7 Top Complications Of Hypothyroidism

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:

●        Fatigue

●        Slurred speech

●        Decreased heart rate and mobility

●        Intolerance to cold

●        Abnormal weight gain

●        Muscle pain, joint cramps, and weakness

●        Dry skin

●        Reduced sweating

●        Heavy periods

●        Decreased bowel movement that leads to constipation

●        Anemia

●        Lowered libido

●        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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