Understanding thyroid disease in women

The thyroid is a small gland at the base of the neck, in front of the windpipe. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can produce too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism). The hormone controls a person’s metabolism, which determines heart rate. Our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs advise women that thyroid health is essential for a steady, consistent metabolism, and it can have long-term effects on health.

The hype about hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is significantly more common than hyperthyroidism and is 10 times more likely to occur in women than men.

With this condition, too little thyroid hormone is produced, and the body does not have enough thyroid hormone to maintain a woman’s metabolism. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, changes in menstrual cycles, and decreased appetite. Too much thyroid hormone is often the result of inflammation in the thyroid gland, with Hashimoto's disease as the most likely cause. Medication can be taken to increase thyroid hormone.

Too much thyroid hormone

Too much thyroid hormone, or hyperthyroidism, can lead to higher-than-normal metabolism. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, changes in menstrual cycle, and a rapid heartbeat. Causes of hyperthyroidism can be Graves’ disease, taking too much thyroid medication, and nodules in the thyroid. In most cases, medication can be used to reduce the amount of thyroid hormone being produced. If medication doesn’t decrease hormone production, additional treatment options are available, including surgery and radiation.

If nodules are found, the doctor will test to determine whether they are benign or cancerous. If cancer is found, the doctor will review treatment options. Thyroid cancer is highly treatable.

Diagnosing a thyroid imbalance

Because the symptoms of a thyroid disease are general and common to many conditions, these diseases can be easily misdiagnosed or ignored. Many women assume they are experiencing the effects of menopause.

How do you know if it’s thyroid disease? To identify potential thyroid problems, the doctor will first take a medical history and perform a physical exam. Blood tests and a thyroid ultrasound may be ordered to provide detailed feedback for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis of thyroid disease is important because, in addition to quality-of-life issues, there can be long-term health effects if the disease is left untreated. Hypothyroidism can result in heart disease, memory loss and nerve damage. Long-term hyperthyroidism can lead to an irregular heartbeat, heart failure and osteoporosis.

How thyroid disease affects pregnancy

The irregular menstrual cycles that can result from thyroid imbalance can make becoming pregnant difficult. It can also negatively impact ovulation. Treating the condition can improve a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant.

Untreated, it can cause problems during pregnancy, as well. It can negatively affect the baby’s brain development, and can cause premature birth, miscarriage and dangerously high blood pressure in the mother.

Do not ignore your symptoms. If you think you may have a thyroid imbalance, contact our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs for an appointment.