Which disorder is best treated with medication containing thyroxine?

The disorder best treated with medication containing thyroxine is cretinism. Cretinism is a severe form of hypothyroidism that occurs due to a deficiency of thyroid hormones during early development. The lack of thyroxine (T4) during critical periods of growth can lead to significant developmental delays and various health issues, including mental retardation and physical deformities.

Thyroxine replacement therapy is essential for managing cretinism, as it provides the necessary hormone that the body is unable to produce adequately. This treatment can help normalize growth, cognitive function, and overall health in affected individuals, making it a crucial intervention.

In contrast, other options relate to different hormonal dysfunctions or metabolic conditions. Goitre is thyroid enlargement, often linked to iodine deficiency, while diabetes and hypoglycemia are conditions related to insulin and blood sugar regulation, which do not involve thyroxine treatment. Understanding these distinctions highlights why thyroxine is specifically beneficial for treating cretinism.