Thyroid has become one of the major problems of women in the world. For those who don’t know much about this disease, this article will bring information regarding the same. 1 in 8 Indian women will suffer from thyroid in her lifetime and so it becomes utmost important for us to share some ight on it.
The thyroid gland produces a hormone called thyroid, which controls various activities in the body. It controls everything from how fast you burn calories to how fast your heart beats. Diseases are always related to the quantity of this hormone produced- in excess or in less amounts.
WHAT IS THYROID?
Thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland which is found at the base of the neck (right below the Adam’s Apple). This gland produces thyroid hormone which travels in your blood to all parts of the body. It controls your metabolism and heart rate.
THYROID AND WOMEN
Did you know that women are more likely to have thyroid as compared to men? It is said that one in eight women will have a thyroid problem during her lifetime. There are many complications in women caused by thyroid diseases. Here are some of them –
Problems with menstrual cycle- Thyroid helps in controlling menstrual cycle. Too little or too much thyroid hormone can make your periods extremely light, heavy or irregular. This disease can also put a temporary stoppage to your periods for several months or longer- a condition called amenorrhea.
Problems getting pregnant- when thyroid disease affects menstrual cycle, it clearly means that it affects ovulation too. This can make it harder to get you pregnant.
Problems during pregnancy- Thyroid problems during pregnancy can cause health issues to both mother and baby.
ARE WOMEN AT HIGHER RISK FOR THYROID DISEASE?
The answer is unfortunately yes. Since screening for thyroid disease is not recommended for most women, we advise you to talk to your doctor regarding your signs and symptoms.
KINDS OF THYROID DISEASE AFFECTING WOMEN
-disorders causing hypothyroidism
- disorders causing hyperthyroidism
-Goiter
-Thyroid nodules
-Thyroid cancer
HOW ARE THYROID DISEASES DIAGNOSED?
It is hard to tell whether you have a thyroid disease or not since the symptoms are the same in many health problems.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and depending on that may also do other tests like-
Blood Tests- Testing the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood will let the doctor know if thyroid is underactive or overactive. Depending on the results, the doctor might add up another test to check the levels in your blood.
Radioactive iodine uptake test-
For this test, one swallows a liquid or capsule that holds a small dose of radioactive iodine. The radioiodine collects in your thyroid because your thyroid uses iodine to make thyroid hormone. High levels would tell that your thyroid makes the hormone in excess. Low levels would indicate that your thyroid produces the hormone in small quantities.
HOW DOES THYROID DISEASE AFFECT PREGNANCY?
Pregnancy-related hormones bring a rise in the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. It becomes even tougher to diagnose thyroid during pregnancy due to the constant changing hormones. Uncontrollable hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause problems for both mother and baby.
SYMPTOMS OF THYROID
Weight Gain or Loss- An unexplained change in the weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism).
Similarly, weight loss may signal high levels of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
Swelling in the neck- A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something is going wrong with thyroid.
Changes in the heart rate- Thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body and influences the heart rate. Hypothyroidism makes heart rate lower and hyperthyroidism increases the heart rate.
Changes in Energy or mood- it has a huge impact on the energy levels and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired and depressed whereas hyperthyroidism causes anxiety problems, restlessness and irritability.
Hair loss- It is another sign that thyroid hormones may be out of balance. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause hair to fall out.
Other Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
-Dry skin and brittle nails
-Numbness or tingling in the hands
-Constipation
-Abnormal menstrual periods
Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
-Muscle weakness or trembling hands
-Vision problems
-Diarrhea
-Irregular menstrual periods
Now a question arises, What to do and how to cure thyroid? In crisp, the answer is lifestyle improvement but for a detailed answer, stay updated. Meanwhile make sure to checkout our website and reach out if you think you need help with curing thyroid. Always happy to help!
