What Are the Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Women?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects mostly women, and to be more specific women are 6-8 times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism, compared to men.  The number of occurrences of this disease has grown dramatically recently because of the stressful life and due to some environmental factors favoring it, like pollution  pesticides etc.. It is hard to diagnose hyperthyroidism in women because its symptoms may mimic the symptoms of many other diseases like menopause symptoms for example, thus the treatments should be tailored considering the specific symptoms of the patient.

 The causes of hyperthyroidism

The secretion of thyroid hormones has multiple effects on the entire organism and it is managed by pituitary gland, the hypothalamus and the adrenal glands. They all work together to create the optimum thyroid balance for the organism. These hormones influence the activity of the heart, brain and the overall metabolism. Also, the energy consumption of the body and digestion processes are controlled by thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones facilitate the action of other hormones, with indirect effect on the bones and skin cells. For the newborn, the thyroid gland stimulates the growth and the formation of skeleton and brain.

 So, what are the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Women

The excess of thyroid hormones is characterized by many symptoms, which manifest on all different body levels:

– Palpitations and an accelerated pulse. These hyperthyroidism symptoms may lead to nervousness and agitation, insomnia, and sweating, sometimes in severe forms. If arrhythmia or tachycardia (irregular heart beat) is left untreated for a long time it may create serious heart complications.

– Insomnia, restlessness, lack of concentration and feeling of being “hot”, accompanied sometimes with “hot flashes” during the night are also symptoms of hyperthyroidism.  If these symptoms are considered or brought to the physician’s attention separately, they may not be necessarily diagnosed as hyperthyroidism symptoms on time and left untreated. This is especially true for women in their menopause years where similar symptoms are present due to natural hormonal changes.

– Despite of the increased appetite, many women may lose significant amount of weight, which initially is considered a positive sign, until they start to lose energy and feel exhausted.  The loss of weight in this case is due to the increased metabolism in the whole system. 

– The skin is warm, characterized with an increased perspiration and often referred as a “velvet” skin.

– Body shaking, especially legs and arms, sometimes uncontrollably, which creates the impression of nervousness and agitation. Muscular crams may appear as well, especially during the night.

– Irritability, emotional problems and mental instability are some other symptoms of hyperthyroidism in women. Women with hyperthyroidism often “cry for no reason” and they are emotionally very sensitive. Sometimes have the feeling that the whole world is “against them”, they feel misunderstood and misjudged by family members and friends, who do not understand what is going on with this otherwise “normal person”.

These are some of the symptoms, however, different women may have different set of symptoms which may be difficult to group and identify as a “thyroid problem” by physicians. Hyperthyroidism problems in men are similar, when it comes to the physical symptomatology. The mental symptoms can be expressed quite differently, as it is not very socially acceptable for men to “cry” or be weak. However, they may experience emotional disturbances on other levels. 

Why women suffer from hyperthyroid problems?

The causes of hyperthyroidism can be many and cannot be explained in one sentence.  Hyperthyroidism in women can be caused by enlargement of the thyroid gland, inflammation of the thyroid gland known as thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, thyroid goiter or autoimmune disorders like Graves’ disease (known also as Graves’- Basedow disease). The autoimmune system, in this case, attacks the thyroid gland, wrongly identifying it as an “invader” and generates antibodies that affect the levels of thyroid hormones in the body.  These thyroid antibodies also affect the eyes and create conditions for the development of Thyroid eye disease (Graves’ eye disease) which manifests in increased of eyeball volume, feeling of having “sand in the eyes”, sensitivity to light, blurry and double vision and enlargement of the eye and the eye socket.

Another cause for hyperthyroidism is the presence of solid nodular formations in the gland (thyroid nodules), which could be malignant or benign. The increased quantities of thyroid hormones may also form what is called toxic adenomas. If the hyperthyroidism condition is caused by a single adenoma, the affection is known as the “Toxic Plummer adenoma” (named after the American physician Henry Plummer). If there are several adenomas in the gland, the condition is called multi- modular adenomas. This condition appears for the eldest, usually predominant for women, and the treatments needed to cure this disease are complex.

 What Does Your Thyroid Do?

The thyroid gland is related to the endocrine secretion and is situated at the base on the neck on the anterior side, in the area called “the Adam Apple” for men, same place for women, and close to the larynx and trachea. It has two lobes, which are connected and form a shape that looks very much like a small butterfly. This is the reason this gland to be often drawn as a butterfly on pictures and posters.  Its name “thyroid” comes from the Greek word “thureoeidés”, meaning “shape like a shield”.

What is its structure and role of thyroid gland in the body system? What does your thyroid do?

Thyroid gland is specialized in hormone secretion, particularly two hormones: thyroxin and triiodothyronine (respectively T4 and T3).  The only difference between these two hormones is the number of iodine molecules that they contain (respectively 3 molecules and 4 molecules of iodine). The production of these two hormones is practically managed by the production of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) produced in the pituitary gland and  the Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone (TRH), which is released by the hypothalamus. Both organs (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) serve as check points to detect  whether or not the organism is getting enough thyroid hormone. 

The quantity of T3, T4 and TSH are measured in blood tests to ensure the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and are indicator of the presence or absence of thyroid disorder. Once these hormones are released in the blood they further help the conversion of oxygen and calories into energy. Patients with too much thyroid hormones in the blood system (elevated T3 and T4 in blood tests) will experience higher conversion of calories into energy. Accordingly, they may eat large quantities of food, but because of the increased energy conversion they will lose weight. Quite the opposite, low levels of T3 may indicate low conversion of calories into energy and these people will feel fatigue and gain weight, regardless how little they eat.

The thyroid gland is estimated to secret about 80% of the thyroxin (T4) and 20% of the triiodothyronine (T3). However, the larger quantity of T4 (thyroxin) doesn’t mean that it is the more important hormone. In fact, the active hormone is T3 and some of the thyroxin (T4), through complex chemical processes, is converted to T3. The T3 and T4 thyroid hormones are manufactured from iodine (that comes from our food) and tyrosine through a complicated process of synthesis. They are responsible for the proper growth of the body and the different organs, and they also regulate many other body systems. The conversion of T4 into T3 actually does not happen in the thyroid gland, but in other organs and is connected with the hypothalamus. Thus, when discussing thyroid hormones and their optimal level it should be noted that hypothalamus and pituitary gland play an equal and sometimes even more important role in the whole endocrine process. 

Respectively, when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone the condition is referred to as hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid gland produces not enough hormones, regardless of the reason, the condition is called hypothyroidism. In cases when the thyroid gland produces the optimal amount of thyroid hormones, the condition is referred to as “euthyroidism”, i.e. normal thyroid function. 

What does your thyroid do during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the level of T3 and T4 hormones increases significantly in order to cover the hormonal needs of the fetus, which is very important for its normal development.  If pregnant women lack iodine in their diet that may influence the normal growth of the fetus, thus leading to improper development of its organs and even brain functions. Most of the newborn children are regularly screened upon birth for their levels of thyroid hormones. If insufficient amount of these hormones is detected, they could be treated for hypothyroidism to insure proper development.

Overactive Thyroid Gland – Drama or Real Life Experience?

by Svetla Bankova

 The Overactive Thyroid Gland (also known as hyperthyroidism) affects different people in different ways. Many experience weight loss (despite increased appetite), tiredness, nervous symptoms and a dislike of hot weather.

Shakiness of the hands and awareness of a rapid heart beat and difficulty sleeping are also common. Hyperthyroidism is a prolonged illness which, if untreated, can have severe consequences and the most dangerous of all- thyroid storm. However, overactive thyroid symptoms may wax and wane in an individual over a period of years and sometimes it is very difficult even to get diagnosed properly. How many times have you heard these words stated:

• ‘You’re just suffering from stress and anxiety’
• ‘It’s in your genes, learn to live with it’
• ‘Just snap out of it and get on with your life’
• ‘You are overreacting, be real’
• ‘You are too emotional, I can’t stand it’
• There’s nothing much you can do about it’

I’m sure you’ve heard these types of statements many times, from well meaning friends, relatives and even doctors. It can be very discouraging when those around you do not understand your physical and mental suffering. You may wish that they could live inside your body for just one day, and experience the symptoms you have to deal with constantly. Or may be you just have Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) and you simply are not aware of that as well. In fact, one of the reasons for your overactive thyroid could be Graves’ Disease. Let’s have a look on your thyroid gland so you can better understand the origin of this disease. 

Thyroid Gland in Simple English

round one in 20 people will experience some form of thyroid dysfunction in their lifetime. Women especially are more often affected than men and thyrotoxicosis may even appear for the first time three to six months after pregnancy (postpartum).

The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, which secretes regulatory hormones into the blood. The thyroid sits just below the Adam’s apple (larynx) and has two lobes, one on either side of the windpipe. This thyroid gland controls many vital metabolic processes, such as growth and energy expenditure.

The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxine (tetra-iodothyronine) and tri-iodothyronine, which set the body’s metabolic rate. The more of these hormones in the blood, the faster the metabolism. The hormones are referred to as T4 and T3 respectively, reflecting the number of iodine atoms in each hormone.

The pituitary gland in the brain regulates the production of the hormones by releasing a chemical called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). It is believed that the body needs about 150µg of iodine a day to allow the thyroid to make sufficient hormones.

We call overactive thyroid gland when it produces too much iodine or thyroid stimulating hormone.

  Fight Overactive Thyroid  with………. No- Activity.. 

1. If you are working full time, if possible, switch to part time, or even take a leave of absence. It will speed up your healing process dramatically.
2. Make your “Priority list”, Those are the top 5 things that are your priority. Stick with this list and don’t add anything else to your plate until you get better.
3. Delegate, delegate, delegate! Delegate all things that could be delegated to family members, kids, friends and relatives. The fewer things you do, the better.
4. Set up your personal time and guard this, as it is your biggest treasure. It’s up to you what you’ll do with this time.
5. Find at least 2 things that you really enjoy doing (the more the better), movies, books, painting, knitting, dancing, or singing. Anything. Do as much as possible.
6. Stop any  activity that’s taking too much time, energy, or efforts and you can live without it.
7. Laugh- and  laugh again. The more the better. Use movies, funny books, comedies, be around friends or people that make you laugh.
8. Getting enough sleep, no matter how, can change the way you view the world. It’s the first ‘must do’.
9. Find what you like to do and do more of that. The sooner, the better.
10. Take care of yourself, love yourself and be your best friend. You are the most important person in the world.

As a psychologist, I must say that improving your life style will dramatically improve your overall health situation and I would recommend to take the necessary steps before your disease become uncontrollable.

Diet also can contribute to your overactive thyroid gland. For more recommendations on diet, what to eat and what to avoid check here.

To learn more methods for coping with your overactive thyroid, you may check my book “Life Manual for Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism”.