What is myxedema in hypothyroidism?

Myxedema is an accumulation of mucin (a gel-like substance) in the skin, which is a hallmark sign of profound hypothyroidism. It can cause the face and legs to look swollen or 'inflated,' often being mistaken for fat gain.

How long does it take for hair to grow back after thyroid diagnosis?

Hair loss (telogen effluvium) can continue for months even after starting treatment. Significant regrowth, including eyebrows and eyelashes, typically begins once the correct dose and mix of thyroid hormones have been stabilized over several months.

Are body aches and forgetfulness normal signs of aging?

No. While often dismissed as 'just aging,' symptoms like chronic fatigue, body aches, and forgetfulness are common non-specific signs of hypothyroidism that deserve thorough clinical evaluation beyond a simple TSH test.

Hypothyroidism Update - six months of treatment since diagnosis

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Last clinically reviewed by Joy Y. Erdile, MSc, RD on April 23, 2026.

Introduction

This update marks just over six months since I was diagnosed with profound hypothyroidism and began medication and nutritional treatment. It is written from a subjective perspective and thus is categorized as part of my personal story, “A Dietitian’s Journey.”

At the beginning of June 2022, our family was in Tofino for the marriage of my youngest son. The groom’s eldest brother assumed that my inability to walk on the sand for family photos or to get up out of a chair was a result of me having “aged.” He had no idea that I was hiking for several hours at a time just the summer prior.

Hypothyroidism physical changes I knew something was wrong. For several months, I assumed my exhaustion and joint pain were carry-over effects from Covid. But a photo taken just before the wedding told me it had to be something else. Gradually, I went from looking fit after losing 55 pounds to looking like I had regained everything. I later found out it wasn’t fat, but an accumulation of mucin in the skin—a hallmark sign of myxedema. You can read more about those skin changes here.

The Challenge of Diagnosis

Two weeks after the wedding, my doctor confirmed a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. It had actually taken almost a decade to get diagnosed because of the limitations placed on which tests doctors can requisition. There is also the reality that the most common symptoms are often dismissed as “just aging.”

Many believe it is normal for older adults to have body aches, fatigue, constipation, or forgetfulness. These are not typical signs of aging; they are common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Because these symptoms are so non-specific, they often go unaddressed in short medical appointments.

Addressing Hair Loss and Recovery

My diagnosis was just the beginning. Three months later, I lost half my hair due to telogen effluvium, a form of diffuse hair loss that can occur after profound stress or thyroid disorders. When the loss continued due to androgenic alopecia, I began researching nutrients with evidence for restoring hair growth, which I wrote about here.

Six month recovery update This past weekend was my second son’s wedding, and the difference is incredible. Instead of medical compression stockings and orthopedic shoes, I wore regular dress pumps. While it will still take time for the mucin to fully resolve, my face and legs no longer look swollen and “inflated.” I felt human again and wasn’t self-conscious in family photos.

Being on the correct dose and mix of thyroid hormones has made a significant difference. My hair is gradually growing back, and I even have eyelashes and eyebrows returning. I hope that by the time these newlyweds celebrate their first anniversary, the residual symptoms will be entirely behind me.

Final Thoughts…

If you have wondered if your symptoms are consistent with hypothyroidism, you can download a checklist of signs and symptoms to help you have an informed discussion with your doctor.

To your good health!

Joy

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LEGAL NOTICE: The contents of this blog, including text, images, and cited statistics, are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this content.

Joy Erdile, MSc, RD

I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the owner of BetterByDesign Nutrition Ltd. With a postgraduate degree in Human Nutrition and a background as a published mental health nutrition researcher, I have been dedicated to supporting my clients’ clinical needs since 2008.

I hold active professional licenses in BC (CHPBC), Alberta (CDA), and Ontario (CDO), allowing me to provide regulated Medical Nutrition Therapy across these provinces. My expertise spans chronic disease management, complex digestive health, and therapeutic diets. I am deeply passionate about helping people reclaim their health, rooted in my firm belief that Nutrition is BetterByDesign©.