Thyroid diseases can affect anyone, but some people are more susceptible than others. Women are more susceptible to thyroid problems than men, and conditions affecting the thyroid gland can affect women differently as well. It is critical for women to be aware of the symptoms of thyroid problems and to consult a doctor if they experience any of them.
The Incidence of Thyroid Disorders in Women
A thyroid condition may affect approximately 1 in every 8 women at some point. Women face a risk that is roughly ten times that of men. Thyroid disorders are frequently triggered by autoimmune responses when the body’s immune system begins to attack its cells. We don’t know what causes these reactions, but we know that autoimmune diseases are more common in women than men.
Another factor contributing to the prevalence of thyroid disorders in women is the interaction between thyroid hormones and the hormones that fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. Thyroid issues can occur at any time, but they are more common in women during and after menopause when hormone levels change. Some women may confuse thyroid disorder symptoms with menopausal symptoms, preventing them from seeking treatment.
Women’s Health and Thyroid Issues
In addition to being more common in women, Thyroid problems can cause some additional symptoms in women. If you have a thyroid disorder, you may have problems with your menstrual cycle or fertility. This is because the hormones produced by your thyroid gland can have various effects on your reproductive system.
- Thyroid disorders in girls can cause the onset of puberty to be delayed or accelerated.
- Thyroid hormone imbalances can cause your periods to be lighter or heavier.
- Thyroid disorders can cause your cycle to become less regular or even stop altogether in some cases.
- Thyroid disorders can interfere with fertility by preventing your ovaries from releasing mature eggs.
- If you have an underactive thyroid, you may be more prone to developing ovarian cysts.
- There is a chance that a thyroid disorder will cause complications if you are pregnant.
- Hyperthyroidism can cause severe morning sickness, whereas hypothyroidism can put you at risk of premature labour, miscarriage, and other serious complications.
- Thyroid problems can increase the likelihood of early menopause (in your early 40s or earlier).
With the proper treatment, many of the side effects and risks associated with thyroid disorders in women can be avoided. Because thyroid disorders can significantly impact your health and quality of life and your menstrual cycle and fertility, you must seek treatment if you notice any symptoms. Thyroid disorders can cause fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, and changes in mood or energy levels. Although it is easy to confuse the symptoms with other issues, such as menopause, it is always best to consult with a medical professional if you notice any changes.
Here you have the General Symptoms of Thyroid Issues
Gain or Loss of Weight
One of the most common thyroid disorder symptoms is an unexplained weight change. Weight gain may indicate low thyroid hormone levels, known as hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body requires, you may experience unexpected weight loss. This is referred to as hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is far more prevalent.
The Swelling of the Neck
A visible sign that something is wrong with the thyroid is a swelling or enlargement in the neck. A goiter can develop as a result of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Thyroid cancer or nodules, which grow inside the thyroid, can cause swelling in the neck. It could also be caused by something unrelated to the thyroid.
Heart Rate Variations
Thyroid hormones impact nearly every organ in the body and can influence how fast the heartbeats. Hypothyroid patients may notice that their heart rate is slower than usual. Hyperthyroidism can cause the heart to beat faster. It can also cause high blood pressure and the sensation of a pounding heart, and other types of heart palpitations.
Energy or Mood Swings
Thyroid problems can have a significant impact on your energy and mood. Hypothyroidism causes people to feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Anxiety, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and irritability are all symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Loss of Hair
Another sign that thyroid hormones are out of balance is hair loss. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss. When the thyroid disorder is treated, the hair usually grows back.
Too Cold or Too Hot
Thyroid disorders can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. People with hypothyroidism may experience cold symptoms more frequently than usual. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism causes excessive sweating and aversion to heat.
Thyroid friendly diet
Let’s take a look at some of the best thyroid foods:
Greek yogurt
The humble curd shines in the spotlight because it is one of the best foods for the thyroid gland. Dairy products, particularly yogurt, are high in nutrients and help the body meet its iodine requirements. Iodine is required for the thyroid gland to function properly.
Fruits such as apples, pears, and citrus
Apples, pears, plums, and citrus fruits are high in pectins, which aid in the detoxification of mercury – one of the most dangerous metals linked to thyroid problems.
Seeds and nuts
Zinc is abundant in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and nuts. Zinc deficiency has been linked to thyroid issues. To replenish your body with zinc, add these to salads or snack on them as a snack.
Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes are high in fibre as well as zinc. These aid in the regulation of the digestive system, particularly bowel movement, and the prevention of constipation. Chickpeas are one of the best foods to eat if you have thyroid issues.
Green Tea
Salute to the Orient. Green tea is well-known throughout the world as a powerful metabolism booster. Green tea contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that causes fat cells to release fat and aids the liver in fat burning.
Grain (Whole)
To digest whole grains, the body expends more energy. The extra fibre boosts metabolism because the body has to work harder to break down the whole grains. To boost your metabolism and help your thyroid gland, eat oats, brown rice, sprouts, sprouted grain bread, and quinoa.
Avocado
Avocado is almost the modern nutrition’s “wonder food.” Avocado, which is high in antioxidants, good fats, fibre, and essential nutrients, is a must for people who have an underactive thyroid.
Broccoli
Broccoli contains a lot of calcium and vitamin C. It aids the body’s metabolism and is high in fibre. Thyroid patients benefit from anything that boosts metabolism. Broccoli increases the TEF- Thermic Effect of Food, which means it boosts the body’s metabolism after eating it.
Add any or all of these to your diet and you will notice a significant improvement in thyroid gland function over time. Before incorporating the foods listed above into your diet, consult with a dietician or your doctor.
Preventive Measures against Thyroid
For X-Rays, wear a Thyroid Collar.
If you’re having an X-ray, request a thyroid collar. This is especially true for:
- X-rays of the teeth
- X-rays of your spine, head, neck, or chest
- A thyroid collar resembles the neckline of a turtleneck sweater. It’s heavy and lead-lined.
The thyroid gland is the most vulnerable part of your head and neck. The collar shields your thyroid gland from radiation, which can cause thyroid cancer.
Stop Smoking
Toxins in cigarette smoke can affect your thyroid. Thiocyanate is one of these. This compound interferes with iodine uptake, which can prevent thyroid hormone production.
Perform a Thyroid Neck Exam. A thyroid neck check is one method of detecting a thyroid problem. This simple test can detect lumps and swelling near the skin’s surface. However, keep in mind that many nodules cannot be seen or felt.
Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms. This straightforward screening can be performed at home in front of a mirror. Make certain to complete all of the steps. Consult your doctor if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Reduce Your Consumption of Soy
You may have heard that eating too much soy is bad for your thyroid. Though recent research indicates that eating soy is generally safe, it is probably best to consume it in moderation.
The thyroid hormone replacement levothyroxine is used by the majority of people with thyroid disease. This medication should be taken on an empty stomach. Before eating, wait 30 to 60 minutes.
Celiac Disease can be contracted with Diagnosis and Treatment
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which your intestines react abnormally to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, and others.
Celiac disease is three times more common in people who have autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.
Final Words
Thyroid disease is a global health issue that disproportionately affects women. It also has a different effect on women than it does on men. Untreated or undiagnosed thyroid disease, for example, can result in early menopause.
It is caused by thyroid gland abnormalities. It can be classified as either underactive or overactive. Furthermore, thyroid issues in women are frequently associated with other medical conditions. It includes irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and periods that are either very light or very heavy. Women are also more prone to partial to complete hair loss.
With proper treatment, you can reverse many of the effects of thyroid disease. Within a year of starting the treatment, one’s chances of becoming pregnant improve. It’s also worth noting that these issues can be avoided in the first place. Preventive measures are critical to lowering the risk of further complications such as infertility and poor quality of life. Limit your consumption of soy products. Be cautious of processed foods that contain added sugars and preservatives. Instead, increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.