The symptoms of thyroid disorders in women
Thyroid disease is up to eight times more common in women. A woman faces as high as a one in five chance of developing thyroid problems during her lifetime.
That risk increases with age and for those with a family history of thyroid problems. During pregnancy around 5-10% of women will experience thyroid dysfunction.
Thyroid disorders in women after child birth may lead to postpartum depression. Signs of thyroid problems after child birth include difficulty losing weight despite exercise, feeling exhausted despite adequate sleep, or conversely, feeling anxious despite no apparent reason.
How do you know if you have hypothyroidism, the most commonly diagnosed thyroid problem?
Thyroid disorders in women – your symptoms might include:
- Depression
- Forgetfulness
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Voice change and hoarseness
- High cholesterol levels
- Constipation
- Intolerance to cold
- Coarse hair / hair loss
- Dry skin
- Reduced libido
- Tingling hands and feet
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Infertility or recurrent miscarriage
Thyroid symptoms in women
In women, undiagnosed hypothyroidism is responsible for many conditions and symptoms including:
- Cardiovascular problems
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis
- Difficulty losing weight
- Exacerbated menopausal symptoms
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
- Infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss
- Low sex drive
When hypothyroidism is suspected a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) blood test is the best initial investigation.
If you have any questions about thyroid symptoms or thyroid or parathyroid surgery, you should speak to your local doctor, who will arrange to contact your thyroid surgeon.
