Learning About Thyroid Disease

According to the Office on Women’s Health (OASH), thyroid disease is a problem women face more than men. 1 out every 8 women will have some type of thyroid issue in her lifetime. Thyroid diseases can result in the thyroid gland not making enough or making too much thyroid hormone. The reason this is problematic is because thyroid diseases can affect the menstrual period, cause problems when trying to get pregnant, as well as create problems in pregnant patients.

The two major types of thyroid diseases are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. OASH (2021) states that hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid, which means that an excessive amount of thyroid hormone is being produced. This results in increased metabolic function of the body. A common subtype of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disease known as Grave’s disease. Patients with hyperthyroidism can present with a host of symptoms, including weight loss, increased food intake, sleep problems, excessive sweating, muscle weakness, bulging of the eyes, among others. Patients with hyperthyroidism may also have osteoporosis, which makes bones easily breakable (OASH, 2021).

Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. It is when the body is not making enough thyroid hormone. According to OASH (2021), this slows down the body’s metabolism. One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism in the US is known as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, another immune syndrome. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain without increase in food intake, depression, dry hair, pale skin, decreased heart rate, among others (OASH, 2021). Patients can also have higher levels of LDLs (not good cholesterol), which increases risk for heart diseases (OASH, 2021).

If you are concerned about potential thyroid disease, please consult your physician.

References:

Office on Women's Health. (2021, February 22). Thyroid disease. Thyroid disease | Office on Women's Health. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/thyroid-disease#8