Consequences Of Hypothyroidism If Untreated

Hypothyroidism is usually a lifetime disorder that needs ongoing medication using synthetic levothyroxine. The treatment guarantees that you have adequate amounts of thyroid hormones. If the condition is left without treatment the low levels of thyroid hormone will take its toll on the body, causing slow general metabolic rate. Listed here are several of the implications of an untreated instance of hypothyroidism.

The thyroid hormones are crucial in the operation of the heart as they help in regulating the heart rate and output. Thyroid hormones relaxes the heart muscles ensuring that it is capable to pump correct amount of blood around the body. Low levels of thyroid hormones is threatening to the heart as it may decrease the heart rate considerably. As a result, the blood vessel walls become rigid and blood pressure rises, and may result in hypertension.

For the brain, an under active thyroid can result in depression due to its devastating effects on those afflicted with it. Left with no treatment, it can also result in the deterioration of the brain and lead to dementia, wherein the person has a difficult time concentrating and recalling past events.

The reproduction system is additionally vulnerable when hypothyroidism is left with no treatment. For women, it can have an effect on the ovulation process resulting to unpredictable menstrual cycles. Pregnant women with hypothyroidism confronts a huge chance of miscarriage. It can also compromise the development of the fetus. As a result, it may result in birth defects on infants born to mothers with hypothyroidism and cause their stunted developmental growth.

The worse case scenario for an untreated event of hypothyroidism is a serious, life-threatening condition known as myxedema coma. The symptoms of this condition are hypothermia, decreasing functioning of the lung, constipation, delirium, urine retention, slow heart rate, stupor, seizures, fluid formation, and eventually coma. It is a rare state that may be induced by enduring extreme stress like extreme cold, trauma, stroke, heart failure, infections, and surgery. Other medicines like phenothiazines, amiodarone, lithium, and tranquilizers, as well as extented iodine exposure may also trigger this condition. Myxedema coma is an emergency state and immediate medical treatment is very necessary. Even though it is a rare condition, mortality rates are very high, which range from 30% to 60% with older patients.