Women prone to osteoporosis may have greater bone loss if they are treated with too much thyroid hormone. They, too, will be given a smaller dose. Usually hypothyroidism improves within a week after the hormone therapy is begun. All symptoms disappear within a few months. In most cases, however, you must continue this treatment for the rest of your life.
Mild hypothyroidism causes no symptoms.
If the disease progresses, however, it can become disabling over a long time if it is not treated. If not treated, long-lasting thyroiditis can cause goiter, a swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland may look or feel enlarged. Many people with hypothyroidism, especially older adults, don't seek medical treatment because they don't know they have a problem. They may accept their symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, dry skin, depression, cold intolerance, and constipation as signs of aging.