Low thyroid issues can particularly affect women in specific
ways. Because the thyroid gland assists with hormone distribution
throughout the body, a low thyroid function in women can impact
menstrual cycles, fertility, mood, and energy levels and have many other
health impacts on the body.
Women who have below normal function
of their thyroid often can have problems conceiving. It is not
impossible however, and hypothyroid in pregnancy is a difficult but new
area of diagnosis. Because the pregnancy and childbearing process is so
reliant on proper hormone distribution, an unhealthy thyroid can be
particularly dangerous for both mother and baby. Undiagnosed hypothyroid
in a pregnant mother can lead to issues as serious as stillbirth or
fetus growth retardation. It can also lead to complications in the
birthing process. Problems in diagnosing hypothyroidism in pregnancy
occur, because many of the symptoms of low thyroid mirror regular
symptoms of being pregnant, such as: fatigue, numbness in hands and
feet, and weight gain.
Often times, however, women who experience
low thyroid during pregnancy have had symptoms prior to conception. In
many cases where the mother is prescribed medications for her thyroid
before her pregnancy, these prescription medications can lead to many of
the complications. It is important, if on thyroid drugs going into the
pregnancy, that the mother has weekly hormone level checks with her
thyroid doctor, so that the medicine levels can be adjusted.
Because
the thyroid plays such an integral part in the balance of hormones
throughout the body, it is not uncommon for women to develop thyroid
disorders during certain stages of life such as: perimenopause, puberty,
as well as pregnancy. Due to the thyroid's interaction with estrogen
and progesterone, women are particularly at risk when it comes to
thyroid issues.
Women with low thyroid may experience many typical
low thyroid symptoms such as: depression, weight gain, fatigue,
insomnia, itchy skin, and constipation. Other symptoms may include the
inability to concentrate, jaundice, loss of appetite, and intolerance
for extreme hot or cold temperatures. In addition, certain menstrual
issues may arise, particularly irregular menstrual periods or lack or
menstrual periods altogether.
Because many of the symptoms of low
thyroid function can mirror symptoms common to different stages of life,
it is important to be tested for low thyroid and to see a doctor
specializing in low thyroid issues. Hormone levels can be examined
through simple blood tests and various treatments can be set up. There
are many alternative treatments if prescription medications are not
desired, either by choice or by necessity of certain situations such as
pregnancy. Working with a knowledgeable, accommodating doctor is the
secret to restoring healthy thyroid function.
A healthy thyroid is
the key to a healthy life. Because the thyroid is so imperative to many
functions of the body, particularly hormonal balance unique to women,
it is important to address possible thyroid issues as soon as possible.
Speak with a thyroid expert and find a suitable, personalized treatment
plan to restore healthy function should it be discovered that your
thyroid is not functioning normally.By
Dr David Arthur
