Thyroid disease symptoms in women.

What is a thyroid gland?

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland found in front of our neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones which control the speed of the body’s metabolism. This gland provides energy to the body. The disruption in the speed of metabolism due to an increase or decrease in the production of these hormones can lead to thyroid disease symptoms. This bossy and controlling gland in our body if messed up with can create havoc in our body by causing a wide variety of symptoms.

Research has shown that thyroid symptoms in women are more prevalent as compared to men. The majority of women across the world suffer from some sort of thyroid dysfunction unaware that they are suffering from this chronic disease.

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 The types of thyroid diseases:

Mainly there are two kinds of Thyroid diseases: Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism.

• Hyperthyroidism: occurs due to an overactive thyroid. In this, the thyroid gland over-produces the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH ) more than required by the body leading to an increase in the body's functions, like metabolism and heart rate.

• Hypothyroidism: the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone or TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) also known as an underactive thyroid. The body functions like metabolism becomes slow.

The cause of thyroid disease symptoms in women :

Conditions which can cause hypothyroidism:

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• Thyroiditis: in this, there is an inflammation of the thyroid gland due to which the thyroid produces fewer hormones.
• Hashimoto’s Disease: an autoimmune disorder
• Postpartum Thyroiditis: caused after childbirth
• Iodine deficiency: due to which hormone quantity is less
• A non-functional thyroid gland: this is from birth

Conditions which cause hyperthyroidism:

• Graves’ Disease: there is an overproduction of hormones due to an enlarged thyroid gland
• Nodules: toxic adenomas can cause this issue
• Thyroiditis: either there is pain or no symptoms are felt
• Excessive iodine: When there is excessive iodine in the body, this may be due to the intake of some medicines like cough syrups and heart medication
• Cancerous growth: in the thyroid gland

The common thyroid symptoms in women

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have their respective symptoms. 

The thyroid disease symptoms of Hypothyroidism are- 

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• Extreme fatigue
• Abnormal and sudden weight gain
• Can’t withstand excessive cold
• Excessive Hair Loss, dry & brittle hair
• Mood swings and depression
• Disturbed sleep
• Slow heart rate
• Frequent and heavy periods
• Forgetfulness
• Hoarseness in voice
• Muscle aches and stiff joints

The Thyroid disease symptoms of Hyperthyroidism are:

• Extreme weight loss
• Weakness of muscles tremors
• Bulging eyes
• Heart palpitations and increased heart rate
• Voracious Appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Excessive sweating
• Heat sensitivity
• The enlarged thyroid gland is also known as Goitre
• Irregular periods or sudden periods stop
• Anger and irritation 

Diagnosis of thyroid disease:

Diagnosis is based on the following tests-

-Blood tests.

-Imaging tests.

-Physical exams

Treatment of the disease:

Hypothyroidism- is treated by using Beta Blockers. These Beta Blockers help decrease nervousness and reduce fast heart rates.

 Hyperthyroidism- is treated with surgery, drugs, and radioactive therapy, De-stressing oneself by doing yoga and recreational activities