Thyroid and Women's Health: What Every Woman Should Know

The thyroid gland has a huge impact on the body's metabolic processes by releasing hormones. Imbalances in hormone production cause thyroid disease. Disorders vary from goiters to life-threatening cancer. Thyroid problems usually stem from abnormal hormone production—too much causes hyperthyroidism and too little leads to hypothyroidism. Despite potential discomfort, most thyroid issues can be effectively managed with proper diagnosis and treatment.

What is the Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders?

Among women, 4% to 10% experience hypothyroidism, and its occurrence increases with age. Symptoms are often subtle and varied, including high cholesterol, a slow heart rate, hoarseness, irregular periods, and dry skin.

Hypothyroidism can also lead to constipation, intolerance to colds, swelling, weight gain, and fatigue. To confirm hypothyroidism, doctors usually check thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels through lab tests, as symptoms alone may not be sufficient. In cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a common cause, the thyroid gland may feel firm and irregular.

Recommendations for thyroid screening are endorsed by prominent medical organizations such as the American Thyroid Association, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and ACOG. Research suggests that even mild hypothyroidism is linked to heightened risks of miscarriage, late fetal demise, and diminished intellectual quotient in offspring, among other medical conditions.

Many experts suggest screening all women planning to get pregnant. Although there's some debate, most agree that even slightly high TSH levels should be treated. Hypothyroidism usually requires lifelong management, but postpartum thyroiditis might be temporary.

What is Postpartum Thyroiditis?

Postpartum thyroiditis is a condition that affects the thyroid gland and occurs in the postpartum period, typically within the first year after giving birth. It involves thyroid gland inflammation, leading to changes in thyroid function. Postpartum thyroiditis can cause a temporary hyperthyroid phase, where the thyroid releases excessive hormones, followed by a hypothyroid phase, where the thyroid produces insufficient hormones.

Symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis can vary but may include fatigue, irritability, weight changes, and mood swings. Not all women with postpartum thyroiditis experience both phases, and the condition may resolve on its own over time.

However, some individuals may develop persistent hypothyroidism and require ongoing treatment. It's essential for women experiencing symptoms after childbirth to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

What Are the Effects of Thyroid Disorder in Women?

Disruptions in thyroid function can lead to deviations in the timing of puberty and menstruation, resulting in either precocious or delayed occurrences. Moreover, imbalances in thyroid hormone levels, whether excessively high or low, can contribute to exceedingly light or heavy menstrual periods, irregular menstruation, or the absence of periods altogether, a condition known as amenorrhea.

The impact of an overactive or underactive thyroid extends to ovulation, the crucial release of an egg for potential fertilization. Thyroid issues can hinder ovulation, and hypothyroidism raises the chance of developing ovarian cysts. In severe hypothyroidism, it might lead to producing breast milk but stop ovulation.

During pregnancy, thyroid issues can be risky for both the baby and the mother, possibly leading to postpartum thyroiditis afterward. Low thyroid hormone levels may contribute to miscarriages, preterm birth, stillbirth, and postpartum bleeding. Pregnant women with an overactive thyroid may experience more severe morning sickness, requiring personalized approaches to manage it.

Thyroid problems could also bring about early menopause, showing symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood swings, which might be wrongly linked to early menopause. Treating hyperthyroidism can ease symptoms and possibly prevent early menopause.

What is an Overactive Thyroid in Women?

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, happens when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause severe problems and may need treatment. It's more common in women, especially between ages 20 and 40. If you notice symptoms of an overactive thyroid, it's essential to see a doctor promptly.

Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and, if they suspect a thyroid issue, arrange a blood test to evaluate your thyroid function. Should the blood test confirm an overactive thyroid, further tests may be recommended to determine the underlying cause.

Fortunately, an overactive thyroid is generally treatable. The primary treatment options include:

• Prescribed medication can inhibit the thyroid gland's excessive production of thyroid hormones.
• Radioiodine treatment employs a targeted approach to destroy specific cells within the thyroid, thereby reducing the gland's capacity to produce excessive thyroid hormones.
• Surgical intervention involves the partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, effectively preventing it from producing excessive thyroid hormones.

Each of these treatments has its advantages and disadvantages. A consultation with an endocrinologist or a specialist in hormonal conditions is arranged to discuss and determine the most suitable treatment approach for an individual.

What is an Underactive Thyroid in Women?

Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid doesn't make enough hormones, leading to symptoms like tiredness, weight gain, and feeling down. Fortunately, daily hormone pills can effectively treat it by replacing the hormones your thyroid isn't producing enough of.

There's no sure way to prevent an underactive thyroid. It often results from the immune system mistakenly attacking the thyroid or damage during treatments for other thyroid issues. The symptoms can be subtle and may be mistaken for other conditions, like menopause.

To confirm a thyroid problem, a blood test is needed to check hormone levels. Many things can cause hypothyroidism, but the most common is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Treatment usually involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones daily, with regular blood tests to monitor and adjust the dosage.

Certain factors, like being female, over 60, having a family history of thyroid issues, or undergoing specific medical treatments, can increase the risk of hypothyroidism. It's crucial to take the prescribed medication as directed and continue treatment for the long term.

Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential for monitoring hormone levels and adjusting the medication dosage. Finding the correct dosage that works best for you may take some time.

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can also play a role in managing hypothyroidism. A balanced diet, rich in iodine and selenium, can support thyroid function. Regular exercise is beneficial for overall health and can help alleviate some symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and weight gain.

It's essential to be aware of potential complications if hypothyroidism is left untreated. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to more severe health issues, including heart problems, infertility, joint pain, and mental health concerns. Therefore, sticking to the prescribed treatment plan and attending regular check-ups is crucial.

Suppose you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant. In that case, it's imperative to manage hypothyroidism, as untreated thyroid issues can impact the health of both the mother and the baby. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor your thyroid function and adjust your medication as needed during pregnancy.

While hypothyroidism requires lifelong management, the combination of medication, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular medical supervision can help individuals with this condition live a healthy life every day. If you suspect you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, it's crucial to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and timely treatment.