Thyroid health
Do you have symptoms of a thyroid issue?
by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP
Do you have a thyroid issue? Sometimes it’s worth a closer look at your symptoms
in order to find relief. Here’s why:
- Symptoms of thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism (a sluggish thyroid) can be
mistaken for the symptoms of sex hormone imbalance — as the wide range of symptoms
can be similar.
- Women with symptoms that are still mild may suffer from subclinical hypothyroidism
— meaning while they are experiencing symptoms, their test results may appear in
the “normal” range.
Because thyroid issues are so much more common in women, it’s important for you
to recognize the symptoms of thyroid issues so that you make changes in your diet
and lifestyle to help you feel better.
Hypothyroid symptoms
- severe fatigue, loss of energy
- weight gain, difficulty losing weight
- depression and depressed mood
- joint and muscle pain, headaches
- dry skin, brittle nails
- brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss
- irregular periods, PMS symptoms
- breast milk formation
- calcium metabolism difficulties
- difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature
- constipation
- sleeping more than average
- diminished sex drive
- puffiness in face and extremities
- hoarseness
- bruising/clotting problems
- elevated levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and heightened risk of heart disease
- allergies that suddenly appear or get worse
- persistent cold sores, boils, or breakouts
- tingling sensation in wrists and hands that mimics carpal tunnel syndrome
- memory loss, fuzzy thinking, difficulty following conversation or train of thought
- slowness or slurring of speech
- appearance of a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid that is externally visible
By understanding the symptoms of hypothyroidism, women may identify issues earlier
and find relief. If left untreated, symptoms may worsen over time.
Other thyroid issues
In addition to hypothyroidism, thyroid issues include Hashimoto’s disease, when
the body forms antibodies that fight its own thyroid gland cells, creating permanent
low thyroid function. Another condition is hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive
thyroid. For more information, please see our page on
hyperthyroidism.
If you suffer from several or more of the above symptoms and are worried that you
could have a thyroid problem, your next best step would be to visit your healthcare
provider to discuss your options. You may also find it useful to read our article
on thyroid testing beforehand, to help you formulate good questions to ask your
provider.
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Last Modified Date: 12/02/2011
Principal Author: Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP