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Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
Thyroid disease, if left untreated, can cause serious health problems. The complications are different in cases of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism can lead to various complications, affecting the cardiac health, bone health, reproductive health and eyes. It can lead to hypertension, arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat, such as atrial fibrillation), blood clots, stroke, cardiac dilation (increase in the size of the heart cavities, which actually thins the heart muscle), congestive heart failure and other heart-related problems. It can also cause an eye disease called Graves’ ophthalmopathy, menstrual cycle and fertility issues, thinning of bones, osteoporosis, and muscle problems.
In rare cases, Graves’ disease can develop into Graves’ dermopathy, causing redness and swelling on the skin often on the shins and feet. Lastly, hyperthyroidism can lead to thyrotoxic crisis. It is a condition in which there is a sudden intensification of your symptoms, leading to a fever, a rapid pulse and even delirium. This condition requires urgent attention.
Hypothyroidism can cause a range of complications, including goitre. It is a condition that may interfere with swallowing and breathing, mental health issues like depression, damage to peripheral nerves causing pain, numbness and tingling in affected areas, especially arms and legs, etc. Goitre also increases the risk of heart failure, infertility, birth defects, miscarriage or premature births. This condition can even lead to myxedema coma, which is a rare life-threatening condition. It can cause cold intolerance, lethargy and drowsiness leading to unconsciousness. Myxedema coma requires urgent medical attention.
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