User:LWoolard

Effects of Thyroid Problems in Women The thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. Thyroid hormones are very important in regulating body energy, the body’s use of other hormones and vitamins, and the growth of body tissues. Diseases of the thyroid gland can result in production of too much or too little thyroid hormone, thyroid nodules, and or goiter. Too much is more commonly known as overactive thyroid disease or hyperthyroidism, while too little is known as underactive thyroid disease or hypothyroidism. Both types of thyroid problems are more common in women than in men. Risk factors of developing thyroid problems are a person being age fifty and above, family history of thyroid disease, being left-handed, being pregnant or within the first year after childbirth, current/former smoker, and high stress life events. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, depression, difficulty concentrating, excessive weight gain, dry or itchy skin, dry or thinning of hair, muscle cramps, more frequent periods, and infertility/miscarriage. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are nervousness, irritability, thinning of hair, panic disorder, insomnia, shaky hands, muscle weaknesses in arms and thighs, weight loss, and less frequent menstrual periods. It is estimated that 59 million Americans have thyroid disease but the majority do not know. The top ten signs that someone may have thyroid problems are fatigue, weight changes, depression/anxiety, cholesterol issues, family history, menstrual irregularities/fertility problems, bowel problems, hair/skin changes, neck discomfort/enlargement, and muscle and joint pain. Undiagnosed thyroid problems can dramatically increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, anxiety, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, infertility, and other symptoms and health problems. Therefore, it is very important that thyroid problems do not go undiagnosed. Some of the medications that are prescribed for thyroid problems are; Armour, Cytomel, Levo-T, Levothroid, Levothyroxine, Levoxyl, Liothyronine, Liotrix, Synthroid, Thyrar, Thyroglobulin, Thyrolar, Triostat, and Westhroid. Thyroid disease is a complex and frequently can be characterized by the emotional irregularity that typically follows.. Imbalances of thyroid function have serious effects on the body and the mind. Detection of thyroid problems, especially in women, can be challenging because symptoms are mainly stress, fatigue, or depression. Many women will attribute the symptoms to other issues going on and not due the medical condition. Thyroid disease can affect mood; the more severe the disease the more severe the person’s mood changes. There are medications that can block your body’s ability to produce new thyroid hormone or replaces missing thyroid hormone and usually improves both emotional and physical symptoms caused by thyroid disease. The article focused on four specific women who were all suffering from different types of thyroid problems reviewing the differences in symptoms, presentation, and treatment methods. It was summarized by reporting that it is difficult for health professionals to manage the care for each thyroid patient on an individual basis due to the differences in each female patients presentation. Symptoms often look as if they belong to a different diagnosis and are mistreated by health professionals. It was recommended in the article that it is necessary to keep an open mind about referring these patients for specialty services/experts in the field so that they can be treated quickly and reduce the problematic effect thyroids may have on their overall functioning and happiness.

References Olson, B.R. (1998). Facets of Thyroid Disease in Women: Four Case Reports. Journal of Women's Health, 7(1), 85-92.