Thyroid Problems in Women: What You Should Know

While thyroid problems can affect anyone, women are five to eight times more likely to be impacted compared to men, according to the American Thyroid Association. Early diagnosis and treatment help you manage the condition and maintain your quality of life.

“A thyroid problem can cause issues almost anywhere in the body,” says Dr. Eve Ashby, a board-certified gynecologist who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care. “Fortunately, reliable tests can detect the issues early, and proper treatment can minimize their effects on your life.”

About Your Thyroid

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that produces thyroid hormone. This hormone helps control your heart rate and how quickly your body burns calories. It also affects nearly every organ in your body.

Thyroid disorders occur when your body makes too much or too little thyroid hormone. Common causes include:

• Autoimmune diseases — Conditions, such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease, attack the thyroid gland.
• Lack of iodine — Your body uses iodine to make the thyroid hormone. A lack can affect thyroid production.
• Treatment — Certain medications can lead to thyroid disorders in women. So can radiation therapy or surgery of the thyroid or surrounding areas.

Read More: Women’s Health Screenings by Age: Your Guide to Preventive Care at Every Stage of Life

Types of Thyroid Disorders

There are many issues affecting the thyroid gland. A few common thyroid problems in women include:

• Goiters — The thyroid gland swells, sometimes so much that it’s visible. A goiter may be a symptom of another thyroid disease.
• Hyperthyroidism — Also known as overactive thyroid, this causes your thyroid to produce excess thyroid hormone.
• Hypothyroidism — The opposite of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism occurs when an underactive thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.
• Postpartum thyroiditis — The thyroid becomes inflamed after giving birth. This condition can last up to a year.
• Thyroid cancer — Cells multiply abnormally within the thyroid gland. If not treated, it can spread to other nearby tissue and organs.

Read More: Managing Menopause: Treatments to Ease One of Life’s Inevitable Transitions

Risk Factors of Thyroid Disorders

Being a woman isn’t the only risk factor for thyroid problems. Others include:

• Family or personal history of thyroid issues
• Living with certain conditions, such as anemia or Type 1 diabetes
• Previous surgery or radiotherapy on the thyroid

Symptoms Women Experience With Thyroid Problems

“Detecting thyroid problems in women isn’t always easy,” Dr. Ashby says. “Symptoms depend on the specific disorder, occur anywhere at any age and often mimic other conditions or get mistaken for menopausal symptoms.”

A few symptoms indicating you may have abnormal levels of thyroid hormone are:

• Abnormally fast or slow heart rhythm
• Brain fog (forgetfulness, difficulty focusing and other issues)
• Depression, irritability or mood swings
• Feeling cold or hot
• Irregular, very light or heavy periods
• Long-term hoarseness or breathing or swallowing difficulties
• Swelling in the neck
• Weight gain or loss

Read More: What Your Irregular Heartbeat May Be Telling You

Detecting a Thyroid Problem

To diagnose a thyroid problem, your women’s health provider will review your medical history. You’ll discuss your symptoms and undergo a physical examination.

Depending on these findings, additional testing may be ordered. Tests used to detect thyroid issues include:

• Biopsy — A member of your care team removes a small sample of tissue from your thyroid. Laboratory experts then review the sample for abnormal cells. This is used to rule out or confirm cancer.
• Blood tests — Laboratory experts examine your blood for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This can help determine if your thyroid is working too hard or not enough.
• Imaging studies — Your care team may use an ultrasound, CT scan or nuclear imaging test to identify thyroid issues. Some tests use a small amount of radioactive material to highlight potential problem areas.

Read More: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Solutions for an Often-Silent Problem

Treating Thyroid Problems in Women

A woman with a thyroid problem can experience menstrual issues, difficulty conceiving, pregnancy complications, high blood pressure and other issues. Proper treatment limits the effects and helps improve your quality of life.

Treatment options include the following:

• Medication — A pill provides your body with extra thyroid or stops your thyroid production.
• Radioiodine — A radioactive medication destroys thyroid tissue to slow thyroid hormone production. This may lead to hypothyroidism.
• Surgery — A surgeon removes part or all of the thyroid. You may develop hypothyroidism afterward.
• Watchful waiting — Your team may watch your goiters or postpartum thyroiditis for a specific period of time. If the condition doesn’t resolve on its own, your care team will adjust your treatment plan.

“An issue with your thyroid can change your life, but there are very effective treatments that help you manage the condition or — in some cases — cure it altogether,” Dr. Ashby says. “The first step is to talk with your primary care provider anytime you notice abnormal symptoms.”

In Conclusion: Thyroid Problems in Women

It’s common for women to experience thyroid problems. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and maximize quality of life.

1. Thyroid disorders often present with symptoms that can be mistaken for other conditions, such as menopause.
2. Causes range from autoimmune diseases and iodine deficiency to prior medical treatments and chronic health conditions.
3. Early detection leads to tailored treatment that may include medication, surgery or watchful waiting.

Request an appointment with a Beaufort Memorial women’s health provider.