Thyroid Disorders in Women: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

The thyroid gland may be small, but it plays a massive role in your body’s well-being.

If you experience unexpected weight gain, mood swings, or a change in menstrual cycles, your thyroid could be the cause. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other health issues or even overlooked as part of aging.

However, it is important to identify and address these issues, especially for women, who are five to eight times more likely than men to develop thyroid conditions.

In this blog, we will explore the role of the thyroid, types of thyroid disorders, and common symptoms women should not ignore. We will also cover how our comprehensive approach can help diagnose and manage these issues.

Key Takeaway

With a thyroid disorder, you may experience persistent fatigue, sudden weight gain or loss, irregular menstrual periods, changes in mood, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, sensitivity to cold or heat, and changes in heart rate. These signs should not be ignored. Schedule a consultation to take control of your thyroid health.

What Is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck.

It is a part of the endocrine system, which controls and regulates many of your body’s functions. Specifically, your thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and even bone health.

When your thyroid function becomes imbalanced, it can affect nearly every system in your body.

Types of Thyroid Disorders

1. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
   In hypothyroidism, the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. This condition can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
   Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone, leading to symptoms such as rapid heart rate, weight loss, excessive sweating, and anxiety.
3. Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis)
   An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading to hypothyroidism over time. Symptoms often include hair loss, cold intolerance, and brittle nails.
4. Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer
   Thyroid nodules are lumps in the thyroid gland, which can sometimes be cancerous. Regular screening is vital to monitor thyroid nodules for any signs of thyroid cancer.
5. Postpartum Thyroiditis: A condition where the thyroid gland becomes inflamed within the first year after giving birth or after having a miscarriage or an abortion. This inflammation affects the thyroid’s ability to regulate hormones, which can lead to periods of hyperthyroidism and/or hypothyroidism.

Signs of Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders can manifest through a variety of symptoms. 

Here are common signs that may indicate an issue with your thyroid:

Physical Symptoms

• Weight changes: Unexpected fluctuations in weight, without alterations in diet or physical activity, may indicate a thyroid hormone imbalance.
• Changes in heart rate: Rapid or irregular heartbeat can indicate hyperthyroidism, while a slow heart rate may suggest hypothyroidism.
• Menstrual irregularities: Abnormal menstrual cycles, heavy periods, or changes in frequency can often be linked to thyroid hormone imbalances.
• Cold or heat intolerance: If you find yourself feeling unusually cold or warm, this could be a sign of either underactive or overactive thyroid function.
• Other noticeable symptoms: Dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, and coarse hair can all indicate thyroid issues.

Mental and Emotional Symptoms

• Mood swings and anxiety: Unexplained mood swings, irritability, or feelings of anxiety are common in hyperthyroidism.
• Depressed mood and fatigue: Hypothyroidism can often cause persistent fatigue, brain fog, and a depressed mood.
• Sleep issues and hot flashes: Sleep disturbances and hot flashes, particularly post-menopause, can sometimes be traced back to thyroid imbalances.

Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders at Madison Integrative Medicine

If you suspect you have a thyroid issue, comprehensive testing is necessary. We offer in-depth thyroid evaluations to provide an accurate diagnosis:

• Thyroid function tests: We measure T3, T4, Free T3, Free T4, and TSH levels to assess thyroid function and hormone levels accurately.
• Thyroid antibody tests: Testing for thyroid antibodies can reveal autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

With these tests, our team can determine the exact nature of your thyroid condition and provide personalized treatment options.

Treatment Options for Thyroid Disorders

Once your thyroid disorder has been identified, our integrative approach focuses on treating the root cause and managing symptoms through both medical and lifestyle changes.

1. Hormone therapy: For those with underactive thyroid, we offer thyroid hormone replacement to restore normal thyroid function.
2. Lifestyle changes: Dietary adjustments, exercise, and stress management techniques can support thyroid health and improve energy levels.
3. Holistic and natural therapies: Alongside medical treatments, our approach includes holistic therapies that focus on boosting overall well-being and maintaining a balanced thyroid function.

FAQs About Thyroid Health in Women

Schedule a Consultation Today!

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or have a history of thyroid disease, book a consultation to learn about holistic thyroid management. 

Book an appointment today with Blake Gilliam, CRNP, and take control of your thyroid health!

Our wellness clinic is located at 1230 Slaughter Rd Suite C. Call (256) 325-0955 to schedule an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.