“What happens if hypothyroidism is left untreated?”
My 12 year old was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. What happens if hypothyroidism is left untreated?
3 Answers
It can cause multiple problems in his health as hair loss, dry skin, water retention, low blood pressure, low heart rate, constipation, growth delay, sexual development retardation, and mental retardation
DISASTER!!! IF UNTREATED IN A 12 YR. OLD BOY, HE WILL NOT GROW WELL & END UP VERY SHORT. HE WILL ALSO RETAIN A LOT OF FLUID SINCE THE HEART & KIDNEY WILL BE OPERATING AT A VERY LOW RATE. DAMAGE TO THE HEART & KIDNEY WITH UNTREATED HYPOTHYROID IS USUALLY PERMANENT & IRREVERSIBLE. HE WOULD THE LIKELY DIE FROM CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE & KIDNEY FAILURE. BE SURE HE TAKES HIS ONE PILL A DAY (NO BIG DEAL-I HAVE DONE IT FOR 27 YRS.) AND GETS THE THYROID LEVEL CHECKED REGULARLY SINCE WITH GROWTH THE DOSE WILL CHANGE. BUT NEVER STOP THE MEDICINE, SUCH CAN BE FATAL & HE'S TOO YOUNG TO DIE!!!!
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone deficiency can lead to poor growth, low energy level, fatigue, dry skin, constipation, irregular periods, weight gain, cold intolerance, hair loss, joint pain, poor memory, depression etcetera. In America it is mostly caused by an autoimmune process called Hashimatos thyroiditis. There are also other caused of hypothyroid such as iodine deficiency, after surgical removal or ablation of the thyroid for various reasons, hypopitiutarism, pregnancy, medications, congenital thyroid problems, etcetera. Hypothyroidism can emerge slowly from few months to many years.
Hypothyroidism is more common in females than males and is more common in the older age.
If frank hypothyroidism is left untreated it can lead to growth failure, abnormal period, heart problems, depression, chronic fatigue, joint pain, hair loss and many other medical issues including death.
Even though some hypothyroid patients may go in to remission after some time, the true hypothyroid patients need to be treated life time. Treatment is essential to maintain a healthy body and prevent the above mentioned complications.
Good Luck.
Hypothyroidism is more common in females than males and is more common in the older age.
If frank hypothyroidism is left untreated it can lead to growth failure, abnormal period, heart problems, depression, chronic fatigue, joint pain, hair loss and many other medical issues including death.
Even though some hypothyroid patients may go in to remission after some time, the true hypothyroid patients need to be treated life time. Treatment is essential to maintain a healthy body and prevent the above mentioned complications.
Good Luck.
