Why do people with hypothyroidism suffer from fear of cold and memory loss?

Memory loss, fear of cold, fatigue, and lack of energy are all typical symptoms at the onset of hypothyroidism. So why do people with hypothyroidism feel cold? What complications may occur if hypothyroidism is not cured for a long time?

Why do patients with hypothyroidism feel cold?

The regulation of body temperature relies on the coordination of the nervous and endocrine systems. Thyroid hormone plays an important role in this because it has a thermogenic effect and can increase the oxygen consumption of most tissues. When the outside temperature drops (such as in winter), the secretion of thyroid hormones increases, and heat production increases, which can keep the body temperature from dropping. Conversely, when the temperature rises (such as in summer), the secretion of thyroid hormones decreases, and heat production decreases, which can ensure that the body temperature does not rise with the increase in ambient temperature. But heat doesn't affect thyroid function as much as cold. In hypothyroidism, heat production decreases, basal metabolic rate decreases, and patients prefer heat to cold.

What complications may occur if hypothyroidism is not cured for a long time?

(1) Causes a variety of complications: heart failure, angina pectoris, pericardial effusion, anemia, menstrual disorders, infertility;

(2) Impact on the patient's appearance: rough skin, dry hair, myxedema, loose and swollen eyelids, and yellow complexion.

(3) Psychological trauma: patients with hypothyroidism feel depressed and lost, and their image is affected, which can lead to inferiority complex;

(4) Impact on interpersonal relationships: Patients with hypothyroidism are unwilling to communicate with others, which will affect the relationship between the patient and others;

(5) Impact on the health of offspring: If a female patient becomes pregnant during the course of the disease, it will not only increase the probability of the disease being passed on to her offspring, but will also affect the physical and intellectual development of her offspring.

Expert tips: Patients with hypothyroidism should keep a good mood, adhere to treatment, avoid too much mental stress, perform proper physical exercise, strengthen their physical fitness, and overcome the disease.