Q: I am a 64-year-old man and weigh 50 kg. Can hypothyroidism lead to complete loss of appetite and low blood pressure? My TSH level is 22 uIU/ml and T4 is 3 ng/dl. Can adrenal hormone be the cause? Should I go for a lipid profile test as well? I have been prescribed a dose of Eltroxin 100 mcg per day. I have started taking it a few days back. Is the dose of Eltroxin okay for me?

A:Hypothyroidism can lead to complete loss of appetite and low blood pressure especially in old age. The replacement with Eltroxin should be done slowly, starting with one-fourth of the dose and then gradually increasing to optimal dose to maintain normal thyroid function. Adrenal hormone is less likely to be responsible unless there is associated weight loss, pigmentation, etc.