Hypothyroidism can affect body systems and organs
Heart may be enlarged Increased Diastolic blood pressure Anemia
Weak, stiff, aching muscles Dry skin, brittle nails Impaired linear growth .
Decreased. intellectual functions Pleural effusion, sleep apnea Decreased renal filtration
Constipation Decreased fertility Increased eye ball pressure
Hypothyroidism can affect all systems of the body, if not treated.
Cardiovascular system
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Cardiac output is reduced but peripheral vascular resistance is increased. |
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Diastolic blood pressure may be increased and pulse pressure decreased. |
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Heart may be enlarged and pericardial effusion may occur. |
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Sinus bradycardia, low amplitude 'p' wave ST segment alterations may be obvious on the ECG |
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Angina pectoris can occur rarely |
Central Nervous system
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| Deficiency in fetal /neonatal life leads to maldevelopment of CNS which is irreversible |
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| All intellectual functions are decreased. |
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| Lethargy, somnolence prevail. |
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| Headaches are frequent |
Skeletal system
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| Impaired linear growth occurs. |
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| Joint pain and stiffness |
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| In early life if hypothyroidism occurs epiphyseal dysgenesis is known to occur |
Muscular system
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| Stiffness and aching of muscles |
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| Slow muscle-stretch reflexes |
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| Muscle enlargement, or atrophy |
Gastrointestinal system
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| Appetite is decreased |
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| Gaseous distension of abdomen |
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| Constipation |
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| Rarely ascites is present |
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| Achlorhydria and pernicious anemia may be occasionally present |
Renal system
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| Decrease in GFR (Kidney Filtration Rate) |
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| Hyponatraemia |
Reproductive system
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| Sexual development may be arrested or it may be |
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| Decreased fertility or recurrent abortions |
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| In woman, decreased libido and anovulation are known to occur |
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| Menorrhagia, amenorrhea |
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| In man there is decreased libido or impotence and/ or oligospermia. |
Skin
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| Myxedemotus appearance (thickened features and puffiness) due to accumulation of mucopoly- saccharides on dermis and other tissues |
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| Non-pitting edema, localized-around the eyes, on legs / Generalized. |
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| Enlarged tongue |
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| Dry, coarse icthyotic skin |
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| Hair-dry and brittle |
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| Loss of scalp hair and /or lateral eyebrow hair |
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| Nails-brittle-break easily and grow slowly |
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| In central hypothyroidism these changes are not seen. |
Haemopoetic system
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| Microcytic /macrocytic anaemia can occur |
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| Capillary fragility is seen |
Pituitary and adrenal
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| Longstanding hypothyroidism causes increase in size of the thyroid gland Hyperprolactinaemia can be present |
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| Increased turnover of cortisol |
Respiratory system
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| Pleural effusion may occur in hypothyroidism, |
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| Obstructive sleep apnea is seen commonly |
Ocular System
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| Increased intraocular pressure (pressure of eye balls) |
Metabolic system
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| Low metabolic rate |
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| Increased lipids cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides |