Women are more likely to develop thyroid diseases than men, as 1 in 8 women may develop thyroid disorders during their lifetime. So learn about the most important symptoms of thyroid gland in women.

What is the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is an important organ in the human body that works to secrete thyroid hormone, which in its turn controls many body activities such as how fast the heart beats, and how fast the body burns calories. Thyroid diseases may cause hyperactivity of thyroid hormone secretion, or deficiency in hormone secretion.

Where is the thyroid gland located?

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck in front of the trachea, and the thyroid gland consists of two lobes, and contains cells inside them called cystic cells. These cells are responsible for secreting thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of the thyroid gland in women

Women are 5 to 8 times more likely to develop thyroid disorders than men. About 10% to 20% of women in their 30s may also have thyroid problems.

Women suffering from thyroid disorders may lead to the emergence of some health symptoms, which may differ from one person to another, and symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually. One of the most important symptoms of the thyroid gland in women:

Menstrual problems

The thyroid gland controls the menstrual cycle in women. Therefore, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may lead to disturbances in the menstrual cycle, such as making the cycle irregular, very light, or heavy. Thyroid diseases may also lead to stopping the menstrual cycle for several months, which may lead to early menopause.

Pain in the joints and muscles

Thyroid diseases may lead to muscle pain, with a feeling of weakness and stiffness in the joints. Which may negatively affect your daily activity, and make you feel more tired and uncomfortable.

Swelling and swelling of the lower body, such as the knees or the joints of the feet and ankles, may also be a symptom of hypothyroidism, or Graves’ disease.

Thyroid and weight change

Hypothyroidism in women may affect the movement of all body functions, including the metabolism process, which may lead to women suffering from weight gain.

In the case of symptoms of hyperthyroidism, women lose weight unjustified. Therefore, in the event of weight gain or loss as a result of thyroid disorders, affected women need to receive treatment in order to protect other organs of the body, especially the heart.

changes in blood pressure

One of the symptoms of thyroid disorders in women is also changes in blood pressure, as a result of the effect of thyroid hormone on the heart. In the case of an underactive thyroid gland, the heart rate becomes slower than usual.

In the case of hyperthyroidism, the heart rate becomes faster than normal. Either way, untreated hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can lead to heart failure.

Change in urination habits

One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in women is a decrease in the frequency of going to the toilet than the normal rate, or the incidence of constipation.

In the case of hyperthyroidism, affected women become more likely to go to the toilet at a higher rate than normal, and the stools may become less solid.

hair loss

Hair loss is a symptom of both conditions, whether hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. It may also be a symptom of hypothyroidism, thinning of the eyebrows, and loss of part of the eyebrow hair, especially from the outer edge of the eyebrows.

In addition, hypothyroidism may lead to dry skin, brittle nails, and hair loss. But it is worth noting that hair can grow back in most cases, after receiving appropriate treatment for thyroid disorders.

Fatigue and lethargy

Thyroid disorders, whether hyperactivity or hypothyroidism, may lead to a feeling of exhaustion and fatigue throughout the day. Where this disorder leads to an imbalance in your energy, and thus feeling more stressed than usual.

Mood changes

One of the symptoms of the thyroid gland in women is that women with hypothyroidism may experience depression and an inability to think clearly (mental fog).

While in the case of hyperthyroidism, affected women become more anxious and irritable than usual. Which in either case can make you feel as if you are out of control emotionally and mentally.

Dry Eye

Eye dryness or irritation without an obvious cause, such as allergies or medications, is a symptom of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. So if your eyes suffer from dehydration or seem more clear than usual, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Feeling very cold or hot

One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in women is feeling cold when the weather is completely warm, due to the effect of the lack of thyroid hormone secretion on the blood circulation, which makes it slower than usual, and thus feels cold.

In the case of hyperthyroidism, you may feel hotter than others, which makes you suffer from increased sweating.

Goiter

Thyroid enlargement may occur with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which may lead to swelling in the neck. Neck swelling may also be a sign of thyroid cancer.

Hypothyroidism and pregnancy

When women develop thyroid disorders, these disorders may also affect the ovulation process. Which may cause difficulty in getting pregnant. In the event that women suffer from thyroid diseases during pregnancy, this may lead to health problems for the mother and the fetus.

Do some women develop thyroid disease after pregnancy?

Usually 1 in 10 women develop thyroiditis several months after giving birth. When the thyroid gland becomes inflamed, this may lead to an overproduction of thyroid hormone, and then affected women may suffer from hypothyroidism until the gland heals, as a result of depletion of thyroid hormone.

Most women usually recover from this condition in a period ranging from several weeks to a few months. This does not mean that all women may suffer from both conditions together. On the other hand, about 5% of women may suffer from permanent hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer in women

Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men. Women become more susceptible to it in their forties and fifties. It may be difficult to notice any symptoms in the early stages of infection. However, with the development of cases, Symptoms of thyroid cancer may include the following:

• Pain in the neck and throat
• Neck swelling
• difficulty swallowing
• Cough
• Hoarseness or voice changes

Normal rates of TSH analysis in women

The TSH test measures the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood, which is produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Which is responsible for the process of regulating the amount of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.

The normal range for thyroid hormone levels is 0.4 to 4.0 mIU per liter. If you are already receiving treatment for thyroid disorders, normal levels are 0.5 to 3.0 milliIU per liter.

Higher-than-normal levels usually indicate hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland). A lower-than-normal volume may indicate hyperthyroidism. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis of the condition.

In the end, we must point out that sometimes menopausal symptoms are confused with thyroid symptoms in women. Therefore, a doctor should be consulted to determine the cause. Thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism, usually develop in postmenopausal women.