Thyroid Disorders in Women: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Dr. Sheena Cherry

Internal Medicine Specialist

Thyroid Disorders in Women: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Thyroid disorders impact millions of women around the world. Since the thyroid gland is highly involved in metabolism, energy levels, mood, and reproductive health, thyroid disorders create a range of effects. In this post, we discuss thyroid disorders in women, the symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and the best treatment options so you have clear and accurate information.

What Are Thyroid Problems in Female Patients?

When someone says thyroid problems in women, they usually mean thyroid problems resulting from having an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Someone may also use the term for evaluation for thyroid nodules, thyroiditis (inflammation), or even cancer. Women are more predisposed to thyroid disease, often due to hormonal factors (during pregnancy, with their menstrual cycle, with menopause), as well as due to autoimmune disease.

Significant Thyroid Symptoms in Women

Timely thyroid symptoms in women can be significant. Symptoms differ between hyperactive (overproduce hormone) and hypoactive (underproduce hormone) thyroid gland. Here are some of the most common thyroid symptoms noted in women:

Hypothyroid Symptoms

Fatigue, weight gain, increased sensitivity to colder temperatures than normal, dry skin or dry hair, constipation, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and decreased heart rate.

Hyperthyroid Symptoms

Weight loss despite normal to increased appetite, racing heart or heart palpitations, excessive sweating, feelings of anxiety or being irritable, hand tremors, lighter or fewer menstrual periods, and sleeping problems.

Other Symptoms

These might be goiter (enlargement of the neck), change in voice (hoarseness), thinning hair, and modifications in mood which could be depression with hypo or nervousness with hyper thyroid.

If you notice many of these symptoms over a timeframe of weeks to months, you may want to consider that it could be a thyroid issue and get assessed.

Thyroid Diagnosis: How We Find Out What’s Going On

Thyroid diagnosis for women generally includes several steps to correctly determine if there is abnormal hormone production, structural issues, or autoimmune reasons. Here’s how:

1. Detailed Medical History and Physical exam

A physician (or thyroid specialty doctor) like me, will inquire about symptoms (e.g., energy level, weight, menstrual cycle, mood), family history, previous thyroid or radiation exposure. They will also palpate (feel) the neck for enlargement or nodules.

2. Blood Tests

TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) — usually the first test. If TSH is high, there may be hypothyroidism, or if it's low, there may be hyperthyroidism.
T4 and sometimes T3 - to check if hormones are low or high.
Thyroid antibodies—present if there's an autoimmune disease (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease).

3. Imaging and Structural Assessment

If nodules are felt or suspected, ultrasound of the thyroid is performed. In certain cases, radioactive iodine uptake scans or other imaging may be necessary. Functional tests and follow-up
Tests may be repeated, hormone levels monitored over time. Treatment may be adjusted accordingly. Sometimes these subclinical assessments need careful judgement of expert physicians like Doctor Sheena Cherry

If several of these symptoms have emerged relatively recently and are progressing, it could be a sign of requiring medical evaluation.

Thyroid Disorder Treatment in Jumeirah & Dubai

Treatment for thyroid in women depends on the specific thyroid disorder, its severity, its effects on quality of life in addition to possible risk factors (e.g. pregnancy, heart disease). As a clinician, I have seen some women experience significant relief after receiving an appropriately tailored treatment approach. Below are the treatment options for thyroid where women are concerned.

Hypothyroidism

Generally treated via synthetic thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine) to return hormone levels to normal. Each medication’s dosage is individualized, and active monitoring is required.

Hyperthyroidism

Treated with antithyroid medications (e.g. methimazole or propylthiouracil), beta blockers to address symptoms (fast heart rate, tremors), or in some cases radioactive iodine therapy or surgery to partially or completely remove the thyroid gland.

Thyroid Nodules or Goiter

Benign small nodules are usually monitored, but nodules causing symptoms (swallowing, breathing, appearance) or questionable nodules may need surgical intervention (partial or full thyroidectomy). After surgery, patients may need medication to replace hormones if the gland is removed or a large portion is removed.

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

In many cases, you cannot “cure” or resolve the autoimmune process, but treatment options like the above can help manage the effects (hormone levels, symptoms) quite well. Lifestyle factors such as nutritional iodine balance, and overall health will help contribute as well.

Special Considerations

When to See a Thyroid Specialist Doctor

If you are having ongoing problems such as heavy or unpredictable menstrual bleeding, noticeable fluctuations in your body weight that cannot be explained through either diet or exercise, severe fatigue and tiredness, or a lump in your neck, do not hesitate. An appointment to a thyroid specialist doctor like Dr. Sheena Cherry, will provide you with a more accurate diagnosis and more optimal Endocrine Disease Treatment in Dubai & Jumeirah clinical environments. A specialist is also best positioned to offer guidance on imaging and surgical referrals, as well as specialty options in thyroid cancer care.

Your Thyroid Health Needs a Professional Touch

Don’t overlook thyroid conditions. Metabolism is abnormal, the menstrual cycle is irregular, or fatigue is constant. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sheena Cherry, an endocrinologist to provide you the most comprehensive evaluation and personalized care for thyroid disorders in women. Get advanced Endocrine Disease Treatment in Dubai & Jumeirah that puts you and your health first!

Final Thoughts

Thyroid diseases are not rare in women, but they are manageable when diagnosed early. Understanding typical thyroid symptoms in women, knowing when to pursue a thyroid diagnosis, and understanding the appropriate treatment for thyroid disease (medical, surgical, or observation) can go a long way in managing problems with the thyroid. Early symptoms or risk factors should prompt you to consult a specialist (e.g., family history, co-morbid autoimmune condition, pregnancy). Discussing your options with a specialist like Dr. Sheena Cherry will facilitate treatment, improve outcomes, and maintain quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Health, Clarified: Expert Answers from Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Sheena Cherry

Can you develop infertility, or cause disruption to menstrual cycles, due to thyroid disorders?

Yes. Not only can hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone) disrupt menstrual regularity, but they can also disrupt ovulation and fertility. In most cases, treating the thyroid disorder will allow for normal cycles and help improve fertility outcome.

How often are thyroid hormone levels tested once treatment begins?

Once treatment is started (levothyroxine for example), typically the doctor will retest the TSH (and possibly free T4) level 6-8 weeks later to determine if the dose is correct. After that, once stable, they will monitor the levels yearly or as symptoms change.

What is the difference in symptoms between women with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

The symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin and hair, heavy or irregular periods. Hyperthyroidism symptoms include weight loss, increased heart rate, increased sweating, tremors, anxiety and lighter or fewer periods.

Is surgery always required for thyroid nodules or goiter?

Not always. Most nodules are benign and only require monitoring. Surgery is recommended when nodules cause difficulty with swallowing or breathing, are suspicious, or other treatments have not provided relief from symptoms. If surgery is required, a doctor who specializes in the thyroid, like Dr. Sheena Cherry will provide the proper surgical and after-care, and you will be supported by an excellent service that specializes in Endocrine Disease Treatment in Dubai & Jumeirah.

Is long-term thyroid hormone replacement dangerous or unsafe?

If dosed properly and monitored, the risks are small. Too much hormone can present symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism (for example, rapid heart rate, bone loss), while too little hormone may relieve some symptoms. Priority is regular laboratory monitoring and well upon follow up.

If I suspect I have a thyroid problem, what should I do?

If you experience symptoms like fatigue, weight loss or gain, irregular menstruation, swelling of the neck, or changes in mood then it is best to contact a thyroid diagnosis specialist doctor. Contact Dr. Sheena Cherry for professional diagnosis of thyroid disorders and treatment using an individualized approach to care in Endocrine Disease Treatment in Dubai & Jumeirah.

Can diet and lifestyle or supplements help with treatment of thyroid disorders in women?

Yes! Diet and lifestyle can help support medical treatment for thyroid disorders in women. Ensuring sufficient iodine intake (not too much or too little), balanced diet, healthy stress management and adequate sleep will be beneficial. However, diet and lifestyle or supplements should not be the substitute for medical therapy in instances of significant thyroid dysfunction.