Thyroid gland is a small, butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It has an impact on different functions of the body. What is worrisome is when it releases too little thyroid hormone, a condition known as hypothyroidism or when it releases too much thyroid hormone, a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Thyroid Disorder
The symptoms of thyroid disease are similar to the symptoms of many other health conditions. The signs may go unnoticed for a long period of time. Symptoms may vary from person to person and can appear suddenly or very slowly, so it is difficult to detect them.
Thyroid disease is more commonly found in women. According to the American Thyroid Association [1] , around 12% of the people in the U.S. face thyroid disorders at least once in their life. Also, women are five to eight times more susceptible to thyroid problems as compared to men.
If you do not get your thyroid condition treated, it can have a deep impact on other organs, particularly, the heart. Also, it is difficult to live with the symptoms of thyroid. Some symptoms in women you must be aware of are given below:
1. Changes in Weight: If you have an underactive thyroid, the body functions including metabolism slow down. This results in an increase in body weight. If you have hyperthyroidism, it may lead to weight loss. Some women do not want to get treated for this as they think it is good that they are losing weight. But treatment must be sought. When the hormone is being produced in excess, it is not good for the body particularly the heart.
2. Abnormalities in Blood Pressure: Thyroid hormone has an impact on how fast or how slow the heart beats. If you have hypothyroidism, the heart will beat at a slower rate than normal. This will have an effect on various body functions and organs. If you have hyperthyroidism, heart starts beating at a much faster rate. These situations may cause heart failure. This stress for the heart can be dangerous.
3. Effect on Gut: With hypothyroidism, the working of gut also slows down. You may find that you are not making as many trips to the bathroom or feel that you suffer from constipation. When you have hyperthyroidism, you may have to go to the loo a lot and have liquid poops.
4. Tiredness: Hypothyroidism makes you feel tired. You may feel more tired after a day at work than what you used to feel earlier, or you may feel exhausted after workouts that you used to love. This can also lead to weight gain. Hyperthyroidism can also cause fatigue. It takes away that balance and control from your body.
5. Changes in Mood: Hypothyroidism may interfere with the working of the brain. It can affect the mood of an individual. Many women feel depressed and it may be difficult to say that depression may be due to involvement of thyroid. Depression can cause symptoms of hypothyroidism. In case of hyperthyroidism, people may feel anxious, irritated and have too many thoughts. These disorders can make you feel out of control. It is advised to go for mental health treatments like talk therapy, behavior therapy, etc.
6. Changes in Periods: If your periods are heavier than the normal, you may be suffering from hypothyroidism. Thyroid has an impact on the menstrual cycle, so when you have the condition, you will notice irregular period. In hyperthyroidism, you will experience much lighter periods and you may also miss periods for a few months.
7. Effect on Skin and Hair: Hypothyroidism can lead to dry skin and hair. If you feel there is lack of moisture and find that the hair is at the verge of breaking, it could be a sign of hypothyroidism. Both these conditions can cause hair thinning.
8. Weakness and Pain in Muscles: You may experience muscle pain, stiffness in joints, and weakness. This makes you even more tired and not want to remain active. If you are in tune with your body, you will feel something is off. If you haven’t done a workout, you should not feel tired and sore.
9. Brain Fog: Hypothyroidism can slow down the speed at which signals are sent and received by the brain. And it also decreases the speed at which the brain functions. Mind fog will hinder with your thinking abilities. This may come along with depression and mood changes.
10. Dryness or Puffiness Around the Eyes: Graves’ disease which results in hyperthyroidism can lead to protruding and puffy eyes. Irritated and dry eyes can happen in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
11. Sensitivity to Temperature: In hypothyroidism, slow blood circulation can cause you to become chilled when the temperature may not be so cold. In case of hyperthyroidism, you may find yourself sweating a lot more and being sensitive to the heat.
