Could It Really Be A Thyroid Problem?
January 25, 2009 by blackgirlgrown
Filed under black women, featured articles, health and wellness
I’ve always thought “thyroid problems” were the easy scapegoat for gaining weight. It invariably comes up when someone seeks to justify why they’ve gained weight or can’t seem to lose weight. But it is indeed real and affects a significant population of women. 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid condition in their lifetime. About 20% of those diagnosed are menopausal women.
There are two main types of thyroid disease:
Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid gland is underactive, improperly formed at birth, surgically removed all or in part, or becomes incapable of producing enough thyroid hormone, a person is said to be hypothyroid. One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s disease, in which antibodies gradually target the thyroid and destroy its ability to produce thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone, a person is said to be hyperthyroid. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune condition known as Graves’ disease, where antibodies target the gland and cause it to speed up hormone production.
The problem comes in diagnosing thyroid disease as most women can experience any or all of the symptoms on any given day. According to Lifescript, symptoms can include:
Feeling Fatigue or Hyper: Stress, giving birth, having small children, menopause or being busy all can make you tired. It’s also the most common symptom of hypothyroidism and sometimes occurs with hyperthyroidism. Women with hyperthyroidism may feel hyper or jittery, and their hands may shake. Bulging eyes and double vision could be the first signs of Grave’s disease.
Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss:Many women with an underactive thyroid pack on pounds. And those with hyperthyroidism may lose weight without blinking an eye. You might blame normal body changes, such as menopause or having a baby. But if the scale continues to fluctuate with no difference in your activity level or diet, get a thyroid blood test.
Changes in Your Body’s ‘Thermostat’:Having hot flashes? Menopause may not be to blame. If your thyroid is overactive, you may feel sweaty and overheated in temperatures that didn’t bother you before. Or you may not be able to tolerate heat at all. If you’re running colder than usual, it could be an underactive thyroid.
Bowel Changes: The thyroid hormone also regulates your bowels. If you have hypothyroidism, you may develop constipation and have hard stools. With hyperthyroidism, you may have more bowel movements per day than usual, or they may be loose and watery. If you haven’t changed your diet and loose stools continue, get your thyroid tested.
Changes in Your Pulse:Thyroid hormone can also affect your heart rate. A woman with hypothyroidism may have a slowed pulse. An overactive thyroid may cause a rapid pulse, even palpitations. Neither disorder typically results in a dangerous heart rate. Problems can arise if a thyroid disorder is left untreated too long, but by that time, other body systems will usually have already been affected enough to cause other symptoms first. Other causes may be blamed, such as menopause, which can increase heart rate, and regular cardio exercise, which can slow it down. But don’t ignore heart rate changes – get your thyroid checked.
Changes in Skin:Dry skin is a dead giveaway that your thyroid’s underactive, especially if it gets worse despite efforts to keep it moist. Hypothyroidism commonly causes very dry skin that easily flakes off. But because this problem also occurs with aging (particularly after 50) and many young women have dry skin, it’s often treated without considering a thyroid problem. Women with hyperthyroidism frequently have warm, sweaty skin. They also may sweat more than usual. In hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism caused by Grave’s disease, edema or swelling can occur over the front of the lower legs. It may feel like thickening of the skin, which may also darken in color.
Hair Loss or Thinning: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect your locks. (Interestingly, the first person to notice Dr. Horn’s hypothyroidism was her hair stylist, who told her that her hair’s texture was changing.) With an underactive thyroid, you can also lose the outside part of the eyebrows – the part nearest to your temples. Because hair loss and thinning can also occur during and after pregnancy, as well as with menopause, it’s easy to ignore it. But thyroid-related hair loss on the head and the eyebrows can be reversed with treatment.
Depression: It’s easy to chalk up symptoms of depression – feeling blue, crying easily, not sleeping or loss of libido – to life issues such as stress, menopause or having a new baby. But several factors can be the cause, including thyroid disease. There‘s a form of hyperthyroidism called “apathetic hyperthyroidism,” which can cause depression as well. If you feel depressed for more than a couple weeks, talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling and get your thyroid checked.
Brain Fog:Have brain fog? Do you feel like you just can’t think or remember anything? Lack of sleep, depression, PMS or stress can deplete brain power – but so can a thyroid disorder. With an underactive thyroid, your thought processes may be sluggish. And an overactive thyroid can cause racing thoughts. Either way, you might feel as if your mind is cluttered or “fogged in.” Treatment may help you think clearly again.
Aches and Muscle Weakness:Joint aches and muscle pain can signal an underactive thyroid, particularly if you haven’t been exercising excessively or straining your body. And even if you do hit the gym regularly, think of your thyroid gland if you start noticing unusual aches and pains. An overactive thyroid can cause muscle weakness, particularly in the leg and arm muscles closest to your body. It’s suddenly an effort to raise your arm to brush your hair, or it might be difficult to get up from a chair without pushing off with your arms. Other diseases can cause such symptoms, but think hyperthyroidism.
Treatment for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism include various medications and can be discussed with your doctor. About.com offers a checklist for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism to discuss with your doctor.
