What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Complications Linked To Hashimoto's Disease

If an underactive thyroid gland isn't treated properly, a variety of other health issues can develop. For this reason, it's important for Hashimoto's disease to be diagnosed and treated within a timely manner. When the thyroid is constantly stimulated, it can become enlarged, which causes the development of a goiter. Large goiters aren't usually uncomfortable, but they can interfere with appearance, breathing, and swallowing.

Individuals with Hashimoto's disease may also be at an increased risk of heart disease because of an increase in their 'bad' cholesterol. Underactive thyroid issues can cause depression to develop early and become more severe as time goes on. It also causes a decrease in libido for both women and men, along with slowed cognition. A rare and life-threatening condition called myxedema might develop. This condition first causes drowsiness, then profound lethargy, and finally a coma. Myxedema might be triggered by exposure to the elements, infection, sedatives, or other stress. There's also a higher risk of birth defects in babies born to mothers with untreated hypothyroidism.