FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam 2026 - Free NABP Practice Questions and Study Guide

The condition caused by extreme deficiency of thyroid secretion is known as myxedema. This term typically refers to a severe form of hypothyroidism in adults, which can result in symptoms such as swelling of the skin and underlying tissues, fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold. In cases of myxedema, the lack of sufficient thyroid hormones—primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)—leads to a slowing down of bodily functions and metabolic processes.

Myxedema can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening if not treated, as it can result in a variety of complications such as myxedema coma, characterized by extreme hypothermia, altered mental status, and respiratory failure. Treatment typically involves the administration of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

The other conditions listed are caused by different hormonal imbalances: hyperthyroidism results from excessive thyroid hormone production; hypoparathyroidism is associated with low levels of parathyroid hormone; and Cushing's syndrome is a result of excess cortisol production. Each of these conditions has distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments that differentiate them from myxedema.