Which symptom best reflects hypothyroidism?

• A. Heat intolerance and moist skin
• B. Hypertension and tachycardia
• C. Cold intolerance and dry skin
• D. Weight loss and warm skin

Answer: (C)

The main concept being tested is how hypothyroidism slows metabolism and alters heat regulation and skin condition. When thyroid hormone is low, the body's metabolic rate drops, producing less heat, so you become cold more easily. Dry skin comes from reduced sweating and slower skin turnover, plus less overall perfusion. This combination—cold intolerance with dry skin—best reflects a state of low metabolic activity like hypothyroidism.

Signs like heat intolerance with moist skin point to the opposite situation (excess thyroid hormone). Hypertension and tachycardia are also associated with hyperthyroidism or increased sympathetic activity, not hypothyroidism. Weight loss with warm skin is another hyperthyroid picture. So the cold intolerance and dry skin pairing aligns most closely with hypothyroidism.