Admin_NHT Staff asked 6 years ago Myxedema (edema-swelling), refers to the appearance of a patient suffering from advanced hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland produces the hormones T3 and T4(thyroxine), which are required for maintaining the basal metabolic rate of the body. An absence of thyroxine resulting from autoimmune destruction (Example Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) or due to surgery, medications(Lithium which is used as an antipsychotic) or radiation may lead to hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency or excess, pregnancy, may also cause myxedema. Often, on sudden withdrawal of thyroid medications as well, myxedema may occur. It leads to facial puffiness and periorbital swelling, along with enlargement of the neck(goitre), and thickening of the skin, especially, the lower extremities (due to deposition of polysaccharides).