So, we've asked Goldilocks to be our poster child...
You know the story: that one’s too hot, that one’s too cold, this one’s just right. Your thyroid hormones work on a similar principle: too much speeds – and heats – things up, too little slows things down and causes a chill, but just the right amount helps your hormones work in balance. And just like Goldilocks when she found the perfect porridge, you’ll feel the difference when your thyroid levels are just right.
Thyroid Imbalances in Women
Hypothyroidism in Women
When the thyroid gland is underactive, the metabolism slows down and you suffer from symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Thyroid Weight Gain
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Hair Loss
- Cold intolerance
Thyroid symptoms in women come from having the far more common underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) than to have an overactive thyroid. In fact, some estimate that as many as 1 in 7 adults suffer from hypothyroidism. Many women have the symptoms of low thyroid hormones but are told that their lab tests are “normal” and that there is not a problem. However, the Society of Endocrinologists stated in 2002 that the lab ranges were actually incorrect and hypothyroidism was being under diagnosed. At this point, most labs have not adjusted their ranges so a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test originally read as “normal” may actually show hypothyroidism. Similar symptoms afflict woman with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain illness. The condition causes severe joint and muscle pain and fatigue. A significant number of hypothyroidism sufferers were subsequently diagnosed with fibromyalgia, indicating a connection between the two conditions. This connection is not yet comprehensively understood.
Hyperthyroidism in Women
Thyroid symptoms in women can also be a result of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). These include:
- Heart Palpitations
- Weight Loss
- Anxiety
- Osteoporosis (in severe cases)
- Heat Intolerance
- Insomnia Fatigue
- Trembling Hands
- Muscle Weakness
- Increased Bowel ovements
- Hair Loss
- Breathlessness
In hyperthyroidism, the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are being produced too much. These high levels of thyroid hormones result in an increased metabolism which causes the weight loss. However, some women with this condition overeat because of the increased appetite, and may still experience thyroid weight gain. The symptoms may be hard to notice at first, but become gradually more severe over time. Older sufferers may not experience many of the symptoms and may just lose weight and become depressed.
