The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck that produces hormones important in regulating specific body functions, such as metabolism and the sleep-wake cycle. In the United States, more than 27 million people--the majority of whom are women--have been diagnosed with some form of thyroid disease, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Questions regarding the symptoms of thyroid trouble in a woman should be discussed with a patient's doctor.
Weight Changes
Women with thyroid trouble can experience unusual weight changes due to this condition, explains The Hormone Foundation. Thyroid hormones help regulate how quickly the body breaks down, or metabolizes, ingested food products. Too much thyroid hormone, a condition called hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid, can cause the body to break down food more rapidly than normal. When this occurs, women can experience unintended or unexplained weight loss. Conversely, too little thyroid hormone, a condition called hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid, can slow the rate at which the body digests food. Women with this type of thyroid condition can experience unexplained weight gain despite maintaining a normal, healthy diet.
Menstrual Cycle Irregularities
Thyroid trouble can lead to menstrual cycle changes in some women. Abnormally high or low levels of thyroid hormones within the body can cause a woman to experience unusually heavy or light menstrual periods that occur irregularly, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Certain women can also have difficulty becoming pregnant due to thyroid trouble, warns the New York Thyroid Center. Women who experience menstrual cycle changes should contact a doctor for further evaluation and care as these symptoms of thyroid trouble can also be signs of alternate medical problems.
Temperature Sensitivity
An overactive thyroid can cause women to develop increased sensitivity to warm temperatures, reports the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. As a result, these women may sweat more frequently than healthy women. Alternatively, low levels of thyroid hormone can lead to cold intolerance in affected women, reports UMMC. Affected women may be cold or uncomfortable even if they are in a warm environment.
Bowel Movement Changes
Thyroid hormone irregularities can cause bowel movement changes in affected women, explains the UMMC. Women with low levels of thyroid hormone can become constipated, while women with high levels of thyroid hormone can experience diarrhea. These symptoms of thyroid trouble in a woman can also be accompanied by nausea or abdominal bloating, cramping or discomfort. Women who experience persistent or severe bowel movement difficulties should seek additional care from a medical professional.
Unusual Mood Alterations
Women experiencing thyroid trouble can also develop unusual mood-related changes as symptoms of this condition, explains The Hormone Foundation. Affected women may become abnormally anxious, nervous, depressed or irritable. If these symptoms of thyroid trouble emerge, affected women should contact a doctor.
Fatigue
Excessive fatigue can arise as a symptom of thyroid trouble in a woman, according to the UMMC. Increased fatigue may be accompanied by muscle weakness, which can make it difficult for an affected woman to move about normally. Fatigue can also negatively affect a woman's ability to remain focused and alert throughout the day.
References
- The Hormone Foundation: Thyroid Problems
- New York Thyroid Center: Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy and Fertility
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism - Symptoms
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Thyroid Disorders are More Common than You Think
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Hyperthyroidism
