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What Happens If Hypothyroidism Is Left Untreated?

Disease and Condition:Hyperthyroidism
If hypothyroidism is not treated, it can lead to various complications
If hypothyroidism is not treated, it can lead to various complications

Ifhypothyroidismis not treated, it can lead to various complications, such as :

  • Goiter: The lack ofthyroid hormonecauses constant stimulation of the thyroid gland that eventually leads to its enlargement. This is called a goiter. Goiter can cause cosmetic concerns and affectbreathingand swallowing.
  • Cardiac (heart) problems: Hypothyroidism increases the risk ofheart disease, causes irregular heart rate andheart failure. Hypothyroidism increases the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)cholesterol, known as the "bad" cholesterol, leading to cardiovascular complications.
  • Mental healthissues:Depression, slow mental function, lethargy, and poor memory can occur and may worsen over time.
  • Peripheral neuropathy: Long-term untreated hypothyroidism can damage your peripheral nerves (in the arms and legs). Patients present withpain, numbness, and tingling in the affected areas.
  • Myxedema: This is a rare, life-threatening complication of long-term, untreated hypothyroidism. Its signs and symptoms include swelling of the face and facial parts like lips, eyelids, and tongue, as well as swelling and thickening of the skin and underlying tissues. Patients also have intensecoldintolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness.
  • Infertility: Low levels of thyroid hormone can interfere withovulationpresenting with irregular periods.
  • Birth defects:Babiesborn to women with untreatedthyroid diseasemay have a higher risk of being born with birth defects. The children also have a risk of serious developmental problems. Hypothyroidism in the mother may lead to mental retardation in the child.
  • Infants: Infants with untreated hypothyroidism present at birth are at risk of serious problems regarding physical and mental development.
  • Pregnantwomen: Untreatedhypothyroidism during pregnancyincreases the risk ofmiscarriage, premature delivery, andpreeclampsia(high blood pressurein the last trimester).

What is hypothyroidism?

甲状腺功能减退时发生甲状腺是联合国able to produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in front of the neck. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and thedigestive system. A decrease in the levels of the thyroid hormone causes several body functions to slow down. Hypothyroidism tends to affect women more than men. It can begin at any age, but commonly, it affects middle-aged women. Sometimes, hypothyroidism develops afterpregnancy. A thyroid problem may be diagnosed during blood tests or after symptoms begin.

There are several treatment options for hypothyroidism that are safe and effective.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism?

的年代igns andsymptoms of hypothyroidismin adults may include:

的年代igns and symptoms in babies include:

  • Yellow skin and eyes (prolongedjaundiceof birth)
  • A large, protruding tongue
  • Difficulty breathing and feeding
  • Hoarse cry
  • Poor muscle tone (a protruding tummy)
  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Physical and mental retardation in untreated infants
  • Delayed milestone development

的年代igns and symptoms in children and young adults are the same as adults, but in addition, they may also present with:

  • Poor physical and mental development
  • Short height
  • Delayed development of permanentteeth
  • Delayedpuberty

QUESTION

Where is the thyroid gland located?See Answer

What causes hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism may occur due to the following:

  • Autoimmune disease: Autoimmune disease (when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells) of the thyroid is also known asHashimoto thyroiditis.
  • Hyperthyroidismtreatment: Overtreatment ofhyperthyroidism(production of excessive thyroid hormone) can lower thyroid hormone levels.
  • 甲状腺手术: Removing all or a large portion of your thyroid gland.
  • Radiation therapy:Radiationtherapy used to treatcancerin the head and neck region can damage the thyroid gland.
  • Medications: Certain medications used in other conditions, such aslithiumfor psychiatric disorders, can affect the thyroid gland.
  • Congenital disease: Being born with a defective thyroid gland or no thyroid gland.
  • Pituitary disorder: Thepituitary glandproduces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone.
  • Pregnancy: Antibodies against the thyroid gland may develop during or after pregnancy (postpartum hypothyroidism).
  • Iodinedeficiency: Iodine is a mineral required in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Certain places are devoid of iodine in the soil. These regions are called goiter belts. Iodine deficiency in the foods in this region makes people prone to hypothyroidism.

How is hypothyroidism treated?

Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves thyroid hormone tablets to achieve normal TSH levels. This is achieved by the daily administration of synthetic thyroid hormone, levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is an oral medication, and the dose is adjusted by the physician based on the hormone levels in the blood. Most cases require lifelong treatment but testing at regular intervals is advised because the hormone levels in the blood fluctuate and the dosage needs to be changed accordingly.

A balanceddiet, using iodized table salt in food, and regular锻炼are recommended along with the medical treatment.

References
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000353.htm

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/122393-overview

https://www.thyroid.org/hypothyroidism/

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