Hypothyroidism - Complications

Other Health Effects of Hypothyroidism

The following medical conditions have been associated with hypothyroidism. Often the causal relationship is not clear in such cases:

Iron deficiency anemia.
Respiratory problems.
Kidney function.
Glaucoma. Some research has associated hypothyroidism with an increased risk for glaucoma.
Headache. Hypothyroidism may also worsen headaches in people predisposed to them.
Thyroid lymphoma. Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis are at higher risk for this rare form of cancer.
Joint stiffness. Women with hypothyroidism may actually have fewer problems with joint stiffness than women with normal thyroid

text continues below

Effects of Hypothyroidism on Infertility and Pregnancy

Most women with hypothyroidism fail to produce eggs, and, in fact, many younger women with hypothyroidism are diagnosed with the condition for the first time during a fertility evaluation. A pregnant woman with hypothyroidism has a fourfold risk for miscarriage. In one study, nearly 40% of women with a history of miscarriages and normal thyroid levels had antithyroid antibodies (immune factors that attack thyroid tissue). Those who remain hypothyroid near the time of delivery are in danger of developing high blood pressure and premature delivery. They are also prone to postpartum thyroiditis, which is said to be a contributor to postpartum depression.

Effects of Hypothyroidism on Infants and Children

Children of Untreated Mothers. Children born to untreated pregnant women with hypothyroidism are at risk for impaired mental performance, including attention problems and verbal impairment. Studies on the effects on children of women with subclinical hypothyroidism are less clear, with some reporting lower IQs in such children and other reporting no significant problems.

Effects of Hypothyroidism During Infancy. Transient hypothyroidism is common among premature infants. Although temporary, severe cases can cause difficulties in neurologic and mental development.

Infants born with permanent congenital (inborn) hypothyroidism need to receive treatment as soon as possible after birth to prevent mental retardation, stunted growth, and other aspects of abnormal development (a syndrome referred to as cretinism). It has been estimated that untreated infants can lose up to three to five IQ points per month during the first year. An early start of lifelong treatment avoids or minimizes this damage. Even with early treatment, however, mild problems in memory, attention, and mental processing may persist into adolescence and adulthood.