Thyroid Problem Symptoms In Women

thyroid problem symptoms in women

Thyroid is a gland located at the base of the neck. It produces the most important hormones in metabolism called T3 and T4. These hormones regulate many mechanism in the body, such as the rate of heart beat, calories metabolism, and so on. These hormones should at their right amounts to provide their proper functions.

Thyroid problems mostly affect women at about three times more than men. This fact is due to a hormonal connection. There are several types of thyroid problems in women, such as:

1. Hyperthyroidism. It is a condition where thyroid function is overactive, produce more hormones than usual. The symptoms are:
• Less frequent menstruation with lighter flow
• More eating than usual
• Fast heartbeat, sometimes irregular
• Insomnia
• Anxietas
• Irritability
• Increased sweating
• Tremor in hands and fingers
• Diarrhea; more rapid bowel movement
2. Hypothyroidism: when thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The symptoms are:
• More bleeding while menstruation
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Frequent constipation
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Dry skin and puffy face
3. Thyroiditis. It is inflammation or infection on the thyroid gland. They are mostly auto immune disease and hereditary. Types of thyroiditis are:
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Postpartum thyroiditis
4. Thyroid cancer. Most patients with thyroid cancer have also thyroid nodules but they are asymptomatic. It can be diagnosed by thyroid scan/ultrasonography. People who often exposured with radiation, older than 40 years old and have familial history of thyroid cancer are at a high risk of having thyroid cancer.
5. Thyroid nodules. It is a swelling in unilateral (one section) of the thyroid gland. Most of thyroid nodules cases are asymptomatic. Symptoms will appear when there are so many nodules that produce more thyroid hormones causes hyperthyroidism. The thyroid nodules sometimes can be palpated in the neck.
6. Goiter. It is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The most common cause is iodine deficiency. The symptom is swelling in the neck. Very large gland will cause problems of swallowing and breathing.