Hypothyroidism refers to a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. The Mayo Clinic says that symptoms of hypothyroidism includes fatigue, constipation, muscle weakness, joint swelling and depression. Other symptoms of this condition include high levels of cholesterol, heavier menstrual periods and brittle fingernails. Left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to certain effects.
Goiter
Hypothyroidism can lead to goiter. The Mayo Clinic says that goiter refers to a medical condition in which the thyroid gland gets larger. It says that specific symptoms of goiter include swelling at the neck, throat tightness, coughing, trouble swallowing or trouble breathing. Goiter can also lead to hoarseness.
Risk factors for developing goiter involve being 50 years old and older and being female. Other risk factors involve taking immunosuppressant, antiretroviral medications and being exposed to radiation.
Treating goiter involves having a physician monitor the thyroid gland so that it doesn't get larger. Also, taking medications such as levothyroxine or radioactive iodine can be used to manage goiter. Sometimes, surgery may be used to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
Coronary Heart Disease
The Mayo Clinic says that hypothyroidism can lead to increased levels of low-density lipoprotein, also known as bad cholesterol. This can increase an individual's chances of developing coronary heart disease.
MedlinePlus says that coronary heart disease is a condition in which the smaller blood vessels leading toward the heart become constricted. Specific symptoms of congestive heart failure include chest pain that may be heavy or squeezing in nature. Fatigue and shortness of breath are other symptoms of coronary heart disease.
Coronary artery disease is due to atherosclerosis, a condition in which cholesterol builds up in the blood vessels.
Treating coronary heart disease involves taking such medications as beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, nitrates, statins and calcium channel blockers. Other treatments for coronary heart disease involve surgery and a procedure to place a tube-like structure into the blocked blood vessels to keep it open. Also, avoiding smoking, exercising daily and eating a healthy diet can help manage coronary heart disease.
Infertility
Hypothyroidism can also lead to infertility because low levels of thyroid hormones (which are responsible for body metabolism) lead to the lack of ovulation (egg release).
The Mayo Clinic says that 10 to 15 percent of couples in the United States are infertile.
Medications such as clomiphene, follicle-stimulating hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, metformin and bromocriptine are often used. Sometimes, surgery and in-vitro fertilization can also help couples to become pregnant.
