Thyroid: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

An underactive thyroid in the body leads to hypothyroidism, which prevents the thyroid gland from producing crucial hormones. Thyroid symptoms in females may not manifest themselves in the early stages. But if left untreated, hypothyroidism may cause obesity, joint pains, cardiac problems, and even infertility.

What is Thyroid?

Wrapped around the trachea or the windpipe, the thyroid is a small gland located in front of the neck. Its shape resembles a butterfly. The thyroid gland produces hormones responsible for vital body functions like blood sugar regulation, maintaining body temperature and weight, etc. If the hormone is released in excess, the body can develop a condition called hyperthyroidism. When its production is insufficient, it is called hypothyroidism. Both conditions must be taken seriously as they can cause serious health problems.

What Does Thyroid Do?

The thyroid gland's main function is to release and control the production of hormones that affect metabolism. Metabolism is the process through which the food consumed by individuals is broken down into energy and used by the body to keep functioning properly.

The thyroid hormones that control metabolism are

• T4 - thyroxine
• T3 - triiodothyronine

The pituitary gland monitors the amount of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. If there is excess or insufficient production of thyroid hormones, the pituitary gland will make up for this using its own hormone called the TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.

Types of Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid diseases are mainly of two types

1. Hyperthyroidism

This disease occurs when the body has an overactive thyroid gland. In this condition, there is an overproduction of TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.

2. Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones, it leads to hypothyroidism. It is a result of the underproduction of TSH.

What are Some of the Most Prevalent Thyroid Symptoms in Women?

The symptoms of thyroid in females may be similar to other common diseases, which makes it difficult to diagnose thyroid-related issues.

Symptoms of Thyroid in Women | Hyperthyroidism

These symptoms include:

• Anxiety and nervousness
• Irritability with no reason
• Sleeping problems
• Unexplained weight loss
• Goiter or an enlarged thyroid gland
• Muscle weakness
• Tremors
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Vision problems

Symptoms of Thyroid in Females| Hypothyroidism

These symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Frequent forgetfulness
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Excessively dry hair
• Increase in the hoarseness of voice
• Inability to withstand the cold

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Causes of Thyroid in Women

The causes of thyroid in females depend on its type, whether it's hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

The main causes of hypothyroidism include the following:

1. Thyroiditis

The swelling of the thyroid gland prevents the right amount of hormone production.

2. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

It is an autoimmune condition that damages the thyroid gland.

3. Postpartum Thyroiditis

Postpartum thyroiditis affects almost 9% of women after childbirth.

4. Iodine deficiency

Insufficient iodine in the body may lead to low hormone production.

5. Dysfunctional thyroid gland

A condition that some people might be born with.

The main causes of hyperthyroidism include the following:

1. Grave's Disease

Also called diffuse toxic goiter, the thyroid gland might be extremely overactive.

2. Nodules

A toxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodule or a gland with multiple nodules called multi-nodular goiter.

3. Thyroiditis

Excess production of thyroid hormones.

4. High iodine levels

High levels of iodine in the body can lead to a higher hormone production.

Risk Factors

Any healthy person can develop hypo or hyperthyroidism; however, certain factors increase the chances. The following factors potentially contribute to the risk of thyroid disease:

• Being a woman
• Being above 60
• Family history of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
• Autoimmune conditions like Type 1 Diabetes or Celiac disease
• Past treatment involving radioactive iodine or thyroid medicines
• Undergone radiation treatment in the neck region or the upper chest
• Undergone partial thyroidectomy
• Pregnancy or childbirth

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Complications

Thyroid symptoms in females are usually treatable. But untreated thyroid disease can give rise to a combination of health problems such as:

1. Goiter

A condition where the thyroid gland becomes extremely large. This may create difficulties in breathing and swallowing.

2. Cardiac Problems

Hypothyroidism often results in heart conditions, including heart failure. This is due to the increased presence of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, which is not good for the body.

3. Mental Health Issues

Mental health can take a hit if someone is going through thyroid problems. Depression and adverse mental functioning can be common in hypothyroidism.

4. Peripheral Neuropathy

Uncontrolled thyroid disease can cause permanent damage to the peripheral nerves. This can cause pain and numbness.

5. Myxedema

Sometimes, long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism may cause myxedema, a fatal condition.

6. Infertility

Thyroid problems can hamper proper ovulation and sometimes cause infertility.

7. Birth Defects

Babies born to those with thyroid symptoms in women are at a higher risk of birth defects.

8. Cancer

The most common type of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid carcinoma. Symptoms of thryoid cancer in females include a lump or nodule around the neck, tightening around the neck, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and pain in the neck and throat.

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Closing Thoughts

Thyroid symptoms in females can appear at any time during a lifetime. If observed on time, they can be treated, and the possibility of developing a thyroid disease can be completely avoided.