What if hypothyroidism goes untreated

In a study published in February in the journal Scientific Reports , researchers looked at data from wide-ranging voluntary health examinations performed on Taiwanese adults. This number includes participants with both subclinical hypothyroidism — in which TSH is elevated but thyroid hormone levels are normal — who were 2. Uncontrolled hypothyroidism can damage your peripheral nerves, which carry information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body.

One reason for this may be fluid retention, which puts excess pressure on the nerves. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy often include pain, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs, and may also include muscle weakness or partial loss of muscle control. But peripheral neuropathy is most likely to be caused by something other than hypothyroidism.

Mental and emotional difficulties are common in hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can also contribute to depression. In these cases, treatment with thyroid hormone can help reverse depressive symptoms.

In a study published in March in the journal Endocrine Research , people with subclinical hypothyroidism were given a depression assessment and then randomly assigned to take either thyroid hormone or a placebo inactive pill. After 12 weeks, depression scores improved significantly in the thyroid hormone group, but not in the placebo group.

In many women with hypothyroidism, menstrual periods become irregular and unpredictable. This can have a negative impact on fertility , as can the autoimmune problems that often cause hypothyroidism.

In a study published in January in the Endocrine Journal , 69 infertile women with subclinical hypothyroidism were given thyroid hormone treatment. After this, The earlier you start treatment, the less likely you are to experience long-term consequences. You will likely need to take a thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of your life. There are many different ways to treat hypothyroidism , including trying different thyroid medication types and taking combination therapy like T3 and T4 together.

Once you start medication, it can take some time to find the right dose for you. Within a few months, many people find the optimal dose for managing their symptoms and have stable thyroid hormone levels. Beyond taking thyroid hormones, you can support your thyroid with nutrition and lifestyle modifications. As mentioned, thyroid hormone significantly affects the cardiovascular system. The Rotterdam Study, a population-based, prospective cohort study, aimed to investigate thyroid function association with overall life expectancy and life expectancy with and without cardiovascular disease.

This study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association , suggests that people with low thyroid function live up to 3.

Furthermore, the study suggests that people with low thyroid function may live up to 3. There is some thought that a low-normal thyroid function may cause energy conservation. Other theories indicate there may be a genetic component linked to hypothyroidism that increases longevity.

This research has some limitations to consider. For instance, this study includes predominantly white people older than 45 years, so the findings require confirmation in other populations. Additionally, while the study included TSH and thyroid hormone, thyroxine T4 , it did not have data on triiodothyronine levels T3.

Heart disease is one of the primary concerns when it comes to life expectancy and thyroid disease. One study identified that both undertreating or overtreating hypothyroidism could increase heart disease risk, which is the leading cause of death in Americans.

Thyroid patients who consistently take the right dose of thyroid replacement medication can lead healthy lives and may even have increased longevity. However, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a decreased quality of life and increase your risk for long-term complications like heart disease. Schedule a consultation with a Paloma Health thyroid doctor to optimize your thyroid function to reclaim your health and improve your quality of life.

She believes managing chronic illnesses requires a balance of medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments. Free guide Claim your free guide to thyroid meds Check your mailbox for your guide. Does Hypothyroidism Shorten Life Expectancy? Learn about the longer-term consequences of untreated hypothyroidism in this article. Medically Reviewed by:. Only takes a few minutes. Reviewed by US physicians. Pain-free testing from home. Your Medication delivered.

Hypothyroidism can cause problems with the nervous system, such as muscle weakness or nerve injury. These can lead to:. People with untreated hypothyroidism may also be more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. Hypothyroidism reduces fertility in both men and women.

Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of sex hormones, which control the production of sperm and eggs. In men, low levels of thyroid hormones have been linked to erectile dysfunction, abnormal sperm shape, and decreased libido. Men with hypothyroidism often also have low levels of testosterone. Evidence from multiple studies suggests that menstrual problems are three times more frequent in women with hypothyroidism.

Variation in flow and irregular menstruation are the most common symptoms. Women with autoimmune thyroid disorder are also more likely to have infertility. Studies suggest that not enough thyroid hormones during pregnancy may cause problems. It can increase the risk of a miscarriage or other complications, like preeclampsia or preterm birth. That way, proper treatment can begin as soon as possible.

You may need to adjust the dose of thyroid medication frequently during pregnancy, so regular thyroid tests are important. If you notice symptoms of hypothyroidism, talk to your doctor. Being proactive and treating hypothyroidism early can help avoid any major complications. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. Whether you've just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or have been living with it for some time, there are certain things you should know about….

Myxedema is a result of undiagnosed or untreated hypothyroidism, or when someone stops taking their thyroid supplements. Learn more. Understand the link between your stress levels and your thyroid.