“Thyroid Symptoms in Females”
Thyroid hormones are created and produced by the thyroid gland and play a role in a variety of bodily systems. Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid produces too much or too little of these vital hormones. Thyroid disease can take several forms, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Before delving into the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorder in females, let’s have a look at the thyroid gland and understand what thyroid disease is.
The Thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is a small organ that wraps around the windpipe in the front of the neck (trachea). It's in the shape of a butterfly, smaller in the centre with two large wings that wrap over the side of the neck. The thyroid plays a critical role in the body, producing and regulating thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism. Metabolism is the process through which the food consumed is converted into energy. This energy is utilised all over the body to ensure that the body's systems are functioning properly.
T4 (thyroxine, which includes four iodide atoms) and T3 (triiodothyronine,which contains three iodide atoms) are two hormones produced by the thyroid that regulate metabolism. When your thyroid is functioning properly, it will produce the appropriate quantity of hormones to keep your metabolism running smoothly.
What is Thyroid Disorder?
Thyroid disease is a term for a medical condition in which your thyroid fails to produce enough hormones. When your thyroid isn't functioning correctly, it can have a negative impact on your entire body. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that occurs when your body produces too much thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your body produces too little thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism is when the body uses up too much energy since the body produces large amounts of hormones, leaving you feeling tired, increase in heartbeat, weight loss. Hypothyroidism on the other hand, is when you have too little hormones that it makes you feel tired, you may gain weight, and unable to tolerate cold temperatures.
Prevalence of Thyroid Disease in Females
Thyroid illness may affect anyone at any age, although it is more common in women. Iodine deficiency, which can lead to thyroid illness, affects 1 billion people worldwide. Thyroid illness affects about 200 million individuals throughout the world, but women are ten times as likely than men to have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
In India, thyroid dysfunction is frequent among young women. Thyroid dysfunction affected one out of every eight young women, with moderate TSH increase being the most prevalent anomaly. Simple (diffuse) physiological goitre is the most prevalent thyroid illness in the community. The prevalence of diffuse goitre decreases with age, with the highest frequency in premenopausal women, and a female-to-male ratio of at least 4:1. At least one thyroid nodule affects 76% of women.
In both men and women, asymptomatic autoimmune thyroiditis increases with age, and high amounts are more common in women than in men. Spontaneous hypothyroidism affects 1 to 2% of the population, and it is more prevalent in elderly women and 10 times more likely in women than in men.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease in Females
Fatigue and change in mood
Excessive feelings of tiredness might occur when your heart and blood pressure are not working properly. This is frequently linked to hypothyroidism and is often the first symptom of concern. Excessive sleeping or difficulty getting up and staying awake should be taken seriously. Thyroid problems can have a significant influence on your energy and mood. People with hypothyroidism often feel fatigued, sluggish, and unhappy. Anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and irritability are all symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Many women suffer depression, and it can be difficult to detect that the thyroid is involved because depression can cause some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can make you feel mentally and emotionally out of control.
Weight gain or loss
One of the most typical symptoms of a thyroid problem is an unexplained weight change. Weight gain might indicate low thyroid hormone levels, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Low thyroid function is indicated by rapid weight gain. You won't be able to burn the calories needed to maintain a healthy weight if you don't have the energy to function regularly.
In contrast, in hyperthyroidism, you may lose weight unexpectedly if your thyroid generates more hormones than your body requires. When you have too much energy, your metabolism will function at a breakneck pace. This will result in rapid weight loss.
Changes in heart rate
Thyroid hormones have an impact on almost every organ in the body, including the rate at which the heart beats. Hypothyroid patients may find that their heart rate is slower than usual.
The heart may race as a result of hyperthyroidism. It can also cause high blood pressure and a pounding heart, as well as various forms of heart palpitations. Blood pressure can rise when the thyroid is overworked and generating too many hormones, resulting in an increased heart rate.
Hair loss
Another symptom that your thyroid hormones are out of balance is hair loss. Hair loss can be caused by hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid disorder is treated, the hair usually grows back. Hypothyroidism causes your hair to become very dry. If you notice your hair is brittle and falling out, you may have hypothyroidism.
Feeling too cold or too hot
Thyroid problems can make it difficult to regulate one's body temperature. People with hypothyroidism may feel colder than usual. Even when it's absolutely warm outside and everyone else is OK, slowed circulation might make you feel chilly.
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, has the opposite effect, causing excessive perspiration and an aversion to heat.
Trouble concentrating
Hypothyroidism causes the synapses in your brain to slow down, reducing the pace at which your brain functions. Thyroid problems might manifest itself as a loss of attention, difficulty remaining focused, or forgetfulness. Long-term confusion might also be a problem. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cause concentration problems.
Muscle aches
Muscle pains, joint stiffness, and weakness are common symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, making you tired and unwilling to be active. Abnormal thyroid levels are sometimes linked to muscle aches all throughout the body. A thyroid issue is a potential reason if your muscle pains have recently started without any other evident causes.
Changes in menstrual cycle
Your thyroid has an effect on your cycle, so if anything isn't right, you'll notice differences in your period. If you notice that your period is becoming more irregular, heavier, or painful than before, or if you're having more emotional symptoms associated with PMS, it's possible that your thyroid is to blame.
Heavier periods are linked with hypothyroidism, while lighter or absent periods are linked to hyperthyroidism.
Dry or oily skin
Hypothyroidism is frequently connected with dry skin. Hormone levels drop when the thyroid doesn't respond as rapidly as it should, and this can cause skin to dry out as a result.
Hyperthyroidism is what causes oily skin. When your thyroid is overactive, your body produces too many hormones and, as a result, too many chemicals that keep your skin pores and hair follicles moist. Skin breakouts or acne can occur as a result of either of these symptoms.
Changes in the eyes
Thyroid problems can have a range of effects on your eyes. Dry eyes, wet eyes, red eyes, a "stare," double vision, trouble closing your eyelids, protruding eyes, or a change in vision are all symptoms of this condition. This is due to the fact that thyroid changes are frequently linked to immune system imbalances, which are closely connected to the ocular system. Bulging eyes are most commonly linked with hyperthyroidism.
Consult a doctor after you've identified the early indications of thyroid problems and believe you're experiencing these symptoms. The doctor may suggest medication or surgery as a treatment option.
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