Studies show that mild negative health effects may occur even in case of subclinical hypothyroidism, a situation when patient exhibits no symptoms but blood screening shows signs of hypothyroidism. The good news is that hypothyroidism can be easily diagnosed and the treatment involves restoring normal functioning of the thyroid gland to produce hormones and eliminate the physical signs and symptoms of the disease. After the treatment patient is expected to live a normal life, from all harmful consequences. Goiter and iodine deficiency are still main problems in many underdeveloped and developing nations of the world and causing various types of mental retardation among millions of people.
Emergency situation
Hypothyroidism
There is a rare but very serious condition called myxedema coma, it leads to life-threatening situation for untreated hypothyroidism. Symptoms of this disease are severe drop in temperature of the body or hypothermia, decreasing in functioning of lung, constipation, delirium, urine retention, slow heart rate, stupor, seizures, fluid formation and finally coma. It is very rare, but untreated patients experiencing severe stress like surgery, infection or extreme cold may develop this dreaded disease. Specific drugs like painkillers, amiodarone, sedatives, lithium and narcotics increase the chances of hypothyroidism. Emergency treatment should be given to patient in such cases. Mortality rates may range between 30% to 60% with older patients and others possessing heart problems or hypothermia hold higher risks.
Another life threatening infection for untreated hypothyroidism is supportive thyroditis. This is again an infection of thyroid gland. This is a very uncommon condition as thyroid is usually immune to infection. Individuals already suffering with pre-existing thyroid disorder, like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, possess more than normal risk to develop it. This disease begins with upper respiratory infection. Symptoms may include rash, neck pain, fever, difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Emergency treatment is crucial.
How does hypothyroidism affect your mind?
Depression - Depression is a very usual but severe symptom in untreated hypothyroidism. Many psychiatrists believe that subclinical hypothyroidism too contributes for depression. These disorders may have some similar physiological basis. Including thyroid to antidepressants may fasten the recovery of depressed patient and even in few who do not have hypothyroidism. In older women hypothyroidism can be a cause of chronic depression.
Behavioural and mental impairment - behavioural and mental impairment can be caused due to untreated hypothyroidism, leading to dementia. The effectiveness of the treatment to reverse the problems in concentration and memory is doubtful. But experts believe that only mental impairment occurring at birth remains permanent.
Other effects of untreated hypothyroidism
The medical conditions that can be associated are:
o Respiratory problems
o Iron deficiency
o Glaucoma
o Kidney function
o Headache
o Joint stiffness
o Thyroid lymphoma
Infertility and pregnancy
Many women suffering from hypothyroidism are unable to produce eggs, many women discover about this disease during fertility evaluation for the first time. A pregnant female having hypothyroidism is four times probable to miscarriage. If the woman continues with pregnancy till delivery with untreated hypothyroidism, she has higher risk for premature delivery and high blood pressure.
Untreated Hypothyroidism - Treat it Before it is Too Late
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