What organs are affected by hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's needs. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck.

What other organs does the thyroid affect?

Thyroid hormone affects virtually every organ system in the body, including the heart, CNS, autonomic nervous system, bone, GI, and metabolism.

Can hypothyroidism affect other organs?

Untreated hypothyroidism can change how the nerves carry information to and from your brain, spinal cord, and body. This can cause a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Its symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, or burning in the affected parts of your body.

What body system does hypothyroidism affect?

Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland is underactive. It isn't making enough thyroid hormone. The most common cause is when your immune system starts to attack itself. It makes antibodies against the thyroid gland.

What organs are hypothyroidism?

What is Hypothyroidism? The thyroid gland is an important organ that regulates metabolism. The thyroid gland makes two forms of thyroid hormone – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is not producing enough of these hormones.

Endocrinology | Target Organs of the Thyroid

What is the most severe form of hypothyroidism?

Myxedema crisis (also called myxedema coma), the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It occurs when thyroid hormone levels get very, very low.

Can hypothyroidism cause kidney problems?

Summary. A growing body of evidence suggests that hypothyroidism is a risk factor for incident CKD, CKD progression, and higher death risk in kidney disease patients.

Can thyroid affect your stomach?

Digestive symptoms of an underactive thyroid can include dyspepsia (chest pain), low stomach acid, poor absorption, constipation, gallstones, anemia and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. The thyroid gland can have a significant impact on the gastrointestinal system.

How does hypothyroidism affect the heart?

Hypothyroidism can result in decreased cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, decreased arterial compliance, and atherosclerosis. Impaired cardiac muscle relaxation, decreased heart rate, and decreased stroke volume contribute to heart failure in hypothyroidism.

How does hypothyroidism affect the digestive system?

The thyroid targets enzymes like amylase and trypsinogen stored in your digestive system. The thyroid has trouble breaking down carbs, fats, and proteins without sufficient stomach acidity by not producing enough T3 hormone thyroglobulin.

Can hypothyroidism affect your liver?

Research published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggested that not only does the liver play a role in the chemical process that develops thyroid hormones, but untreated hypothyroidism can cause problems in liver function over time.

Are thyroid and liver problems related?

Liver diseases are also frequently associated with thyroid test abnormalities or dysfunctions, particularly elevation of thyroxine-binding globulin and thyroxine. Hepatitis C virus infection has been connected with thyroid abnormalities.

What can be mistaken for hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism often begins slowly. Symptoms can be mistaken for stress, depression, or other health problems.

What organs are affected by Hashimoto's?

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate many functions in the body.

What is considered a dangerously high TSH level?

Experts don't agree on which TSH levels should be considered too high. Some suggest that TSH levels of over 2.5 milliunits per liter (mU/L) are abnormal, while others consider levels of TSH to be too high only after they have reached 4 to 5 mU/L.

What happens if hypothyroidism is left untreated?

Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.

What does a thyroid storm feel like?

Symptoms of thyroid storm include: Feeling extremely irritable or grumpy. High systolic blood pressure, low diastolic blood pressure, and fast heartbeat. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

What foods trigger hypothyroidism?

These foods contain goitrogens or are known irritants if consumed in large amounts: Soy-based foods: tofu, tempeh, edamame beans, soy milk, etc. Certain fruits: peaches, pears, and strawberries. Beverages: coffee, green tea, and alcohol — these beverages may irritate your thyroid gland ( 27 , 28 , 29 )

Can hypothyroidism cause sinus problems?

Although hormonal causes like hypothyroidism have been proven to cause nasal congestion and rhinosinusitis, this is the first reported case of chronic rhinosinusitis in Hashimoto's thyroiditis in our center. This is a diagnosis of exclusion for chronic rhinosinusitis not responding to optimal medical therapy.

Can thyroid affect your bowels?

An overactive thyroid speeds up bodily systems, including digestion. You may notice more frequent bowel movements or even diarrhea.

How does hypothyroidism affect the brain?

Hypothyroidism is common in adults and is frequently associated with cognitive issues, such as increased forgetfulness, mental slowing and “brain fog”.

Can thyroid cause belly fat?

Weight gain

Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.

How does hypothyroidism affect the urinary system?

Loss of medullary hypertonicity in hypothyroidism results in impaired urinary concentrating ability of the kidney. [44] However, hypothyroidism causes a reversible increase in vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone or ADH) sensitivity of the collecting ducts, thus increasing free water reabsorption.

Does hypothyroidism make you pee a lot?

Thyroid hormones act on the gastrointestinal tract so an excess can cause more frequent bowel movements, including diarrhoea. Kidney function may also be affected, causing more frequent urination.

Can underactive thyroid cause bladder problems?

Bladder involvement may be the presenting symptom or may appear a few months after the onset of the thyroid disease and is responsive to proper medical therapy.