Our thyroid gland is responsible for the creation and production of hormones, which have important functions in a variety of other bodily systems. Thyroid disease is just the medical term for a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an abnormally high or low amount of essential hormones. There are numerous subcategories of thyroid disorder, the most common of which are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, as well as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Problems of the thyroid, often known as thyroiditis, are illnesses that impact the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, which is located in front of the neck. The thyroid gland plays a crucial part in the body’s regulation of a wide variety of metabolic activities. The anatomy or function of the thyroid can be altered by many forms of thyroid diseases. Symptoms of thyroid in females are more common compared to men, as per researchers.
Hypothyroidism is a disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to generate sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. It is not surprising that patients who have this illness may exhibit symptoms related to a sluggish metabolism, given that the primary function of thyroid hormone would be to “run the body’s metabolism.”
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed whenever the thyroid gland fails to generate sufficient amounts of the hormone T4. The pituitary gland, the brain, or even the thyroid gland altogether may be at fault when a person has an underactive thyroid. There is a subclinical prevalence of hypoactive thyroid in the general population that approaches 5%. The illness affects far more women than it does males.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism is characterized by the production of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. An overactive thyroid could be the result of dysfunction in the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, or even the thyroid gland altogether. Rarely seen, overactive thyroid is a very uncommon condition. It only affects a little more than 1% of the population in the United States. In a manner similar to that of an underactive thyroid, more women than males are affected by the illness.
Here are some symptoms of thyroid in females
- nervousness, anxiety, and irritability.
- Hyperactivity – you may find it hard to stay still and have a lot of nervous energy.
- Mood swings.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Feeling tired all the time.
- Sensitivity to heat.
- Muscle weakness.
- Diarrhea.
The root causes of thyroid disease
Non-functioning thyroid gland
Occasionally, the thyroid gland may not function properly from the moment of birth. This affects around 1 in every 4,000 births in the world. In the future, the kid may experience both physical and psychological difficulties if they are not treated for their condition. At the time of birth, a newborn baby’s thyroid function is evaluated using a screening blood test that is performed at the clinic. You can read more about it here from the top experts in the medical field.
Thyroiditis
The thyroid gland can become inflamed, a condition known as thyroiditis. It leads to hyperthyroidism because it allows thyroid hormones to escape into the blood, which raises their total levels and causes them to be at higher levels. After one to two months, such a condition may progress into hypothyroidism.
Thyroiditis could be brought on by an infection with bacteria or viruses as a result of an autoimmune disorder or after giving birth.
Iodine deficiency
The thyroid gland needs iodine in order to be able to generate hormones. Iodine shortage is a problem that’s also experienced by a number of millions of individuals all over the world. Lack of iodine can cause a lot of symptoms of thyroid in females.
Congenital hypothyroidism
When a person is born with congenital hypothyroidism, their thyroid gland does not operate normally from birth onward.
This could result in both mental and physical developmental issues, but if caught early enough, therapy can avert these concerns. The majority of babies in the United States get screening for hypothyroidism.
Thyroid problems are seldom life-threatening and are often only addressed when the associated symptoms become intolerable. The therapy for hyperthyroidism often consists of causing damage to the thyroid in order to reduce the disease’s symptoms. In order to treat hypothyroidism, it is common practice to administer additional thyroid hormone in the form of a pharmaceutical.
Conclusion
As we have already told you, it is very common to observe symptoms of thyroid in females compared to men, so it is necessary to get tested for it. Get in touch with the lab or doctor if you are facing any of the abovementioned symptoms.