Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that is two inches long and positioned at the base of the neck. It regulates several key physiological functions. A dysfunction of this gland can cause a variety of health problems, including weight gain or loss, cardiac difficulties, and infertility.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces fewer hormones than necessary, and hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces more hormones than necessary. Women have a higher risk of thyroid disease than males, so it’s critical for them to be aware of key warning signs and symptoms.
“Thyroid illness is more common in women than in males, especially after pregnancy and menopause. According to statistics, one out of every eight women in the globe has thyroid illness, however 60% of women are unaware of the symptoms. Because thyroid warning symptoms might be mistaken with other health issues, this is frequently the case “Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital – New Delhi – Nehru Place, Dr. Sadhna Kala, MBBS, MS, FICOG, FACS (USA).
It’s tempting to dismiss exhaustion and lack of energy as signs of anything more severe in a time when they’ve grown so frequent. Irregular tiredness and persistent weariness are two symptoms that might indicate a thyroid problem. An overactive thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, causes the metabolism to flare up, resulting in energy loss and weakness. An underactive thyroid, on the other hand, might cause sluggishness and fatigue due to decreased metabolic activity. Heart palpitations, muscular weakness, and joint problems can all be symptoms of thyroid fatigue and weakness.
Because the thyroid gland is so important for metabolism, any unexplained weight gain or loss might be a sign of thyroid disease. Low thyroid hormone levels in the body can lead to weight gain, whereas a hyperactive thyroid can emit too many hormones, resulting in rapid weight reduction. Hypothyroidism produces massive weight gain, whereas hyperthyroidism causes major weight loss.
Menstrual abnormalities are frequently misdiagnosed as indicators of PCOS or infertility, but they can also be a sign of thyroid disease. Variations in thyroid levels might affect the menstrual flow and induce changes in the periodic cycle. Lower or higher thyroid hormones can make periods lighter, heavier, or scantier since the thyroid gland controls the reproductive system. Women over the age of 35 may go without periods for lengthy periods of time or experience the start of menopause early.
