If you look at the numbers alone, you will notice that more women are affected by thyroid issues than men.  But the question of why, remains. Although we are not certain why many thyroid conditions are more common in women than in men, we do know that this is not likely to be a hormonal effect of estrogen since these conditions can occur before puberty and after menopause.  There may be a genetic link to these disorders that places women at a predisposition to this condition.

In the U.S., approximately 1 in 50 women is diagnosed with hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Furthermore, approximately 10% of women are diagnosed with hypothyroidism immediately following childbirth; often referred to as “postpartum thyroiditis,” it results from the heightened immune response following pregnancy, which leads to the body’s production of antibodies that can damage the thyroid tissue.

What are the main causes of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is caused primarily by Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disease which results in chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland.  Other causes include congenital hypothyroidism, surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid, radiation on the thyroid and some medications, such as lithium.   Women over age 60, people with autoimmune diseases, having received radiation to your upper chest or neck or having recently been pregnant or delivered a baby can also increase your risk of hypothyroidism.

Who is affected by hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism does not affect a certain ethnic group, meaning people of all ages and races can get thyroid disease.  Despite this fact there are some common misconceptions of hypothyroidism.  Hypothyroidism is often considered a disease common in middle-aged women which manifests as weight gain.  However, hypothyroidism can be diagnosed in all age groups, all races and both men and women and presents with different symptoms in different people.   

Why does the thyroid issues affect the menstrual cycle? Does it have a bearing on fertility? 

Thyroid disease affects the body's ability to produce reproductive hormones, thereby causing menstrual irregularities in some women.  Hypothyroidism affects the production of the luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the ovaries to release an egg. During normal ovulation, more LH is produced, but when too little thyroid hormone is released, hormonal imbalances can prevent ovulation. Thyroid dysfunction can also shorten the length of the luteal phase, the 12 to 15 days of the menstrual cycle between the time of ovulation and the first day of a woman's period. Common fertility problems include anovulation (not ovulating) and frequent miscarriages. 

Are there non-medical treatments for hypothyroidism? 

If you have hypothyroidism, you need conventional medical treatment. Nutrition and herbs can help support conventional treatment, but should not be used by themselves to treat hypothyroidism.  Do not take an iodine supplement unless your doctor tells you to; iodine is only effective when hypothyroidism is caused by iodine deficiency, which is rare in the developed world. And too much iodine can actually cause hypothyroidism.  Because of the thyroid’s interaction with the immune system, it’s best to consume foods high in antioxidants, including blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, squash and bell peppers.  This goes without say, but avoid alcohol and tobacco.

Exercise helps to increase your metabolism and burn calories, which will prevent excess weight gain and also help you feel energized.  Exercise also increases blood flow and is thought to stimulate the thyroid hormone, especially at higher intensity levels of exercise.