Most women who keep tabs on issues related to women’s health have likely heard of diseases associated with the thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck which is part of the endocrine system that produces hormones. Thyroid disorders can arise when your thyroid gland produces too much (hyperthyroidism) or not enough hormone (hypothyroidism). Common thyroid gland disorders include Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, goiter, and thyroid nodules.
What is it?
One of those diseases, Hashimoto’s results in an under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). It is an autoimmune condition that mostly affects women between the ages of 40 and 60.
Who gets it?
Even though middle-aged women are the best candidates for Hashimoto’s diseases, there is nothing that prevents it from showing up in younger women, men, or even children. You are at high risk of getting it if it runs in your family, as it is hereditary, or if you have another autoimmune disease—such as Type 1 diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.
People who have been exposed to high levels of environmental radiation are also more likely to develop Hashimoto’s diseases. Of course, you are in the highest risk bracket if you have already had some type of thyroid surgery.
Symptoms
Sometimes the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease can go unnoticed for years. The first sign can be an enlarged or swollen thyroid, usually combined with unexplained weight gain, prolonged and/or heavy menstruation, fatigue and depression, sensitivity to cold, constipation, hair loss and brittle nails, muscle weakness and joint pain, and even memory lapses.
Treatment
Since Hashimoto’s is a disease that affects the production of hormones in your body, it is usually treated with daily hormone intake—levothyroxine, the hormone that your thyroid gland would normally produce. In this way, the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) will slowly start to stabilize. Hormonal intake can take a long while to act in the body, so it may be several months before the symptoms begin to wane.
Consult your doctor in case your dose needs to be adjusted as your TSH levels can change due to pregnancy, heart disease, or if you take menopausal hormone therapy.
More
Your thyroid is a small gland that is critical for regulating a variety of bodily functions. Several conditions can affect the thyroid and cause a variety of complex symptoms. If you believe you may be experiencing any of the thyroid problems described below, make an appointment to speak with your doctor.
Hypothyroidism
A condition marked by an underactive thyroid that affects approximately 4.6 percent of people 12 years old and older. When your thyroid underproduces the hormones that control your metabolism, you may experience:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Slowed heartbeat
- Slowed reflexes
- Dry skin
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Coma
Hyperthyroidism
A condition in which your thyroid overproduces hormones, resulting in such symptoms as:
- Weight loss
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Insomnia
- Rapid heartbeat
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Increased sweating
- Shaking
- Thin skin
- Brittle hair and nails
- Muscle weakness
Hyperthyroidism affects about one percent of women and is less common in men.
Goiter
Swelling of the thyroid. Goiter may be the result of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Goiter may appear on one or both sides of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid Nodules
Also called toxic nodular goiter or multinodular goiter, the condition is marked by small growths that develop in the thyroid. The nodules are typically round and move with the gland when you swallow or roll underneath your fingertips when examining the area. When benign, they rarely cause associated complications.
Graves’ Disease
An autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of hormones. Graves’ Disease can cause swelling of the tissue around the eyes, hyperthyroidism, and sometimes skin issues. One notable symptom is the appearance of bulging eyes. It affects approximately 70 percent of people with an overactive thyroid. Graves’ disease is hereditary and is most common in women ages 20 to 30. Other risk factors include smoking, stress, and pregnancy.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, it is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and slowly destroys the thyroid gland and its ability to produce hormones. As a result, the thyroid becomes inflamed. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause hypothyroidism and goiter and affects approximately 14 million Americans. Mild cases of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may cause no noticeable symptoms. In more severe cases, symptoms may include mild weight gain, fatigue, depression, constipation, dry skin or hair, pale skin, puffy face, and irregular menstruation in women.
Thyroid Cancer
The development of cancerous nodules in the thyroid. Often thyroid cancer is treatable and curable.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with these common thyroid problems, talk to your doctor. He or she can perform tests to determine if your thyroid is to blame for your symptoms and can prescribe treatment.
More
Most women who keep tabs on issues related to women’s health have likely heard of diseases associated with the thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck which is part of the endocrine system that produces hormones. Thyroid disorders can arise when your thyroid gland produces too much (hyperthyroidism) or not enough hormone (hypothyroidism). Common thyroid gland disorders include Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, goiter, and thyroid nodules.