When it comes to the thyroid gland, it could either be hyperactive or underactive when it functions abnormally. The thyroid gland is said to be underactive when it is not producing enough hormones as it is supposed to. This underproduction of the thyroid hormone is a condition called Hypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland with two lobes found in the front part of the neck. Each lobe of the thyroid gland is located on each side of the windpipe.
bosterbio.com lets us understand that the thyroid gland regulates the production of certain hormones which are necessary for the body’s metabolism. The thyroid hormone influences the following in the body:
●
Fertility
●
Body weight
●
Body temperature
●
Cardiovascular
health
Oftentimes in certain people, the thyroid gland becomes underactive and no longer produces these important hormones in the quantity that it should. This causes most bodily functions to slow down. If not found out early, hypothyroidism may lead to some health problems and complications.
BDNF Elisa kits can aid the assessment of hypothyroidism in its patients so as not to get to the complication stage before it is treated.
In its early
stages, Hypothyroidism may not show symptoms but as the condition progresses
the following symptoms can be noticed by its sufferer:
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Fatigue
●
Slurred speech
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Decreased heart rate
and mobility
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Intolerance to cold
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Abnormal weight gain
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Muscle pain, joint
cramps, and weakness
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Dry skin
●
Reduced sweating
●
Heavy periods
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Decreased bowel
movement that leads to constipation
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Anemia
●
Lowered libido
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Abnormal Increase in
cholesterol levels
●
Loss of balance and
coordination problems
●
Insomnia
●
Depression
●
Reoccurrence of
respiratory tract problems
Here are 7 Top complications of Hypothyroidism when left untreated
●
Infertility
●
Cardiovascular
problems
●
Nervous system
complications
●
Renal complications
●
Pregnancy
complications
Infertility
The thyroid
hormones are responsible for regulating the metabolism of sex hormones that in
turn regulates the production of eggs and sperm in women and men respectively.
Now, when thyroid hormone levels are reduced in men, they tend to develop
decreased sexual urges, erectile dysfunction, and abnormally shaped sperm. Men
who suffer from hypothyroidism are known to have low testosterone levels.
Hypothyroidism
in women has been linked to fluctuations in menstruation. Cases of menorrhagia
are increased in women with hypothyroidism. These variations in menstrual flow
are the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in females. Most women who
suffer from autoimmune thyroid disorder are known to battle infertility too.
Cardiovascular Problems
Research
discovered that hypothyroidism can reduce the amount of blood being pumped out
of the heart by 30 - 50%. Hypothyroidism may slow down pulse rate, weaken the
pulse and cause irregular heartbeats and this can impact negatively on your cardiovascular
health. Heart failure is associated with lowered levels of the T3 hormone.
The good
news is that most of these cardio problems caused by hypothyroidism can be
cured using the appropriate drugs for thyroid function correction.
Nervous system complications
The nervous
system is not left out of the wrath of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism causes
injuries to the nerve and muscle weakness. This may, in turn, cause the
following complications of the nervous system:
●
Movement problems
●
Breathing
difficulties
●
Speech problems;
speech may be slurred.
●
Hoarseness of the
voice
●
Pain and aches in
your hands and feet
If
hypothyroidism is left untreated the patient might suffer a severe nervous
system complication known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Renal Complications
Severe
hypothyroidism causes a decrease in the blood flow the kidneys receive. This
lowers the kidney’s function and you may experience the inability to absorb
sodium and excrete water. This inability to absorb sodium reduces blood levels
of sodium drastically.
These
complications can be fixed by the replacement of thyroid hormones. However, if
hypothyroidism is left untreated for a longer while, it may take longer to
recover from these renal problems.
Pregnancy Complications
Hypothyroidism
during pregnancy increases the woman’s risk to have a miscarriage and other
pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, etc. Always let
your doctor know of your pregnancy if you are suffering from hypothyroidism.
Treatment
Thyroid function tests known to be accurate are available for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Your doctor may use the synthetic thyroid hormone to treat your hypothyroidism.
This treatment option is one of the safest and most effective ways of treating
hypothyroidism. All your doctor needs to do is find the best dose for you and
it’s a goodbye to hypothyroidism.
Conclusion
Bottom line
is, never hide hypothyroidism away because it can get ugly. Ensure to let your
doctor know especially if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant while
suffering hypothyroidism so as to get the best treatments for such cases.
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