite， constipation， and dry skin. Other signs involve muscle weakness， joint stiffness， and menstrual irregularities in women. In children， growth retardation and delayed puberty may occur， while cognitive impairment and slowed speech development are potential outcomes. Older adults often present with vague symptoms like memory loss， depression， or falls. For pregnant women， untreated hypothyroidism increases risks of preterm birth and preeclampsia. Special populations like those with autoimmune diseases require closer monitoring， and prompt diagnosis through thyroid function tests is essential. Treatment typically involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy， with regular follow-ups to adjust dosages.
