Thyroid Issues: Causes, Types & Treatments
The thyroid is a small organ that plays an important role in different systems of the body. When your thyroid makes too much or too few hormones, it is called thyroid issues. There are several different types of thyroid problems that you should know about. In this blog, we will learn everything about thyroid problems in females.
What Is Thyroid & How Does it Work?
The thyroid is a small gland present in the front of the neck. They produce hormones that help to control the overall function of the body. Less or more hormone production can impact an individual’s health. If your body is producing too many hormones, it is called hyperthyroidism, and if it is producing too few hormones, it is called hypothyroidism. These are the two major types of thyroid issues; there are several other types of thyroid problems in women that should be treated at the earliest to eliminate the risk factors associated with the disease.
The thyroid plays a primary role in regulating several bodily functions. Its primary function is to produce hormones that control metabolism, converting food into energy. This energy is used throughout the body to keep many functions working correctly. The two hormones created by the thyroid are T4 (Thyroxine, which contains four iodide atoms) and T3 (Triiodothyronine, which includes three iodine atoms), which tells the body cells how much energy to use. When your thyroid works appropriately, it will maintain the right amount of hormones to keep your metabolism working correctly. But when they don’t work properly, it creates thyroid issues.
Types Of Thyroid Problems In Women
Apart from hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, there are several other types of thyroid issues with their own characteristics and impact on the thyroid gland’s function.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism results in the overproduction of hormones with symptoms like rapid heart rate, weight loss, anxiety, and heat intolerance.
Hypothyroidism
This is the condition when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. In this situation, individuals mainly experience fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression.
Goiter
A goiter is a condition when thyroid glands are enlarged due to multiple factors, such as iodine deficiency, thyroid nodules, or autoimmune diseases.
Thyroid Nodules
These are the abnormal growth of lumps on the thyroid glands. While some of the nodules are benign, some can be cancerous. Among different thyroid issues, this is considered life-threatening.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is the presence of cancer cells in the thyroid glands. It includes several types, such as papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Thyroiditis
Among the thyroid issues, thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid glands, which can be caused by viral infection, autoimmune systems, or other factors.
Postpartum Thyroiditis
Some women experience thyroid dysfunction after giving birth, which can manifest as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and can be resolved on its own.
Understanding the different types of thyroid problems in females is important in diagnosing the issue and treating it.
Causes Of Thyroid in Female
Thyroid problems may arise due to various factors, and they depend on specific thyroid conditions. Some of the common causes of thyroid issues include.
- Autoimmune disorders
- Iodine deficiency
- Thyroid nodules
- Genetics
- Radiation exposure
- Pregnancy
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Age
- Infections
- Hormonal changes
- Environmental factors
These are the common causes of thyroid in females. It is essential to understand the symptoms to prevent and treat thyroid issues promptly.
Signs Of Thyroid Problem
Here are the signs of two major types of thyroid issues.
Signs Of hyperthyroidism problem in females
- Weight loss
- Eating more than usual but not gaining weight
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Feeling irritable
- Trouble sleeping
- Trembling in your hands or fingers
- Excess sweating
- Feeling hot
- Diarrhea
- Less than normal bleeding in periods
- Redness or irritation in eyes.
Signs of hypothyroidism problem in females
- Feeling cold
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Weight gain
- Joint or muscle pain
- Feeling sad or depressed
- Fatigue
- Pale, dry skin
- Dry, thin hair
- Slow heart rate
- A puffy face
- A hoarse voice
- More than normal bleeding in periods
Knowing these symptoms of thyroid issues is essential to control the problems. Seek doctor’s assistance as soon as you suspect any of these symptoms so that healthcare professionals can perform tests and recommend the most suitable treatment. Besides the doctor’s recommendation, you can also rely on home remedies for thyroid problems in women.
Home Remedies for Thyroid Problems In Females
The treatment of thyroid issues depends on the specific condition and its underlying causes. Here are some home remedies that can reduce the signs of thyroid problems if used regularly.
- Coconut Oil – Use coconut oil to cook food.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Add it to warm water or herbal tea or with honey for sore throat.
- Ginger – Add ginger to your food items.
- Vitamin B – Make a smoothie from almond milk, a dash of pineapple juice, sliced banana, and flaxseeds
- Vitamin D – Make a dish from lentils for a warm meal.
- Almonds – You can add a handful of almonds as a snack or other items.
- Dairy Products – Try yoghurt and other products like cream and cheese.
- Beans – Rich in fibre, beans can help in aiding constipation. Sprinkle flaxseeds to add more taste.
- Seaweed
- Iodine supplements
- Regular exercise
Apart from this, you should eat a balanced diet and add nutritious drinks to your diet to consume more and more nutrients. This will complement other home remedies and can eliminate the symptoms.
These are the home remedies for treating thyroid issues, which you can continue with a doctor’s prescription. However, seeking a healthcare professional’s consultation is necessary to address the issue carefully. Keep the warning signs of thyroid problems in mind and get control over the issue immediately.