Why do patients with hypothyroidism develop non-pitting edema?
Aug 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Hypothyroidism generally refers to hypofunction of the thyroid gland. In patients with hypothyroidism, non-pitting edema may generally arise from slowed metabolism, abnormal mucopolysaccharide metabolism, insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones, kidney function impairment, pericardial effusion, and other related factors. If edema symptoms are significant or accompanied by other discomforts, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital.
Hypothyroidism generally refers to hypothyroidism. In general, patients with hypothyroidism may develop non-pitting edema due to slowed metabolism, abnormal mucopolysaccharide metabolism, insufficient thyroid hormone secretion, kidney function damage, pericardial effusion, and other reasons. If the edema symptoms are significant or accompanied by other discomforts, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a reputable hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Slowed Metabolism
Hypothyroidism slows down the body's metabolic rate, reducing the body's ability to excrete water and sodium, leading to fluid retention in tissue spaces and causing non-pitting edema. It is recommended to appropriately increase physical activity in daily life, such as walking and yoga, to promote metabolism, while reducing salt intake to avoid further retention of water and sodium.
2. Abnormal Mucopolysaccharide Metabolism
Hypothyroidism can affect mucopolysaccharide metabolism, causing their accumulation in subcutaneous tissues and absorption of large amounts of water, resulting in non-pitting edema. Thyroid hormone supplementation under a doctor's guidance can improve metabolic status, and maintaining a balanced diet to ensure intake of proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients is also important.
3. Insufficient Thyroid Hormone Secretion
Insufficient thyroid hormone secretion leads to systemic metabolic disorders, increased vascular permeability, and easy leakage of fluid into tissue spaces, causing edema. Thyroid hormone should be supplemented with medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, and enteric-coated levothyroxine sodium tablets under a doctor's guidance to correct metabolic abnormalities.
4. Kidney Function Damage
Long-term hypothyroidism may affect kidney function, leading to kidney damage, decreased glomerular filtration rate, reduced excretion of water and sodium, and worsening edema symptoms. Medications such as Baoling Capsules, Jinshuibao Capsules, and Niaoduqing Granules may be used under a doctor's guidance to protect kidney function, and regular monitoring of kidney function indicators is also necessary.
5. Pericardial Effusion
Severe hypothyroidism may cause pericardial effusion, leading to impaired venous return and subsequent systemic edema, including non-pitting edema. Prompt medical attention is required, and active treatment of the underlying disease should be carried out under medical guidance. If necessary, pericardial effusion should be relieved through procedures such as puncture and drainage to reduce edema.
In daily life, it is important to stay warm and avoid cold exposure; maintain regular作息 and ensure adequate sleep; keep a cheerful mood and avoid excessive anxiety; strictly follow medical advice for medication, and regularly review thyroid function, adjusting medication dosage according to test results to promote recovery.
