Contents
The Symptoms of Thyroid Disease in Women
Thyroid disease disorders more than 27 million people in the United States, and according to the American Thyroid Association, 8 out of 10 of those affected are women. Understanding the symptoms of thyroid disease in women can help you detect and treat the condition before it becomes more serious.
What is Thyroid Disease?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck. It helps regulate your metabolism, body temperature, and many other bodily functions. When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough of a hormone called thyroxine, it can affect your whole body. This is known as hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Conversely, an overactive thyroid releases too much thyroxine and is known as hyperthyroidism. Both of these conditions can cause a variety of symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Disease in Women
Women should be aware of the common signs and symptoms of thyroid disease in order to catch it early.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy can be an early sign of thyroid disease.
- Weight Gain: Unexplained weight gain may indicate an underactive thyroid.
- Heat Intolerance: Overactive thyroids can make it difficult to handle hot temperatures.
- Muscle Weakness: One of the earliest symptoms can be an unintentional decrease in muscle strength.
- Frequent Bowel Movements: Those with an overactive thyroid may experience frequent bowel movements.
- Skin Changes: Dryness, yellow patches, and flushing are other common symptoms.
- Hair Loss: An underactive thyroid can cause hair loss from the scalp and other parts of the body.
Testing and Treatment
If you believe you may be experiencing one or more of the symptoms of thyroid disease, it’s important to see your doctor right away. The condition can affect women of all ages, so be sure to stay informed on the signs and get tested if you are concerned.
Your doctor can order a blood test to determine if your thyroid is functioning normally. Depending on the results, they may recommend a change in medication or lifestyle to help normalize your thyroid hormone level. Additionally, they may refer you to an endocrinologist for further testing or treatment.
Key Takeaways
It’s important for women to recognize the symptoms of thyroid disease. Common signs include fatigue, weight gain, heat intolerance, muscle weakness, hair loss, frequent bowel movements and skin changes. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor for a blood test in order to determine if your thyroid is functioning normally. If not, they can help you manage the disease with lifestyle changes or medications.
Take control and stay informed about the signs of thyroid disease in women. Early detection is key for managing the condition and building a better, healthier future with your doctor’s help.
Keywords: thyoid disease, women, symptoms, thyroid hormone, fatigue, weight gain, heat intolerance, muscle weakness, hair loss, frequent bowel movements, skin changes, blood test, endocrinologist.
