From the Guidelines
Undertreated hypothyroidism can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications, including myxedema coma, which is why timely and appropriate treatment is crucial. Patients with undertreated hypothyroidism may experience a range of symptoms, including persistent fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness, joint pain, depression, and cognitive issues like brain fog and memory problems 1. Cardiovascular effects are also a concern, with elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease being potential consequences of undertreated hypothyroidism. Women may experience menstrual irregularities and fertility problems, highlighting the importance of proper thyroid function for reproductive health.
Some of the key health problems associated with undertreated hypothyroidism include:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- Cold intolerance and sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Constipation and digestive issues
- Dry skin and hair loss
- Muscle weakness and joint pain
- Depression and cognitive issues
- Cardiovascular effects, including elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease
- Menstrual irregularities and fertility problems in women
Proper treatment of hypothyroidism typically involves levothyroxine (synthetic T4) at individualized doses, with the goal of achieving optimal TSH levels and preventing complications 1. Regular monitoring of thyroid function is essential to ensure that treatment is effective and to prevent overtreatment or undertreatment, both of which can have negative consequences for the patient's health.
From the FDA Drug Label
In pediatric patients with congenital and acquired hypothyroidism, undertreatment may adversely affect cognitive development and linear growth Overtreatment or undertreatment with levothyroxine sodium tablets may have negative effects on growth and development, cardiovascular function, bone metabolism, reproductive function, cognitive function, gastrointestinal function, and glucose and lipid metabolism in adult or pediatric patients
Undertreated hypothyroidism can cause:
- Adverse effects on cognitive development
- Adverse effects on linear growth
- Negative effects on growth and development
- Negative effects on cardiovascular function
- Negative effects on bone metabolism
- Negative effects on reproductive function
- Negative effects on cognitive function
- Negative effects on gastrointestinal function
- Negative effects on glucose and lipid metabolism 2
From the Research
Undertreated Hypothyroidism Complications
Undertreated hypothyroidism can lead to various complications, including:
- Mental retardation and delayed milestones in infants 3
- Heart failure, infertility, and myxedema coma in adults 3
- Persistent symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and constipation 4, 5, 6
- Reduced quality of life and decreased ability to perform daily activities 5, 6
Treatment and Management
Effective treatment and management of hypothyroidism can help prevent these complications:
- Levothyroxine replacement therapy is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism 4, 5, 6
- Combination therapy with levothyroxine and triiodothyronine may be considered for some patients, but its effectiveness is still being researched 4, 6, 7
- Regular monitoring of thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and adjustment of medication dosage as needed is crucial for optimal management 3, 5