What Are Overactive Thyroid Symptoms in Women?
Thyroid disorders are much more common in women than they are in men. For instance, ABC Health & Wellbeing reports that women are at least six times more likely to develop Graves’ disease, a thyroid disorder, than are men. Women are more likely to develop other types of thyroid problems as well. As a result, it pays off for women to be vigilant about their thyroid health and to address any symptoms that may arise.
Overactive thyroid symptoms in women include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Constipation
- Cold intolerance
- Irregular or heavy menstruation
- High cholesterol
- Hoarse voice
- Hair loss
- Coarse hair
- Infertility
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Dry skin
- Cardiovascular problems
- Reduced sex drive
Why do these overactive thyroid symptoms occur? Even though a normal thyroid gland is quite small, it has a significant role in maintaining proper metabolism of the body’s cells. A healthy thyroid gland will secrete a precise amount of hormones for proper functions throughout the body. Viral infections can cause the glands to enlarge and, ultimately, overproduce hormones. For instance, goitres occur when the glands become inflamed. This leads to hyperthyroidism.
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism. With this disease, antibodies within the body attacked the body’s organs This stimulates the thyroid glands into making an excess amount of hormones.
Diagnosis and treatment for such disorders will be determined on a case-by-case basis. An ENT surgeon has the knowledge and tools necessary to carefully assess the symptoms and physical manifestations of an under- or over-active thyroid. With proper treatment, it is possible to get back to life as usual. If surgery is required to remove all of part of the thyroid gland, it will be necessary to take thyroid hormone replacement medications for the rest of your life so that your body is able maintain proper hormone balance.
If you have questions or concerns about hyperthyroidism see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.
