Overactive Thyroid Symptoms in Women

Overactive thyroid gland, also known as hyperthyroidism refers to an over production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck is concerned with the secretion of some of the important hormones including, thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). These two are the main hormones secreted by this gland, and these hormones regulate the rate of metabolism, heart rate and body temperature. So, over secretion of thyroid hormones can increase the rate of metabolism, which in turn manifests several health problems such as, irregular heartbeat, weight loss and nervousness. The secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland is regulated by another hormone, known as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the pituitary gland. The production of TSH on the other hand, is regulated by the hypothalamus. In women, this condition can produce a range of uncomfortable symptoms. The opposite condition of hyperthyroidism is hypothyroidism. Like hyperthyroidism, the symptoms of hypothyroidism in women can also be quite uncomfortable.

Causes of Overactive Thyroid Gland

High thyroid levels, especially high level of the hormone thyroxine is more commonly associated with an autoimmune condition, known as Grave's disease. In this disease, the immune system produces antibodies that attack the cells of the thyroid gland, which can result in hyperthyroidism. Certain factors like, high level of stress, smoking, radiation to the neck, certain medications and pathogens like, viruses are considered as some of the important triggering factors for Grave's disease. This disease is a hereditary disease and is more common among women. Sometimes, hyperthyroidism can also be caused by adenomas that develop in the thyroid gland. Some adenomas can start producing thyroxine independently, i.e. without responding to the level of TSH. Apart from these, thyroiditis, excessive intake of thyroid hormone medications and iodine are some other possible causes of hyperthyroidism.

Overactive Thyroid Gland Signs for Women

The symptoms are more or less similar to the hyperthyroidism symptoms observed in men. However, women can experience a few additional symptoms related to menstruation. In general, the hyperthyroidism symptoms can mimic the symptoms of many other health conditions.

• Increased appetite
• Sudden weight loss, despite same or increased appetite
• Rapid heartbeat or tachycardia
• Joint pain
• Excessive sweating
• Hot flashes
• Nervousness
• Anxiety and irritability
• Tremors, especially in the hands and fingers
• Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia
• Frequent bowel movements
• Difficulty in sleeping properly
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Poor concentration
• Osteoporosis
• Menstrual irregularities (light and less frequent menstrual periods)

In addition to these symptoms, elderly women can experience chest pain, breathing difficulty and muscle weakness. If hyperthyroidism is caused by Grave's disease, then it can affect the eyes. Eye involvement is usually rare, but if it occurs, then one can observe a few additional symptoms in women such as, protruding eyeball, swelling, redness of the eye, excessive tearing, double vision and increased light sensitivity. This condition is usually termed as Grave's ophthalmopathy.

Overactive Thyroid Gland Treatment

Hyperthyroidism is usually detected by evaluating the medical history of the patient, and with the help of physical examination, blood tests to measure the level of TSH and thyroxine, radioactive iodine uptake test and thyroid scan. The main treatment options are, anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine and thyroid surgery or thyroidectomy. For controlling the symptoms like, rapid heartbeat and palpitations, beta blockers are also used. Surgery is normally opted in very few cases, usually when the patient cannot tolerate the anti-thyroid medications, and does not want to go for radioactive iodine therapy. In surgery, most of the thyroid gland is removed, for which the patient is required to take synthetic thyroid hormone for rest of his or her life. If Grave's ophthalmopathy results from hyperthyroidism, then this condition can be treated with artificial tears and lubricating gels. In severe cases, corticosteroids and surgical procedures like, eye muscle surgery and orbital decompression surgery can be required to treat Grave's ophthalmopathy.

If left untreated, it can lead to some serious complications like, heart problems, eye problems, brittle bones and thyrotoxic crisis. Thyrotoxic crisis can be a life-threatening condition, if not treated immediately. This condition is characterized by the intensification of the hyperthyroidism symptoms. Such complications can however, be avoided with prompt treatment. However, the symptoms in women are not very specific, for which it can be difficult to diagnose the condition in the early stage. Therefore, symptoms like, sudden weight loss, rapid and irregular heartbeat, hot flashes and menstrual irregularities should never be neglected. Instead, such symptoms should be evaluated as soon as possible with the help of a health care provider, in order to rule out the possibility of hyperthyroidism and other medical conditions.