11 complications of unpredictable dangerous thyroid failure need to know

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough important hormones. The disease occurs in both men and women with unpredictable complications such as goiter, infertility, edema . Therefore, it is necessary to have timely intervention methods to avoid consequences.

If hypothyroidism is not detected and treated in time, it will cause many troubles that affect the quality of life.

Complications of hypothyroidism encountered

Goiter

This is the first and most common complication of hypothyroidism. After a long process, the thyroid gland must try to work to produce deficient hormones, which can lead to enlarged thyroid.

Goiter is the first and most common complication of hypothyroidism.

Heart disease

There have been studies linking hypothyroidism to various complications such as abnormal heart rhythms, increased cholesterol levels and fluid accumulation around the heart, or pericardial effusion.

Hypothyroidism can lead to a decrease in cardiac performance, increased systemic vascular resistance, decreased arterial elasticity and increased atherosclerosis.

Infertility

If thyroid hormone deficiency is too low, it can affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation. If it happens for a long time will lose the ability to conceive and cause infertility in women.

Birth defects

For unfortunate pregnant women, the chance of birth defects is very high. That's why experts recommend that people have regular checkups, especially the thyroid.

Mental health risks

For mild neurological symptoms can be detected in subclinical hypothyroidism. For people with such symptoms, thyroid function testing is required.

Problems with puberty

For children and adolescents, if the thyroid is underperforming, they may face problems such as delayed puberty, underdeveloped intelligence, decreased academic performance, irregular menstruation .

Leg pain, muscle aches

When hypothyroidism causes aches and pains, paralysis due to metabolic and hormone secretion, the limbs become numb. People with hypothyroidism often feel tired, limbs and fatigue, so it is difficult to exercise and affect the daily life.

Nerve damage

Peripheral neuropathy is often caused by diabetes but can also be provoked by hypothyroidism. This disorder causes damage to the peripheral nerves - nerves that connect the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body.

Edema

This is a common complication. The patient may notice abnormal swelling of the face, nose and hands. If this condition persists, it can lead to other symptoms such as: nervous breakdown, drowsiness, decreased body temperature.

Pregnancy complications

If an underactive thyroid is not treated in pregnancy, there is a risk of problems such as:

• Preeclampsia - causes hypertension, fluid retention in the mother and growth problems in the child
• Anemia in the mother
• The thyroid gland performs poorly in children
• Postpartum bleeding
• Problems with the baby's physical and mental development
• Premature or low birth weight
• Stillbirth or miscarriage

Comatose

Poorly functioning thyroid gland can lead to a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma. This is where the thyroid hormone levels are very low, causing symptoms such as confusion, hypothermia and fatigue.

These treatments for hypothyroidism

• If temporary hypothyroidism is due to overdose of synthetic anti-thyroid drugs, simply reducing the drug is sufficient.
• If hypothyroidism is due to iodine deficiency, supplementation is required.
• In case the disease occurs due to pituitary anterior pituitary gland, it is necessary to add the necessary hormones.
• As for patients with permanent hypothyroidism, the need for lifelong thyroid hormone supplement.

Patients who are comatose due to hypothyroidism need intensive care and treatment in the intensive care unit. Regarding medication, high doses of thyroid hormone and glucocorticoid are required.

Foods that people with hypothyroidism should avoid

• Cabbage: This is a food to avoid for people with hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce the necessary hormones. These white vegetables may prevent the iodine from the thyroid from being absorbed.
• Soy: Rich in phytoestrogen hormone. A study has shown that high levels of estrogen (female hormone) reduce the ability to produce thyroxin - one of the two main thyroid hormones. Therefore should limit eating soy.

Soy reduces the ability to produce thyroxin - one of the two main thyroid hormones.

• Fatty foods: Fatty foods like butter, mayonnaise and animal fat are things to avoid as they reduce the amount of hormone produced by the thyroid.
• Foods high in sugar: Hypothyroidism reduces metabolism, so it becomes more difficult for the body to burn energy. As a result, you will gain weight, affecting the function of the thyroid gland.
• Caffeine-containing drinks: Caffeine reduces the effects of hypothyroidism drugs because it reduces the absorption of the digestive system.
• Alcohol: Has a serious harm to the thyroid gland, reduces the thyroid hormone production.

Hyperthyroidism - Causes, symptoms and treatment

Signs of thyroid disease are easily confused with everyday fatigue