According to the Office on Women’s Health, one in eight women will suffer from a form of thyroid disease in their lifetime. Thyroid disorders in women can be particularly problematic, as they affect the balance of hormones in the body. This, in turn, can affect puberty, fertility, pregnancy, and menstruation. Let’s talk more about thyroid disorders in women below.
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid causes hyperthyroidism. This can lead a woman to Graves’ disease. If you have an overactive thyroid, you will find it hard to gain weight. If you have Graves’ disease, you will suffer from arrhythmia, nervousness, protruding eyes, and excessive sweating.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. In this case, the thyroid is underactive. Hypothyroidism can be caused by an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland. The signs of hypothyroidism include depression, growth problems, tiredness, and weight gain.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
This thyroid disorder is also an autoimmune disorder. Unfortunately, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis inflames the thyroid gland and causes goiter. Goiter is a swelling in the neck that is caused by a swollen thyroid gland. Other symptoms include constipation, fatigue, and cold sensitivity.
Thyroid Growths
Most thyroid growths are not cancerous. They are adenomas and nodules that grow on the thyroid gland. In some cases, the adenomas may increase the production of thyroid hormones and cause hyperthyroidism. In some cases, these growths may be removed.
Thyroid Cancer
If you have had radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest, you have a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. Thankfully, if caught in time, thyroid cancer is usually treatable. The four types of thyroid cancer are anaplastic, follicular, medullary, and papillary thyroid cancer.
Pregnant Hypothyroidism
You may end up with hypothyroidism while you are pregnant. The reason why is that your body passes your thyroid hormones to your baby. The baby needs the thyroid hormones for proper growth and development in the womb. This can be treated with proper medication.
Postpartum Thyroiditis
If you’ve just had a baby, your thyroid gland may get inflamed. This is called postpartum thyroiditis. The resulting inflammation can send your thyroid into overdrive (hyperthyroidism) or slow it down (hypothyroidism). The inflammation generally goes away 12 to 18 months after birth.
We can test your thyroid hormones to make sure you are producing the correct amounts. If you are producing too many thyroid hormones, you are suffering from hyperthyroidism. If you are not producing enough thyroid hormones, you have hypothyroidism. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
