Common Symptoms of Thyroid Problems in Women
Thyroid disorders in women are more common than thyroid problems in men. Unfortunately, many women do not receive a proper diagnosis for a thyroid disorder until the problem has passed the early stages. A deeper understanding of who is most at risk and the common symptoms of thyroid problems will help individuals to take a more active approach in the care of their thyroid glands.
Symptoms of thyroid disorders in women include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Infertility/miscarriage
- Constipation
- Depression
- Intolerance to cold temperatures
- More frequent periods
- Increased menstrual flow
- Thinning, dry, and/or course hair
- Itchy, dry, and/or course skin
- Poor concentration
- Unexplained weight gain
According to a study by the Northeast Florida Endocrine & Diabetes Associates, between 10-20 percent of women will develop hypothyroidism in their life, and women who are 65 or older are at higher risk for this disorder. It is, therefore, a good idea for high-risk women to schedule regular checkups with an ENT specialist to ensure proper thyroid function. This is especially true if you have a personal history of autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, adrenal insufficiency, Type I diabetes, premature menopause, or related health problems.
There are specific medications that may also affect thyroid function, including Amiodarone, Lithium, some drugs that contain iodine, Sucralfate, Dexamethasone, Carbamazepine, and Phenytoin. It is important to make certain that your doctor is aware of any and all medications that you are taking so that he or she can assess whether or not your meds are affecting proper thyroid function.
Women with a history of infertility, irregular periods, and/or elevated serum cholesterol may also be at higher risk for thyroid gland disorders.
If a thyroid problem is suspected, our ENT doctor, Dr. Michael Barakate, will follow proper protocol for lab tests and a physical exam. You will then be able to get on path to improved health so that you can find relief from the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Contact Thyroid Clinic Sydney today on 1300 113 310.
