The implications of an untreated thyroid disorder
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- fast, forceful heartbeat
- tremors
- fatigue and muscular weakness
- weight loss in spite of increased appetite
- restlessness, anxiety and sleeplessness
- profuse sweating and heat intolerance
- diarrhea or frequent bowel movements
- changes in vision
- menstrual disturbances
- enlarged thyroid
"People [with hyperthyroidism] often say they have trouble climbing stairs," says Dr. Rosenthall. "And little things make them go off the handle."
4. A variety of factors can lead to thyroid disorders
According to the American Thyroid Association, "Worldwide, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is lack of iodine in the diet," but it can also be brought on with the use of certain medications or because of a disorder with the immune system.
Hyperthyroidism is most often caused by Graves' Disease (an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid). It can also be caused by overactive nodules or lumps in the thyroid.
5. Thyroid disorders are easy to treat
The good thing about having a thyroid disorder is that "it's common and it's easy to treat," says Dr. Rosenthall.
You can control hypothyroidism with medication and that usually means taking one thyroid hormone replacement pill every day for life. "Once the dose is stable, it rarely needs to be changed," says Dr. Rosenthall, although body changes like significant weight gain, pregnancy or menopause might require a change in dosage.
Treating hyperthyroidism varies more from patient to patient, but can include different types of medication, radioactive iodine or even surgery.
6. Left untreated, thyroid disorders can be damaging to other aspects of your health
"If you don't treat hypothyroidism, it can make your cholesterol high," warns Dr. Rosenthall. So although the symptoms themselves may not drag you down, they can be detrimental in the future and cause such complications as heart disease.
"Symptoms occur slowly. Your hormones take a while to affect different parts of the body," says Dr. Rosenthall.
An untreated thyroid disorder can also lead to:
- An enlarged thyroid (goiter) that can affect swallowing
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle weakness
- Clinical depression
If you experience some of the symptoms of a thyroid disorder, it's worth talking to your doctor about it to determine if further tests or medication may be necessary.
Find more articles on common diseases in the Women's Health section of Health & Fitness.
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