Signs & Symptoms of a Thyroid Condition in Women

The thyroid gland can be found in the front part of the neck and is responsible for regulation of the metabolism. This gland produces thyroid hormones, which play a significant role in the way energy is dispersed and used throughout the body. When the gland produces too many thyroid hormones, hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid disease, occurs; if too little is produced, hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid disease, may be diagnosed.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Early symptoms of hypothyroidism may be easily overlooked or mistaken for symptoms of anxiety disorders. Women who become fatigued or exhausted easily, suffer from constipation, have a low tolerance for cold temperatures or notice tingling or numbness in the hands or wrists (carpal tunnel) may have an underactive thyroid gland.

  As the disease worsens, symptoms may increase to include loss of appetite, weight gain, dry skin, depression, moodiness, change in libido, hoarseness or deepening of the voice, hair loss, puffiness around the eyes, a loss of intellectual ability and irregular, frequent and heavy menstrual periods.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Women with an overactive thyroid may experience trouble sleeping, nervousness, hand tremors, hot flashes, weight loss despite increased appetite, sweating, joint pain, frequent bowel movements, rapid heart beat, difficulty concentrating or infrequent or lack of menstrual periods. Elderly women may experience chest pain, difficulty breathing or muscle weakness, especially in the shoulders or thighs.

  Untreated hyperthyroidism can have long-term negative effects on the brain while severe hyperthyroidism, known as thyrotoxic crisis, can be life-threatening because it can interfere with the functioning of the heart.

Symptoms Requiring Emergency Attention

• Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism develop slowly over time in the body. Undiagnosed hypothyroidism can cause an intestinal blockage and also interfere with the heart's ability to beat regularly. Additionally, hypothyroidism can worsen if there is an infection or trauma that occurs to the body. Women should be evaluated by a doctor if they have persistent symptoms of overactive or underactive thyroid disease.

  Women who have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder should contact a health care professional immediately if they experience shortness of breath, abdominal pain, vomiting, confusion, disorientation, chest pain, rapid or irregular heart beat, extreme irritability or coma. These symptoms can be life-threatening and require immediate attention.