Thyroid disease affects approximately 27 million people in the United States. More women than men are commonly found to suffer from thyroid symptoms. It is estimated that 4 out of 100 women have some type of autoimmune thyroid disease.
Hypothyroidism is defined as the thyroid inefficiently producing enough thyroid hormone. This thyroid disorder is characterized by the inefficient production of T4 or thyroxine as well as T3 or triiodothyronine which are the primary thyroid hormones. T4 is transformed into its active T3 by the liver.
Hypothyroidism is the most commonly diagnosed disorder among women. Symptoms vary, but the most common complaints include fatigue, weight gain, high cholesterol and depression. However, there is a flip side to this disease. A slightly lower number of women suffer from Hyperthyroidism. This disease is defined as an over production of the thyroid hormone in the blood.
The Symptoms of thyroid disease:
Hyperthyroidism:
Excess Perspiration Feeling Warm Fatigue and Weakness Rapid Heartbeat Trembling or Shaking Hands Weight Loss Irritability/Anxiety Diarrhea Eye Discomfort Menstrual Changes Inability to Conceive
Hypothyroidism:
Fatigue Depression Sluggishness Feeling cold Weight gain of 5"10 pounds Dry hair and skin Constipation Menstrual changes
Hormone Imbalance and Menopause:
It is estimated that 20% of women in their 30's and 40's have a thyroid affliction. However, many go undiagnosed. Hypothyroidism is the most common as women who are perimenopausal are generally diagnosed with it. Perimenopause is the 15 year time period before menopause. This can occur in women in their late 40's, especially those whose mother's experienced early menopause.
What causes a woman to develop hypothyroidism?
A hormone imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, as well as emotional and physical stresses can cause thyroid dysfunction. Perimenopause, menopause, and pregnancy are known culprits of hormone imbalance that can cause hypothyroidism. An imbalance of more estrogen than progesterone can cause the hypoactive thyroid to produce less thyroid hormone, resulting in hypothryoidism. This can be remedied by a prescription of progesterone supplements to bring this imbalance more into balance, thus alleviating symptoms of hypoactivity.
Additional causes include adrenal fatigue and insulin resistance. The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys where they release adrenaline in response to the flight or fight reaction. These responses are stress related, if they persist for too long, they can cause the adrenal gland to become fatigued. Once this occurs, the thyroid can not function properly, thus resulting in hypothyroidism.
Poor nutrition is the usual culprit for insulin resistance. This reaction causes the thyroid to be underactive. Women who have been diagnosed with hypoactive thyroid should be tested or insulin resistance.
Stress management, good nutrition and hormonal balance are required to keep the thyroid working correctly. All these factors work together to keep the body running on all cylinders.
The symptoms for an underactive thyroid can easily be mistaken as the signs of another illness. This can create a delay in much needed treatment. Your doctor can perform a blood test to determine if the thyroid is the problem as well as other tests to determine if your symptoms are caused by some other underlying or more serious affliction. Consult your physician with all questions and concerns. If in fact you do have a thyroid problem, you will start to feel much better after a few weeks of proper treatment. - 26706
Hypothyroidism is defined as the thyroid inefficiently producing enough thyroid hormone. This thyroid disorder is characterized by the inefficient production of T4 or thyroxine as well as T3 or triiodothyronine which are the primary thyroid hormones. T4 is transformed into its active T3 by the liver.
Hypothyroidism is the most commonly diagnosed disorder among women. Symptoms vary, but the most common complaints include fatigue, weight gain, high cholesterol and depression. However, there is a flip side to this disease. A slightly lower number of women suffer from Hyperthyroidism. This disease is defined as an over production of the thyroid hormone in the blood.
The Symptoms of thyroid disease:
Hyperthyroidism:
Excess Perspiration Feeling Warm Fatigue and Weakness Rapid Heartbeat Trembling or Shaking Hands Weight Loss Irritability/Anxiety Diarrhea Eye Discomfort Menstrual Changes Inability to Conceive
Hypothyroidism:
Fatigue Depression Sluggishness Feeling cold Weight gain of 5"10 pounds Dry hair and skin Constipation Menstrual changes
Hormone Imbalance and Menopause:
It is estimated that 20% of women in their 30's and 40's have a thyroid affliction. However, many go undiagnosed. Hypothyroidism is the most common as women who are perimenopausal are generally diagnosed with it. Perimenopause is the 15 year time period before menopause. This can occur in women in their late 40's, especially those whose mother's experienced early menopause.
What causes a woman to develop hypothyroidism?
A hormone imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, as well as emotional and physical stresses can cause thyroid dysfunction. Perimenopause, menopause, and pregnancy are known culprits of hormone imbalance that can cause hypothyroidism. An imbalance of more estrogen than progesterone can cause the hypoactive thyroid to produce less thyroid hormone, resulting in hypothryoidism. This can be remedied by a prescription of progesterone supplements to bring this imbalance more into balance, thus alleviating symptoms of hypoactivity.
Additional causes include adrenal fatigue and insulin resistance. The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys where they release adrenaline in response to the flight or fight reaction. These responses are stress related, if they persist for too long, they can cause the adrenal gland to become fatigued. Once this occurs, the thyroid can not function properly, thus resulting in hypothyroidism.
Poor nutrition is the usual culprit for insulin resistance. This reaction causes the thyroid to be underactive. Women who have been diagnosed with hypoactive thyroid should be tested or insulin resistance.
Stress management, good nutrition and hormonal balance are required to keep the thyroid working correctly. All these factors work together to keep the body running on all cylinders.
The symptoms for an underactive thyroid can easily be mistaken as the signs of another illness. This can create a delay in much needed treatment. Your doctor can perform a blood test to determine if the thyroid is the problem as well as other tests to determine if your symptoms are caused by some other underlying or more serious affliction. Consult your physician with all questions and concerns. If in fact you do have a thyroid problem, you will start to feel much better after a few weeks of proper treatment. - 26706
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is an experience writer and licensed registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge. You can find her lessons about Thyroid Nodules Causes and Thyroid Storm Causes on Clivir - the Free learning Community Site.
