An underactive or overactive thyroid is a common problem. The underactive thyroid is the most common and there are a number of symptoms to look out for. The problem when looking for symptoms of thyroid problems in women is that they mask themselves as many other problems; it is difficult to determine the problem at first.
Underactive thyroids
The thyroid is needed to help keep the metabolism working, so an underactive thyroid will mean that this slows down. With the metabolism slower, it means that calories are being burned at a lower rate. This will lead to weight gain and this is one of the most common underactive thyroid problem symptoms in women.
With the metabolism not working correctly, it also leads to fatigue. The body is not getting enough energy or is not burning it all quickly enough to be able to use it.
This leads to a slump and will lead to women staying in bed more or needing the catnap in the afternoon. It can also lead to low moods and depression since activity levels drop and a woman feels like she cannot do as much as she used to.
Feeling cold is also one of the common symptoms of thyroid problems in women. This problem appears since the body is not burning as many calories and the blood circulates slower.
It will only go to where it is most needed, which is your organs, heart and brain. Extremities are the most affected by the cold and often leads to them turning purple or the lips turning blue.
Symptoms of thyroid problems in women – overactive thyroids
This is the complete opposite of an underactive thyroid and leads to the body’s metabolism speeding up. This leads to more calories being burned away and so weight loss is expected. Women with an overactive thyroid problem will usually lose an excessive amount of weight, even though the diet or levels of exercise has not changed. In fact, most women will eat more when they have this problem, which would usually lead to weight gain.
Having the shakes and being nervous is a common problem. This is usually due to the level of calories in the body being too low for the nervous system to work correctly. The inability to sleep will also be noticed and irritable moods are also a common overactive thyroid symptom.
Cannot always trust the symptoms of thyroid problems in women
Like any disease and condition, you will need to have blood tests to find out whether this is the problem. Most of the symptoms will not occur right at the start and all together and they often mask themselves as something else. Weight gain is just a sign of overeating and the metabolism may slow down naturally – and does in older age. Stress will also lead to the metabolism changing and a lack of sleep.
Your doctor will be able to do tests to find out the problem and will then help to find the right treatment for any problem that you have. Of course, there are side effects to the treatment, which include weight gain.
