What Is Thyroid?

Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in the base of the neck, just above the collarbone. Thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones that travels with blood in the entire body and influences almost all of the metabolic processes of the body.

Types Of Thyroid Problems:

Main thyroid problems include-

Goiter

Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid nodules

Thyroiditis, etc.

How Do Thyroid Problems Affect Women?

Irregular menstrual cycle

Problem to conceive

During pregnancy might cause health problems to baby and mother.

Cause:

Thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones due to many factors, including:

Autoimmune disorder

Hereditary

Iodine deficiency

Non-functioning thyroid gland

Postpartum thyroiditis

Thyroiditis.

Risk Factors:

Though anyone can develop thyroid problem but some factors increase the chance of getting thyroid problems:

Age

Women as females are at high risk

Preexisting conditions

Pituitary gland disorder

Have been treated with radioactive iodine

Smoking

Injury or trauma to thyroid gland.

Symptoms:

Fatigue

Brain fog

Depression

Cold intolerance

Losing/gaining weight

Thinning hair

Heavier or irregular menstrual cycle

Anxiety

Constipation

Prevention/Treatment:

There is no way to prevent thyroid problems as it can be genetic or developed during pregnancy. But some lifestyle changes might prevent this:

Avoid processed food

Avoid or limit soy

Avoid smoking

Be stress free life

Take proper iodine

If already thyroid patient, then take medicine properly to maintain the normal range.

 

Reference:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease?__cf_chl_managed_tk__=NtyUBn4heze_tFN8c4LNivkANN0dP1LJmcga8TrmNMo-1640771635-0-gaNycGzNCVE#symptoms-and-causes

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/thyroid-problems