Pregnancy Journey
Updated on 3 November 2023
An underactive thyroid in the body leads to hypothyroidism, which prevents the thyroid gland from producing crucial hormones. Thyroid symptoms in females may not manifest themselves in the early stages. But if left untreated, hypothyroidism may cause obesity, joint pains, cardiac problems, and even infertility.
Wrapped around the trachea or the windpipe, the thyroid is a small gland located in front of the neck. Its shape resembles a butterfly. The thyroid gland produces hormones responsible for vital body functions like blood sugar regulation, maintaining body temperature and weight, etc. If the hormone is released in excess, the body can develop a condition called hyperthyroidism. When its production is insufficient, it is called hypothyroidism. Both conditions must be taken seriously as they can cause serious health problems.
The thyroid gland's main function is to release and control the production of hormones that affect metabolism. Metabolism is the process through which the food consumed by individuals is broken down into energy and used by the body to keep functioning properly.
The thyroid hormones that control metabolism are
The pituitary gland monitors the amount of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. If there is excess or insufficient production of thyroid hormones, the pituitary gland will make up for this using its own hormone called the TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.
Thyroid diseases are mainly of two types
This disease occurs when the body has an overactive thyroid gland. In this condition, there is an overproduction of TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.
When the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones, it leads to hypothyroidism. It is a result of the underproduction of TSH.
The symptoms of thyroid in females may be similar to other common diseases, which makes it difficult to diagnose thyroid-related issues.
These symptoms include:
These symptoms include:
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The causes of thyroid in females depend on its type, whether it's hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
The main causes of hypothyroidism include the following:
The swelling of the thyroid gland prevents the right amount of hormone production.
It is an autoimmune condition that damages the thyroid gland.
Postpartum thyroiditis affects almost 9% of women after childbirth.
Insufficient iodine in the body may lead to low hormone production.
A condition that some people might be born with.
The main causes of hyperthyroidism include the following:
Also called diffuse toxic goiter, the thyroid gland might be extremely overactive.
A toxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodule or a gland with multiple nodules called multi-nodular goiter.
Excess production of thyroid hormones.
High levels of iodine in the body can lead to a higher hormone production.
Any healthy person can develop hypo or hyperthyroidism; however, certain factors increase the chances. The following factors potentially contribute to the risk of thyroid disease:
You may also like: How often should you check thyroid levels during pregnancy?
Thyroid symptoms in females are usually treatable. But untreated thyroid disease can give rise to a combination of health problems such as:
A condition where the thyroid gland becomes extremely large. This may create difficulties in breathing and swallowing.
Hypothyroidism often results in heart conditions, including heart failure. This is due to the increased presence of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, which is not good for the body.
Mental health can take a hit if someone is going through thyroid problems. Depression and adverse mental functioning can be common in hypothyroidism.
Uncontrolled thyroid disease can cause permanent damage to the peripheral nerves. This can cause pain and numbness.
Sometimes, long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism may cause myxedema, a fatal condition.
Thyroid problems can hamper proper ovulation and sometimes cause infertility.
Babies born to those with thyroid symptoms in women are at a higher risk of birth defects.
The most common type of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid carcinoma. Symptoms of thryoid cancer in females include a lump or nodule around the neck, tightening around the neck, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and pain in the neck and throat.
You may also like: Thyroid Cancer: Symptoms and Causes in Females
Thyroid symptoms in females can appear at any time during a lifetime. If observed on time, they can be treated, and the possibility of developing a thyroid disease can be completely avoided.
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Written by
Madhavi Gupta
Dr. Madhavi Gupta is an accomplished Ayurvedic doctor specializing in Medical content writing with an experience of over 10 years.
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