Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with risk factors like obesity, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Recent research has also linked a fatty liver to hypothyroidism.
Excess fat in the liver may accumulate and lead to inflammation and scarring of the tissue. In severe cases, a fatty liver may lead to liver cancer and liver failure. There are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing a fatty liver, such as a person’s lifestyle and certain medical issues.
Hypothyroidism is one health condition that has more recently been linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This article discusses how low thyroid function may lead to a fatty liver, how this condition is diagnosed, and what treatments may help.
Hypothyroidism is the medical term for an underactive thyroid. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located on the front of the neck. It secretes hormones to help the body with growth, development, and metabolism.
With hypothyroidism, a person does not have enough thyroid hormone. They may not notice symptoms right away, but over time, they may develop heart issues, high cholesterol, or other health concerns.
A fatty liver is part of a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also referred to as NAFLD. This disease is associated with certain health issues, including diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension.
On its own, a fatty liver is not necessarily harmful. Your liver typically has some fat in it. However, excess fat, over 5-10% of your liver’s weight, in your liver may cause inflammation, scarring, liver cancer, or liver failure.
There are four stages of the progression of fatty liver.
Stages of fatty liver
| Stage | Effects on liver |
| 1: steatosis (simple fatty liver) | buildup of fat cells; not harmful |
| 2: nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) | inflammation |
| 3: fibrosis | scar tissue around the organ and blood vessels |
| 4: cirrhosis | severe damage and scarring; may lead to liver failure or liver cancer |
People with hypothyroidism tend to have
As a result, hypothyroidism may cause NAFLD due to rising levels of LDL cholesterol combined with triglycerides in the liver tissue. When the fats accumulate in the liver, they cause oxidative stress and inflammation.
NAFLD may not have symptoms in the early stages. In fact, you may not experience symptoms for years. Some people may only discover they have a fatty liver through testing for other health issues.
If you do experience symptoms, they may include:
- discomfort around the top right of the abdomen
- confusion
- fatigue
- weakness
- weight loss
Hypothyroidism also causes symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, pain and stiffness in the joints, and muscle weakness. You may notice these before you notice symptoms from NAFLD, or the symptoms may overlap.
The first step to diagnosis is making an appointment with your doctor for a physical exam. At your appointment, your doctor will look for signs of insulin resistance, an enlarged liver, or clinical signs of cirrhosis. You will also discuss your symptoms and your health history.
Your doctor may order the following tests:
- blood tests to look for elevated liver enzymes called alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- imaging tests like an ultrasound, a CT scan, and an MRI scan to look for fat in the liver or signs of damage; elastography is another imaging test used to diagnose liver fibrosis
- biopsy of the liver tissue to determine how extensive liver damage is or to rule out other liver conditions
There are
For many people, lifestyle changes may help relieve symptoms or reverse NAFLD. Your doctor may also recommend the following lifestyle changes as
- losing weight
- limiting foods and drinks containing
excess amounts of fructose - limiting alcohol consumption
- engaging in regular exercise
Oral drugs to treat hypothyroidism-induced NAFLD are in
Outlook for people with fatty liver due to hypothyroidism can vary based on the stage of the disease and if certain lifestyle changes and treatments are effective.
If you’ve received a NAFLD diagnosis, it’s important to speak with your doctor about treatment and steps you can take to help lessen your symptoms and reduce any effects of the disease.
What does the liver do in the body?
The liver filters toxins out of the bloodstream. Other important liver functions include helping with digestion (breaking down nutrients from food), blood sugar regulation, and protein synthesis.
How common is NAFLD in people with hypothyroidism?
According to a 2021 study, the prevalence of NAFLD in people with hypothyroidism is between
Can a person reverse NAFLD?
The liver can repair itself, provided there isn’t any permanent damage. Some experts recommend that people between 7–10% of their body weight to see improvement.
Before losing weight, or making any big lifestyle changes, it’s important to speak with your doctor first. They may be able to recommend treatments that are better suited to your specific needs.
Approximately
Lifestyle changes can help and even reverse the effects on the liver in the early stages. Otherwise, work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that takes your thyroid function into account.
