Olfactory changes due to hypothyroidism can signal nerve damage.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located above the collarbone and regulates the production of the necessary hormones. Its role is central to several basic bodily functions, including heartbeat, respiration, and metabolism. When it malfunctions, the nervous system can be affected, causing changes in the perception of smells by a person.
Some of the bodily changes associated with a poor thyroid condition occur in the nasal cavity.
“The connection between the thyroid gland and nasal cavity is real, not just random. This has been repeatedly confirmed by various investigators, ”says Antonina Gureeva, an endocrinologist, especially for MedikForum.
People with a diseased thyroid gland may notice physical changes in the appearance of their nose, which may become enlarged.
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hypothyroidism leads to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the mucous glands, causing them to swell.”
There is evidence that the body may also produce more connective tissue, known as cartilage, inside the nasal cavity. It is known that in addition to changes in the structure of the nose, a person's sense of smell suffers.
“Smell defects are a common clinical finding in primary hypothyroidism, suggesting that these defects may contribute to the often observed lack of food.”
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It is clear that this condition can significantly influence the perception of smell, weakening or even completely suppressing it. The occurrence of these neurological symptoms must be due to damage to the nervous system.
The fluid retention caused by hypothyroidism may occur due to pressure on the peripheral nerves. Peripheral neuropathy may develop, which is one of the most likely causes of impaired sense of smell.
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