Thyroid Issues in Women
Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of your neck that’s responsible for producing thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones affect every cell and all the organs of the body. They also affect your body’s metabolism in many ways, including how fast you burn calories, how fast your heart beats, and how you lose or gain weight.
When it’s functioning properly, your entire body works properly. When the thyroid produces too many thyroid hormones, your body uses energy too quickly, a condition called hyperthyroidism.
When your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone, your body feels sluggish, a condition called hypothyroidism.
Women have a significantly higher risk for thyroid issues than men. One reason for this is that thyroid disorders are often triggered by autoimmune responses (when the body’s immune system starts to attack healthy cells), which are more common in women. Other reasons women are more susceptible to thyroid disorders include fluctuating hormones during puberty, menstruation, and menopause.
Common signs and symptoms of thyroid issues in women
Hyper- and hypothyroidism are two common thyroid issues in women. Their symptoms include:
Hypothyroidism
Common symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained weight gain
- Depression
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin and hair
- Muscle aches
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid can cause several symptoms. However, it’s unlikely for one person to experience all of them at the same time. The following symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly and can be mild or severe:
- Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
- Difficulty staying still (hyperactivity)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Rapid heartbeat
- Mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Persistent fatigue
- Sensitivity to heat
- Muscle weakness
- Diarrhea
- Increase in urination
- Persistent thirst
- General itchiness
- Low libido
An overactive thyroid can also cause physical signs such as:
- Swelling in your neck
- Irregular or unusually fast heartbeat
- Twitching or trembling
- Excessive sweating
- Red palms
- Loose nails
- Patchy hair loss or thinning
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vision problems
Treating thyroid issues in women
Hyperthyroidism can be treated in several ways depending on your age, physical condition, underlying cause, and the severity of your condition. The following are commonly known treatment options:
- Radioactive iodine
Most adults with hyperthyroidism in the United States are treated with radioactive iodine, however, it is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Radioactive iodine is taken orally in either pill or liquid form. When it enters the bloodstream, it locates and eliminates the overactive thyroid cells. After 3-6 months, symptoms lessen, and the final result is permanent low thyroid activity, which can then be corrected with thyroid supplements. - Anti-thyroid medicine
These medications cause your thyroid to produce fewer thyroid hormones. Symptoms typically improve within 6-12 weeks, but treatments can last for up to a year. - Surgery
A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a large portion of the thyroid gland, often resulting in hypothyroidism, which can be corrected with thyroid supplements. - Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and reduce tremors and anxiety. They can be used on their own or with other types of thyroid treatment.
Treating hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can be as easy as taking a daily hormone replacement to raise your thyroxine levels. If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to severe medical conditions like heart disease, goiter, certain pregnancy problems, and a rare but life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma.
If you’d like to learn more about how hormonal changes can lead to thyroid issues in women, and what SynergenX can do to alleviate your symptoms, call 888.219.7259 to talk with a specialist provider or schedule an appointment today.