If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (low level of thyroid hormones), it goes without saying that you have to take medicines regularly to manage the condition. If ignored or left untreated, it can lead to several health complications such as heart disease, infertility, and neurological problems[1].
Here is a list of common complications of hypothyroidism you should know about.
Goiter: Untreated hypothyroidism can put you at risk of goiter, a condition that causes enlargement of the thyroid gland. Low levels of thyroid hormones send a signal to the pituitary gland, which leads to the production of thyroid stimulating hormone. As the name implies, this hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, causing the gland to grow in size. This mechanism is mostly triggered by hypothyroidism caused due to iodine deficiency.
Cardiovascular problems: Not many people know that even the mildest form of hypothyroidism can have a significant impact on the heart health. Low levels of thyroid hormones can increase cholesterol levels in the blood, which in turn can put you at risk of heart disease. High levels of cholesterol can cause narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels known as atherosclerosis, thus increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
An underactive thyroid can also cause an excess buildup of fluid in and around the heart (pericardial effusion), which makes it difficult for the heart to pump out blood. A 2007 study published in the journal Circulation[2] revealed that the volume of blood pumped by the heart in every beat was decreased by 30 to 50 percent. Moreover, low levels of T3 hormones can also lead to heart failure.
Kidney disease: Severe hypothyroidism can decrease the blood flow to the kidneys thereby impairing the organ function. This, in turn, can affect your ability to excrete water and absorb sodium from the urine. As a result, it leads to unusually low levels of sodium (sodium deficiency). Moreover, thyroid hormone also has a significant impact on the growth and development of the kidneys.
Neurological complications: Long-term and uncontrolled hypothyroidism can affect the functioning of both the peripheral and central nervous system. An underactive thyroid can cause peripheral neuropathy, damage the peripheral nerves. This can cause symptoms such as numbness and tingling sensation, muscle weakness and pain in the limbs (arms and legs).
According to a research[4] study, around 40% of kids and adolescents with congenital hypothyroidism (suffering from low levels of thyroid hormones since birth) suffer from cerebral dysfunction which impacts gait and motor function.
Infertility: Low levels of thyroid hormone can impact fertility. In women, hypothyroidism can interfere with ovulation and cause menstrual irregularities which can cause infertility. In men, an underactive thyroid is known to cause abnormal sperm morphology and erectile dysfunction.
Pregnancy complications: Uncontrolled hypothyroidism in pregnant women can not only cause complications in pregnancy and delivery but also impact fetal growth and development. In pregnant women, it also increases the risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure and its complications during pregnancy), premature delivery, abortion, postpartum depression, and hemorrhages. It also leads to intrauterine fetal death, fetal retardation (physical as well as mental), and fetal congenital abnormalities. This can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality in both mom and babies.
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Myxedema: It is a rare but life-threatening condition that is resulted from a long-term and undiagnosed hypothyroidism. It is characterized by intense cold intolerance, lethargy, drowsiness, and unconsciousness. If not treated on time, it can lead to a condition known as myxedema coma. Hence, it is advised to seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Hypothyroidism is undoubtedly one of the most common health problems in India. With a prevalence rate of around 7.3%[5], it is a common thyroid disorder that affects both men and women. So it goes without saying that if you are suffering from hypothyroidism, you must ensure that you take medicines on time to manage your condition. In addition to medication, exercising regularly can help you to stay active and lower the risk of complications due to thyroid dysfunction. Eating a diet rich in Vitamin D, lean proteins and low fat also plays a key role in ensuring your thyroid levels are maintained well in control.
If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, then make sure sure strict diet restrictions are followed along with proper intake of medicines, and regular testing to ensure proper functioning of the thyroid gland. And if you experience any symptoms, then do not hesitate to consult your doctor immediately and resolve the issue to prevent health complications.
Recommended Reads:
5 Simple Diet Tips For Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism: Are You Making These Common Mistakes With Your Medication?
References:
1. Goiter. American Thyroid Association.
2. Klein I, Danzi S. Thyroid disease and the heart. Circulation. 2007 Oct 9;116(15):1725-35. Review. Erratum in: Circulation. 2008 Jan 22;117(3):e18.
3. Mariani LH, Berns JS. The renal manifestations of thyroid disease. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012 Jan;23(1):22-6.
4. Kotwal SK, Kotwal S, Gupta R, Singh JB, Mahajan A. Cerebellar ataxia as presenting feature of hypothyroidism. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Apr;60(2):183-5.
5. Velayutham K, Selvan SS, Unnikrishnan AG. Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among young females in a South Indian population. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Nov-Dec;19(6):781-4.
6. Gude D. Thyroid and its indispensability in fertility. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2011 Jan;4(1):59-60.
7. Cho MK. Thyroid dysfunction and subfertility. Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2015 Dec;42(4):131-5.
8. Tudosa R, Vartej P, Horhoianu I, Ghica C, Mateescu S, Dumitrache I. Maternal and fetal complications of the hypothyroidism-related pregnancy. Maedica (Buchar). 2010 Apr;5(2):116-23.
9. Rizzo LFL, Mana DL, Bruno OD, Wartofsky L. [Myxedema coma]. Medicina (B Aires). 2017;77(4):321-328.