As long as the patient remains on their hypothyroidism medication and takes it as it their healthcare provider prescribes, the prognosis for underactive thyroid is good.
FAQ
Does hypothyroidism affect life expectancy?
Due to the numerous body functions that hypothyroidism can affect (heart, kidneys, nervous system, etc.), untreated cases can affect an individual’s life expectancy.
What are the long-term effects of hypothyroidism?
Underactive thyroid can lead to a variety of health issues, including:
- cardiac problems,
- infertility,
- pregnancy problems,
- renal issues, and
- nervous system complications.
Can hypothyroidism be cured permanently?
There are some providers who believe lifestyle changes can reverse some forms of hypothyroidism. Currently, however there is no known cure for this disorder. That being said, there are plenty of treatment options that can help someone effectively manage the condition, such as medicine.The most popular medicine for treating hypothyroidism is levothyroxine, which is the synthetic (human-made) version of the natural hormone thyroxine (T4). That means that as long as the patient continues taking the prescribed medication, they should remain asymptomatic (symptomless).
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