Untreated, hypothyroidism may cause:
Thyroid problems in a pregnant woman can affect the developing baby. During the first three months of pregnancy, the baby receives all of its thyroid hormone from its mother. If the mother has hypothyroidism, the baby does not get enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to problems with mental development.
Extremely low levels of thyroid hormone can cause a life-threatening condition called myxedema. Myxedema is the most severe form of hypothyroidism. A person with myxedema can lose consciousness or go into a coma. The condition can also cause the body temperature to drop very low, which can cause death.
- Heart problems
- Infertility
- Joint pain
- Obesity