I was diagnosed in January, and have been taking meds for a few months now. Of course not taking my meds could lead to some negative health effects, but the medicine I'm taking (levothyroxine) has some really bad long-term side effects as well, as mentioned in this article, such as impaired diastolic function:
http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content…
I don't really know what to do. If I stop taking my medicine, I will be unhealthy. If I keep taking it, I will be unhealthy. What can I do?
Also should I keep taking my medicine? Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content…
I don't really know what to do. If I stop taking my medicine, I will be unhealthy. If I keep taking it, I will be unhealthy. What can I do?
Also should I keep taking my medicine? Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
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Yes it is true, but, if you read this lines from the article:
"Conclusions: Long-term levothyroxine treatment in young adults with CONGENITAL hypothyroidism is associated with impaired diastolic function and exercise capacity and increased intima-media thickness."
Congenital is if you borned with this hypothyroidism. To much difference, when hypothyroidism is adquired when you are an adult person.
Then, you should keep taking your levothyroxine tablets, without any scare.
The most of the times, the physician recomends 100 mg. daily dose.
But if you do not take your medicine, the symptoms comeback:Hypothyroidism signs and symptom may include:
Fatigue
Sluggishness
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Pale, dry skin
A puffy face
Hoarse voice
An elevated blood cholesterol level
Unexplained weight gain
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
Muscle weakness
Heavier than normal menstrual periods
Brittle fingernails and hair
Depression
When hypothyroidism isn't treated, signs and symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow, or you may feel depressed.
Advanced hypothyroidism, known as myxedema, is rare, but when it occurs it can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, decreased breathing, decreased body temperature, unresponsiveness and even coma. In extreme cases, myxedema can be fatal.
"Conclusions: Long-term levothyroxine treatment in young adults with CONGENITAL hypothyroidism is associated with impaired diastolic function and exercise capacity and increased intima-media thickness."
Congenital is if you borned with this hypothyroidism. To much difference, when hypothyroidism is adquired when you are an adult person.
Then, you should keep taking your levothyroxine tablets, without any scare.
The most of the times, the physician recomends 100 mg. daily dose.
But if you do not take your medicine, the symptoms comeback:Hypothyroidism signs and symptom may include:
Fatigue
Sluggishness
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Pale, dry skin
A puffy face
Hoarse voice
An elevated blood cholesterol level
Unexplained weight gain
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
Muscle weakness
Heavier than normal menstrual periods
Brittle fingernails and hair
Depression
When hypothyroidism isn't treated, signs and symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow, or you may feel depressed.
Advanced hypothyroidism, known as myxedema, is rare, but when it occurs it can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, decreased breathing, decreased body temperature, unresponsiveness and even coma. In extreme cases, myxedema can be fatal.
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You could die from hypothyroidism. You should keep taking it until you meet with your doctor to discuss your side effects.