Side Effects of Hypothyroidism

The Side effects of hypothyroidism are caused as a result of having an underactive thyroid. People can experience both short and long term effects ranging from extreme tiredness to heart disease. Over the next few minutes we will discuss how these hypothyroid side effects can damage your body and what you can do to combat them.

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What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is an illness that targets people all around the world. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is not producing sufficient hormones. This results in your metabolism system slowing down, weight gain, loss of hair, sensitivity to cold, water retention, and a host of other symptoms.

Although these symptoms are better known and understood by both doctors and patients, the side effects of hypothyroidism are less understood.

What are the Major Long Term Side Effects of Hypothyroidism?

#1 - Increased Infection

You are more likely to have serious infections if your thyroid gland is not working properly. With an underactive thyroid, you have greater risks of developing bacterial and viral infections. Your thyroid hormones help control your cell's metabolic rate.

#2 - Miscarriages

Another one of the side effects of hypothyroidism in women is miscarriages and infertility. Studies have shown that women, who have underactive thyroids during pregnancy, have more miscarriages than women who don't.

#3 - Heart Disease

This could be the most serious of all side effects of hypothyroidism. Heart disease kills an average of two people every minute in the United States. Heart disease is the number one killer of adults, too.

An underactive thyroid can cause heart problems by raising the cholesterol level. On the positive side, if hypothyroidism is treated early, it can usually eliminate the risk of heart disease that is caused from your thyroid.

#4 - Myxedema

Myxedema is a serious, life-threatening disease. It can finally cause Myxedema Coma. However, Myxedema is not that common, because it usually happens when you have had hypothyroidism for a long time, and it was never treated.

#5 - Circulation Problems

Hypothyroidism can cause circulation problems too. This usually comes in the form of leg cramps and problems with your heart due to restricted blood circulation. Another problem with bad circulation is that your skin often becomes dry and cracked.

#6 - Goiter

This is probably one of the more recognized side effects of hypothyroidism. It is usually recognized by swelling at the front of a person's neck. However, in the early stages, the size can be quite small. There are many reasons why a person gets goiter. It can be caused from not getting enough iodine, thyroiditis, throat cancer, and other hereditary reasons.

#7 - Depression

One of the commonly overlooked side effects of hypothyroidism is depression. Hypothyroidism and depression alters brain activity, and causes the body to act in a lethargic manner. Depression normally happens in the beginning stages of hypothyroidism, and if left untreated, it can cause serious complications in the future.

In Conclusion...

The Side effects of hypothyroidism are difficult to diagnose as an underactive thyroid. The symptoms are so broad; they could be the result of other diseases. The only way to be sure, is to have your doctor do bloodwork to check for the disease.