Without treatment, hypothyroidism can lead to various medical issues, such as heart and kidney problems, nerve issues, or goiter. Low thyroid hormone levels can also interfere with fertility and pregnancy.

The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces hormones. These play a key role in how the body uses energy. As thyroid hormones support the function of several organ systems, people who do not manage their symptoms effectively may experience complications across their bodies.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management with supplementary thyroid hormones.

This article explains complications that may occur if hypothyroidism goes without treatment.

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Goiter occurs when the thyroid gland swells, leading to a lump in the throat. It is the result of thyroid overstimulation, as the body tries to increase levels of thyroid hormone, or thyroxine.

Goiters due to hypothyroidism tend to grow slowly, according to a 2023 reviewTrusted Source. However, goiters may press against the windpipe if they grow too large.

A daily thyroid hormone supplement can help restore thyroid hormone levels and prevent further goiter growth. However, some people with goiter may have too much scar tissue to reduce thyroid swelling to a typical size.

Some kidney symptoms of hypothyroidism are similar to the effects of kidney disease.

According to a 2022 case study, hypothyroidism can cause several different problems with the kidneys, including:

  • reduced blood flow to the kidneys
  • narrowing of the small blood vessels inside the kidneys
  • less ability to filter waste and remove excess fluid from the body
  • increased water retention, meaning the body holds onto more water
  • weaker control of sodium levels

In the case study, supplementing thyroid hormone resolved these acute kidney symptoms.

A small 2023 studyTrusted Source found that kidney function significantly improved after treatment. Healthcare professionals may test thyroid function if a person shows symptoms of kidney disease.

Hypothyroidism can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease unless they receive treatment. Low thyroxine levels can trigger an increase in blood cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, which means deposits of fatty plaque can build upTrusted Source on the artery walls. This narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow, making it harder for the heart to pump blood around the body.

People who have high cholesterol may benefit from a test for hypothyroidism, as they may not know they have thyroid problems.

Untreated hypothyroidism may lead to problems with cognition, or thought processes.

One 2021 study of 130 individuals found that 34.7% of peopleTrusted Source with a hypothyroidism diagnosis who were not taking medication to manage the condition experienced memory loss and concentration difficulties. Anxiety and depression may also develop.

However, a 2022 reviewTrusted Source of eight studies, including data from over 1 million people, found mixed results around hypothyroidism and cognition.

The researchers concluded that there was no general link between hypothyroidism and cognitive problems. However, they stated that people who have blood vessel issues due to hypothyroidism may have a higher risk of issues with cognition. They highlighted a possible connection between thyroid hormones and blood supply to brain regions responsible for memory.

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage toTrusted Source nerves outside the central nervous system, leading to pain, itching, and loss of reflexes.

More research is necessary to understand the link between peripheral neuropathy in people with untreated hypothyroidism, which is rare. However, a 2021 case studyTrusted Source suggests that it might occur due to the breakdown of nerve covers called myelin and axons, which are parts of the nerve that communicate with other nerves.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Low thyroxine levels can disrupt the menstrual cycle, contributing to reduced fertility in females.

Without treatment, hypothyroidism may interfereTrusted Source with egg production due to an imbalance in important sex hormones in ways that include:

  • high prolactin levels, which can affect ovary function
  • cycles that do not produce eggs
  • an altered luteal phase, which can affect levels of a sex hormone called progesterone and reduce the likelihood of pregnancy

Hypothyroidism-induced infertility can be reversible with thyroid hormone supplementation, according to a 2020 reviewTrusted Source.

Myxedema is an extremely rare but life threatening condition that can occur due to severely low thyroxine. It can lead to symptoms such as confusion, low body temperature, and sleepiness.

Recognizing myxedema early is vital for recovery. Other symptoms include:

  • reduced breathing capacity
  • mobility issues
  • sudden hair loss
  • delayed ability to relax reflexes
  • rapid switches between high and low blood pressure
  • swelling in the abdomen
  • a buildup of stool in the colon
  • slow heart rate
  • dry, doughy, cool skin
  • swelling under the skin

Myxedema requires emergency in-hospital treatment and an intravenous infusion of thyroxine replacement medication via the vein. Depending on which symptoms occur, an individual might also need breathing assistance, steroid medication, or antibiotics. Myxedema may have a mortality rate ranging from 20% to 60%Trusted Source, even after a person receives intensive care.

A person with hypothyroidism will need to take a manufactured form of thyroxine for the rest of their life.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source has approved a synthetic drug called levothyroxine to supplement thyroid hormone levels. However, unapproved extracts from pig thyroid, called desiccated thyroid extracts, are also available. Due to a lack of FDA approval, no regulation ensures that the dosage is the same in each tablet.

Regular blood tests will help a healthcare professional decide the correct dose of thyroid medication. People may receive a lower dose at first, then build up depending on how the body responds. Symptoms may take a few months to improve.

The following are answers to some questions people frequently ask about hypothyroidism.

How long can you go without treating hypothyroidism?

No studies have examined the exact amount of time a person can manage their hypothyroidism after stopping medication. However, symptoms will generally start to return soon after stopping.

Levothyroxine has a half-life of around 7.5 daysTrusted Source, during which time half of its active components lose their effect. Hypothyroidism symptoms may start to return shortly after this time. Factors that may affect the continuing effect of recently-taken levothyroxine include age, dosage, and disease severity.

What are the worst symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Myxedema is the worst complication of untreated hypothyroidism and can be fatal. However, it is a rare complication.

This causes symptoms across the body, includingTrusted Source:

  • confusion
  • lethargy
  • hypothermia
  • breathing issues
  • movement problems
  • alopecia
  • nerve issues
  • quick changes in blood pressure
  • swelling in the abdomen
  • fecal impaction
  • slow heart rate, also known as bradycardia
  • dry, doughy, cool skin
  • swelling under the skin

Hypothyroidism requires lifelong treatment using supplementary thyroid hormones. Those who do not start treatment or discontinue it may experience goiter, heart and kidney issues, infertility, nerve damage, and problems with cognitive function. In extremely rare but severe cases, a person might experience myxedema, which can be fatal.

People with concerns about thyroid hormone supplement side effects need to speak with a healthcare professional instead of suddenly stopping the use of thyroid medications.