Unexplained weight fluctuations are becoming increasingly common among women. While some may not take it seriously, sudden weight gain or loss can be a cause for concern. In fact, research shows that as many as 65% of women who experience significant weight changes may be suffering from thyroid-related issues.
The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland located in the middle of the throat that produces two major hormones T3 and T4. These two hormones regulate the body's metabolism, menstrual cycle, heart rate and body temperature. The thyroid gland functioning properly is really important for women's health and quality of life.
The risk of thyroid in women is about 10 times higher than men, particularly during menopause and pregnancy. There are two types of thyroids in women: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, which can cause weight gain due to a slower metabolism. Women with hypothyroidism may find it difficult to lose weight and may experience unexplained weight gain instead.
Now in this blog we will help all the women to know the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for thyroid disease in women. We will also provide tips on how to manage thyroid disease and maintain good overall health. Whether you have been recently diagnosed with thyroid disease or are simply interested in learning more about this common condition, this blog is for you.
Thyroid Disease: What Is It?
Thyroid is the most common disease found in every second woman. This disease can be occurring in both men and women but it is more likely to develop in women. Thyroid disease in women occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce the hormones in sufficient amounts and it’s a part of your endocrine system.
The thyroid main work is to control the body's important functions by producing and releasing the mainly two hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland helps to boost up your metabolism, which is the process that helps the food you eat convert into energy. The cells in the body require the energy to function and when the thyroid gland does not do its job properly, it can cause multiple health problems.
Thyroxine: Thyroxine, also known as T4 is a hormone produced by thyroid gland, which plays a vital role in support metabolism, energy level and control basal metabolic rate. Because of these essential functions of thyroxine, it affects how quickly or significantly it affects weight management. This hormone also plays a crucial role in the development and the maintenance of the brain bones, and muscles.
Triiodothyronine:this hormone is also produced by the thyroid gland, which is known as the T3 hormone. T3 hormone helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, and it plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the reproductive system. When the periods do not come on the time it may be the thyroid symptoms in the women. T3 hormone also helps to regulate the production of other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which are important for female health and fertility.
2 Types Of Thyroid In Women
Now we hope you got to know what thyroid disease is. But the two main types of thyroid disease are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism:
Hypothyroidism:An underactive thyroid that doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism. Thyroid nodules and hypothyroidism are common in both pre- and postmenopausal women. Menopausal is the thyroid disease in women.
Hyperthyroidism:an overactive thyroid, that occurs when the thyroid glands produce too much of thyroid hormones.Hyperthyroidism can also cause changes in menstrual patterns, and can lead to osteoporosis and other bone-related problems over time.
What Are The Thyroid Disease Symptoms In Women
There are two types of thyroids: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and Thyroid disease symptoms in women can vary depending on it.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat,
- Nervousness or anxiety, and sweating
On the other hand, symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Depression
- Imbalance menstrual cycle
- Muscles weakness
- Difficulty in sleeping
What Are The Causes Of Thyroid In Women?
Thyroid disease can be occurring in the women due to the multiple reason include:
Autoimmune disease: autoimmune disease is the most common thyroid disease in women. Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease. In these conditions, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, as the result it produces too much or low thyroid hormones.
Iodine deficiency: low deficiency of iodine in the body is also the most common cause of thyroid in women especially of hypothyroidism. The low level of iodine can be the major cause of thyroid in women.
Menopause: there is a high change in women to have an underactive thyroid after menopause. Recent study said that 12-20% of women over the age of 60 years have more likely to develop thyroid.
Pregnancy: can be a cause of thyroid disease in women. Thyroid enlarges at the time of pregnancy in healthy women and in some women this condition develops after pregnancy.
Medication: certain medicines such as amiodarone, lithium, and some cancer medications like tyrosine kinase inhibitors can affect thyroid and function and also lead to other serious health problems.
Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation, such as during cancer treatment or nuclear accidents, can increase the risk of thyroid problems.
What Is The Treatment For Thyroid In Women
There are several treatments available to treat thyroid but it totally depends on the severity of the condition. Three most popular treatments to treat thyroid disease in women include:
;Ayurvedic thyroid supplements: Ayurveda is the best way to cure thyroid disease from the root. As it is made from the plant based ingredients such as kuth kavdu, ginger, kuth mithi, kanchar, shankh bhasma and other potent herbs that work to support healthy thyroid function. Ayurveda offers supplements in different forms such as capsule powder and sometimes in the fsorm of tea. These ayurvedic thyroid supplements help and regulate thyroid gland, boost metabolism, enhance energy and overall wellness.
These supplements usually are free from any harmful chemical and safe to use. But before starting to take any supplements, first consult with your healthcare provider.
Medication: certain medicines such as Propylthioracil (PTU) and methimazole (Tapazole) , levothyroxine (Levo-T, Synthroid) may help to treat the condition of thyroid. These medicines are taken by mouth and help to balance the hormone levels and eliminate the symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Note: Don’t Consume Any Medicine Without Your Doctor Consult
Surgery: Thyroidectomy is the most common surgery to treat thyroid disease. Thyroidectomy is surgical removal of all parts of the entire thyroid gland. One more surgery option is lobectomy, in this only removing the part of your thyroid.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy:both therapies options are available for the treatment of thyroid cancer. These therapies help kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, thyroid is a common and most affected disease in women, which you need to manage continuously. As you read above, thyroid disease in women, if not treated timely, can affect your overall health in a short time.
If you have been experiencing any symptoms for a long time, connect with your health care today. You can treat this condition by choosing Ayurvedic thyroid supplements, therapies, medications and surgeries. But consult your healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
- Supports to improve T3, T4 hormones production
- Helps to maintain a healthy weight
- Supports Improve thyroid hormone levels
