Women And Thyroid Problems

Causes Of Thyroid Problems in Women

The thyroid gland exists in both women and men, but any doctor will tell you that women have more thyroid problems than their male counterparts. Medical researchers have not been able to determine why this is true. Women are also more likely to develop thyroid problems earlier than men. This article lists and describes the types of thyroid problems women may face at various stages of their lives.

Thyroid problems and menopause A type of thyroid problem known as hypothyroidism occurs most often in women entering menopause. Hypothyroidism is also commonly known as "low thyroid" or "underactive thyroid" because the thyroid gland produces lower amounts of thyroid hormones than is normal.

Women with hypothyroidism tend to enter menopause sooner: menstrual periods can be absent or become less frequent before age 40. Symptoms of thyroid problems in women during this time will resemble symptoms of menopause, including

• sensitivity to heat or warm temperatures,
• insomnia,
• mood swings.
• irregular or missing periods.

If a woman is diagnosed with hypothyroidism when these symptoms appear, and they are treated, problems may subside and regular menses may resume. This is important because normal menses produces female hormones that build and maintain bone mass, which can delay or prevent the onset of osteoporosis.

The menstrual cycle and thyroid problems Symptoms of hypothyroidism also resemble the effects of premenstrual syndrome, including

• bloating,
• constipation,
• depression, mood changes and irritability
• fatigue and a general sense of malaise
• lowered sexual desire
• trouble sleeping,
• unexpected weight gain.

Women with hypothyroidism may notice improvement in their PMS symptoms with thyroid hormone treatment. It is important to note that thyroid hormone medication only improves PMS in women with hypothyroidism because the decreased thyroid hormone levels exacerbate the existing PMS, it does not help most women with PMS only. Women who suffer from PMS should report their symptoms to their physician so that the thyroid function can be evaluated.

Thyroid problems and pregnancy According to recent research, approximately 1 out of every ten women will experience thyroid problems after pregnancy. Many of these women have other heath issues that may play a role, including insulin-dependent diabetes, pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and vitiligo or other autoimmune disorders. There's also some evidence that thyroid problems after pregnancy may contribute prematurely graying hair and postpartum depression.

Childhood, puberty and adolescence Thyroid problems can either cause puberty to occur early (called precocious puberty), or late (delayed puberty). It depends on the type of thyroid problem and whether thyroid hormone levels are high or low. If hyperthyroidism (high thyroid or overactive thyroid) occurs during childhood and before puberty, menstruation may be delayed until age 15 or later. If a woman has thyroid problems during early puberty, menstruation may start sooner than normal.

If hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is present during adolescence, puberty may be delayed. Hypothyroidism during adolescence may also be associated with decreased stature.

There are certain disorders related to the thyroid that can be caused by menstrual abnormalities during puberty or adolescence. For example, Turner's syndrome is a condition in which the ovaries do not form as they should and do not contain eggs. Young women with this disease is unable to menstruate unless they undergo hormone replacement treatments, and also have an increased risk of hypothyroidism.

Once puberty has ended, women who experience hyperthyroidism may have lighter periods or no periods at all. Women with hypothyroidism may experience more periods with heavier bleeding. These women are at higher risk for anemia.

Thyroid hair loss and women One of the most common symptoms of thyroid problems is hair loss, which can be particularly distressing for women. We have a separate article dedicated to the topic of hair loss and thyroid problems. Click on thyroid hair loss.