TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Hypothyroid is a condition in which the thyroid does not produce the thyroid hormone the body needs. This condition causes the body’s metabolism to slow down, feeling tired, gaining weight and intolerance to cold temperatures. So, how is hypothyroidism treated?
According to the Cleveland Clinic on the clevelandclinic.org website, in most cases, hypothyroidism is treated by changing the amount of hormone which is no longer produced by the thyroid.
This treatment process is usually carried out using drugs, one of which is levothyroxine which is taken orally. This medicine can increase the amount of thyroid hormone the body produces.
What if hypothyroidism is not treated? According to Mayoclinic on its website mayoclinic.org, if left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, including:
1. Problems
Constant stimulation of the thyroid to release more hormones can cause the gland to become larger, giving rise to a condition known as a goiter. Although generally not uncomfortable, a large goiter can affect appearance, and may interfere with swallowing or breathing.
2. Heart problems
Hypothyroidism can also be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and heart failure, particularly because of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels or high levels of “bad” cholesterol.
3. Mental health problems
Depression can occur early in hypothyroidism and may become more severe over time. Hypothyroidism can also slow mental function.
4. Peripheral Neuropathy
Uncontrolled long-term hypothyroidism can cause damage to peripheral nerves. These are the nerves that carry information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, for example, the arms and legs. Peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the affected area.
5. Mixedema
Long-term and undiagnosed hypothyroidism can lead to life-threatening myxedema. Signs and symptoms include intolerance intense cold and drowsiness followed by lethargy and profound unconsciousness.
DELFI ANA HARAHAP
Read: Get to know the 2 main types of thyroid disease, here are the symptoms
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