Underactive Thyroid Symptoms in Women

Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland, located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. Thyroid is an endocrine gland, that secretes the thyroid hormones. The main two hormones released by the thyroid gland are thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3. The secretion of these hormones by the thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus first signals the pituitary gland to release the 'thyroid stimulating hormone', which in turn induces the thyroid gland to release T3 and T4 hormones. These two hormones, released by the thyroid gland are responsible for regulating almost all aspects of metabolism.

A deficiency of the thyroid hormones, which is the case with an underactive thyroid gland can adversely affect metabolism, which can eventually manifest in several symptoms. Women are more likely to suffer from this condition. It has been observed that women are four times more likely to get hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland than men. The risk for developing hypothyroidism increases with age. The incidence of the disease is more among women older than 50 years.

Hypothyroidism Causes

The most common cause is the autoimmune condition, known as Hashimoto's disease or thyroiditis. In this disease, the tissues of the thyroid gland are attacked and destroyed by the immune system. The immune system produces antibodies to fight against the tissues of the body, but what exactly triggers such an immune response is not known. At times, radioactive iodine and other anti-thyroid medications used for the treatment for hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism.

Some other risk factors for an underactive thyroid gland are, radiation therapy for treating cancer of the head and neck, thyroid surgery, a personal or family history of autoimmune diseases, Down's syndrome, a history of Grave's disease, iodine deficiency, pituitary disorders, and use of medications like, lithium and amiodarone. For women, pregnancy can also be a cause. Some women can develop this condition during pregnancy, while others can get it after delivery.

Hypothyroidism Signs in Women

It is characterized by a slow down in the rate of metabolism, as the body does not get sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones to maintain the normal rate of metabolism. This in turn, can manifest in several symptoms in both men and women.

• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Constipation
• Depression
• Cold intolerance or increased sensitivity to cold
• Unexplained weight gain
• Dry and pale skin
• Fluid retention
• Coarse and brittle hair
• Brittle nails
• Muscle aches and tenderness
• Stiffness and pain of the joints
• Muscle weakness
• Heavier menstrual periods
• Menstrual irregularities
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Low heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Slow and sluggish reflexes
• Loss of sex drive

If the condition remain undiagnosed and untreated, then it can eventually cause:

• Hoarseness of voice
• Slow speech
• Decreased taste and smell
• Thinning of the eyebrows
• Puffy face and hands
• Hair loss
• Memory loss and confusion (in the elderly)

The new mothers can also experience hypothyroidism and a few of the symptoms associated with the condition. Following are some of the most common symptoms of this condition in women after pregnancy.

• Fatigue and excessive tiredness
• Depression
• Inability to lose weight

Diagnosis and Treatment for Hypothyroidism

The diagnosis typically involves physical examination of the thyroid gland and blood tests to determine the level of thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine. The condition is usually treated with the medicine, levothyroxine, which is a synthetic thyroid hormone. If the level of thyroid hormones has dropped to an extremely low level, then intravenous administration of thyroid hormone replacement and steroid medications can be required. Hypothyroidism, if left untreated, can lead to several complications, out of which heart problems, infertility, goiter, osteoporosis and an increased risk for infection are worth mentioning.

Women with an underactive thyroid gland are more likely to give birth to babies with birth defects. The risk for miscarriages is also more in such women. Early diagnosis of the condition plays a vital role in the treatment which can help to avoid the complications associated with untreated hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is very important to not neglect the symptoms. Symptoms like, continuous fatigue, muscle and joint pain, as well as excessively coarse and brittle hair and nails should be properly evaluated with the help of a physician, in order to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of this condition.