Recognizing symptoms of hypothyroidism in women

Women suffering from symptoms of hypothyroidism are not alone – up to 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease and women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.

Hypothyroidism is one type of thyroid condition many women suffer from.  When we think of critical organs, most likely the heart, lungs, and brain come to mind. But just because the thyroid may not get top billing does not mean it’s not important.  In fact, this little butterfly-shaped part of the endocrine system is essential to everyday health.

The thyroid’s primary function is to control the body’s metabolism and in order to do that it produces hormones, T4 and T3, which tell the body’s cells how much energy to use.  When the thyroid is properly functioning it will maintain the right amount of hormones needed to keep the body’s metabolism functioning at a satisfactory rate.  But, when it fails to make enough of these hormones the result is hypothyroidism which is also known as an underactive thyroid. 

If a woman suspects she may have hypothyroidism, there are certain symptoms that can help confirm if her thyroid is the root cause.  Luckily, hypothyroidism can be easily diagnosed with blood tests and from there, making lifestyle changes along with medications to restore healthy thyroid function.  This can help immensely in feeling better and more energized.

Here are common symptoms a woman should take note of possibly indicating she has low thyroid function:

·      Severe fatigue, lack of energy – Having hypothyroidism can result in feelings of major fatigue and wanting to sleep more than usual.  However, even after having slept or rested, renewed energy is not there.

·      Weight gain and difficulty losing weight – As thyroid functioning slows down, so does metabolism or the rate at which a person burns calories.  Unusual or unexplained weight gain and changes in body shape can be one of the first noticeable symptoms of hypothyroidism.

·      Dry skin and brittle fingernails – Another sign of hypothyroidism can be signs of new wrinkles, dry, cracked or itchy skin patches, and weak nails all pointing to signs of hypothyroidism.

·      Brittle hair, itchy scalp, and hair loss – The thyroid glands plays a key role in growing and resting cycle of hair.  If the thyroid is underperforming, too many hair follicles stay in the ‘resting’ phase rather than growing actively.  Premature graying of hair can also be a sign of hypothyroidism.

·      Increased sensitivity to cold and having a lower body temperature – Feelings of always being chilly it another telltale sign of a thyroid not working up to par.  This can also influence a woman’s body temperature.

·      Low sex drive – Thyroid imbalances can affect a woman’s reproductive hormones in addition to a loss in libido.

·      Puffiness in the face and extremities – Noticing puffiness in the face, especially around the eyes, can be symptoms of an underactive thyroid. 

How to treat

Once a woman has been tested for hypothyroidism and it is determined that is what she has, the condition can easily be treated with thyroid hormone medication.  The most effective and reliable thyroid replacement hormone involves daily use of synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.  This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.  Once treatment is started a woman will need to have regular visits with her doctor making sure she is being treated with the right dosage of medicine.

Most women after starting medication should see improvements in their symptoms within the first week.  Within a few months, all symptoms should disappear.  Older women or women in poor health may take longer to respond to the medication. 

Treatment with levothyroxine is usually lifelong but because the dosage a woman may need can change, she will need to have her TSH level checked yearly.