Thyroid Disease

Thyroid Disease in Women

Thyroid disease is a very common medical condition and affects people of all races, ages and economic levels. It is much more common in women than men. Thyroid disorders affect at least 11 million Americans—90% of them women. Hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) occurs 5 times more often in women than men. There are two groups at high risk of hypothyroidism- women over the age of 50 and those who have recently given birth. Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) also occurs more often in women; the age group most often affected includes those 30 to 40 years of age.

Thyroid cancer is very rare, accounting for little more than 1% of cancers in the U.S. The outcome with treatment is usually excellent- most thyroid cancers can be totally removed with surgery and a complete cure is common.

What is Thyroid Disease?

In order to understand thyroid disease, you first need to understand the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck just below the Adam’s apple. It produces and secretes hormones that collectively are called thyroid hormones. These hormones control your metabolism. The growth of your cells and the working of your muscles depend on having the right level of thyroid hormone. Your temperature, cholesterol level, moods, memory, and many other things are all affected by this hormone! Your heart, brain, kidneys and skin all need the right amount of thyroid hormone to work effectively.

If the gland becomes diseased or injured, it may not work properly. People are said to be hypothyroid when the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormone. People whose thyroid glands are too active are said to be hyperthyroid.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid function abnormality. It can occur spontaneously (chronic thyroditis or Hashimoto’s disease) or develop after treatment for hyperthyroidism. Having too little thyroid hormone causes your body to slow down. Signs and symptoms include:

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> tiredness

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> weight gain

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> dry skin

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> often feeling cold

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> coarse, dry hair or hair loss

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> hoarseness

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> constipation

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> yellowish skin

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> enlarged thyroid gland

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> difficulty remembering things

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> depression

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> irregular or heavy menstruation; infertility.

Some individuals are more likely than others to become hypothyroid. These include: women over 40, post partum women, people with high cholesterol, people with a family history of thyroid disease, people who have had xray therapy of the head or neck for cancers or Hodgkin’s disease, and people with nonthyroid autoimmune diseases.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This commonly results from a condition known as diffuse toxic goiter or Graves disease. Other conditions that cause this include toxic nodular or multinodular goiter- in which one or more nodules in the thyroid become overactive. Another condition that may cause hyperthyroidism is called thyroiditis. Individuals more likely than others to have hyperthyroidism include: women 30 years or older, pregnant or have given birth within the last 6 months, people with other autoimmune conditions. Signs and symptoms of hyperthyrodism can include:

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> nervousness and irritability

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> fast, irregular heartbeat

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> heat intolerance and increased sweating

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> shaky hands

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> weight loss

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> increased appetite

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> more frequent bowel movements

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> tiredness and muscle weakness

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> enlarged thyroid

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> sleep disturbances

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> impaired fertility

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> bulging eyes

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> eye irritation, double vision

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> withdrawn behavior

Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects that you have a thyroid disorder she or he will give you a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms. Your thyroid gland will be examined for nodules, which are lumps in the thyroid gland that can be made up of a group of thyroid cells or fluid filled cysts. In addition, your weight, blood pressure and pulse will be measured.

There are certain laboratory tests that can tell how well your thyroid gland is functioning. The best single test is the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH stimulates your thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones. If your TSH is outside the normal range, it is likely that you have a thyroid disorder. Other tests that your doctor may order are:

Symbol;">?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> Thyroid hormone tests: these are direct measurements of the amount of hormone in you blood.

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> Thyroid antibody test: this test will help your doctor find out if your immune system is affecting your thyroid function.

?le="" roman="" new="" times="" style=""> Radioactive iodine uptake test: this is used to measure how much iodine your thyroid absorbs.

Treatment

Treatment of thyroid disease depends on the type of disorder you have. People with hypothyroidism are treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. People with hyperthyroidism may be treated with radioactive iodine therapy. The iodine goes directly to the thyroid gland and destroys thyroid cells, thereby decreasing the production of thyroid hormone. Many times patients are made hypothyroid as a consequence of the iodine therapy and must take supplemental thyroid hormone on a daily basis. Other options for hyperthyroidism include antithyroid drugs.

No matter what the disorder or the treatment course, you play a vital role in maintaining your health. If you suspect that you may have a disorder of your thyroid function, do not hesitate to discuss the matter with your physician.