Why are Women more susceptible to Thyroid Problems?

Thyroid diseases can affect people of any gender, but women are more prone to them than men. It is because women are at a higher risk of thyroid illness than males. Therefore, every woman should be aware of the symptoms of thyroid disease and consult the best ENT doctor in Mumbai if they experience any symptoms.

How common are Thyroid problems among women?

According to the American Thyroid Association, around 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid disease, and women are eight times more likely than men to develop a thyroid disorder. They are also expected to experience more severe symptoms from a thyroid disorder and have a higher risk of developing certain types of thyroid cancer.

What are the symptoms of Thyroid problems in women?

The symptoms of thyroid disease can vary depending on the type of disorder and its severity. However, some common signs that women may experience include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain or loss
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Brittle nails
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Memory problems
• Sleep problems

Consult the best ENT specialist in Mumbai and get diagnosed if you experience these symptoms.

Top reasons why women are more prone to Thyroid diseases than men

1. Hormones: The thyroid gland is susceptible to changes in hormone levels, and women experience more hormonal fluctuations than men throughout their lives. It can be due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and other factors. Hormonal changes cause the thyroid gland to become either overactive or underactive, leading to thyroid disorders.

2. Autoimmune Diseases: Women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than men. These diseases cause the immune system to attack healthy cells in the body, and the thyroid gland is often one of the targets. Thus, the risk of developing a thyroid disorder increases.

3. Pregnancy: Pregnancy puts a strain on the thyroid gland, and pregnant women are more likely to develop thyroid disorders. It is especially true for Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that can cause the thyroid gland to become overactive.

4. Genetics: Women are more likely than men to inherit genes predisposing them to develop thyroid problems. For example, if your mother or grandmother had a thyroid disorder, you might also be at a higher risk.

5. Age: Women become more susceptible to developing thyroid problems as they age. It is partly due to the decreased production of estrogen, which can lead to an imbalance in the hormones of the thyroid gland.

6. Radiation Exposure: Women exposed to radiation, such as cancer treatment, have an increased risk of developing thyroid problems. It is because radiation can damage the thyroid gland and cause it to malfunction.

7. Stress: Stress can also affect the thyroid gland and lead to thyroid disorders. It is because stress causes the release of hormones that can interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

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Most Common Thyroid Disease found in Women

Thyroid disease is far more common than hyperthyroidism. It affects 15-20% of all women over 50 and is caused by an inability to make enough Thyroxine, which leads to drowsiness, tiredness, cold limbs, and bowel issues like constipation. This condition should not be confused with hyperthyroidism, which can affect women of all ages.

Excessive production of Thyroxine occurs in people with hyperthyroidism. It affects 1% of women and even fewer men. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, rapid weight loss, irregular menstrual cycles, skin thinning, hair loss, and sweating. Heart palpitations and excessive sweating are also typical symptoms. The condition affects people between the ages of 20 and 40 most frequently.

Thyroiditis is another thyroid problem due to an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Thyroid imbalance is perplexing since various things can cause the symptoms. However, in women, it frequently goes undetected and untreated. As a result, after age 35, women are advised to Screen TSH levels every five years.

Types of Treatment for Thyroid Diseases in Women

The most common treatment for thyroid diseases in women is hormone therapy. This therapy can be used to treat both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hormone therapy is usually taken for life. You can consult the best ENT doctors in Mumbai regarding this treatment. There are two types of hormone therapy: Levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Levothyroxine is the most common hormone therapy, using a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). On the contrary, Triiodothyronine is a natural form of the thyroid hormone T3.

Other treatments for thyroid diseases include surgery, radioactive iodine, and beta blockers. Surgery is an option only for people with Graves’ disease who do not respond to other treatments. Radioactive iodine is used to treat both Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism. Beta-blockers are used to treat the symptoms of Graves’ disease, but they do not treat the underlying cause.

Thyroid diseases are often treated with a combination of treatments. The most effective treatment plan depends on the type of thyroid disease, the severity of symptoms, and the person’s overall health.

Conclusion

Although thyroid problems are common in women, they shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you think you may be suffering from a thyroid condition, you must get checked by thebestENT doctor in Mumbaias soon as possible. An experienced and certified doctor can help diagnose and treat your thyroid problem.