Thyroid is today a common disease in women that is usually a result of a malfunction of the thyroid gland. This thyroid gland located under the Adam’s Apple in the front of the neck is an important organ in maintaining the metabolism of the body. Sometimes this gland either over or under functions. Either condition is harmful for the overall functioning of the heart and other organs of the body. So listen to your body, and watch out for these early thyroid symptoms in women.
Hyperthyroid: Over functioning of the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone and this anomaly is called hyperthyroid. This condition puts the major internal functions of the body into an overdrive, and leads to many a symptom such as high stress, diarrhoea, acute ache in the abdomen among others. If left untreated, hyperthyroid can lead to a fatal stroke or cardiac arrest.
Hypothyroid: This is the diametric opposite of hyperthyroid where the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. This leads to the extreme slow functioning of all the major organs of the body. Depression, weight gain are but some of the fall-outs of hypothyroid. A patient not taking medication for this condition can end up in a coma.
Let’s take a look at some of the early thyroid symptoms in women.
1. Change in the discharge of menstrual blood
Often those suspected to have hypothyroid have complained of prolonged periods, usually lasting over a week, up to 10 days. Also, in some cases, heavy blood flow has also been associated with this kind of thyroid. However, the opposite is true in hyperthyroid. For instance, your periods don’t last more than a couple of days, or the flow of blood has suddenly become scant. Notice these conditions for a couple of months. If you see no change consult your doctor at once.
2. Extremely poor concentration
Thyroid also effects your mental functioning, both high levels of thyroid hormone production and even low. In case of hypothyroid, you could experience sudden instances of memory loss, extreme depression and a general sluggishness. While hyperthyroid can take away your ability to concentrate. You will experience a sort of restlessness and unable to pay attention for a long period of time. If you have been experiencing any of these conditions lately, then get yourself checked.
3. Muscle aches
Have you been experiencing muscle cramps and pain in the body? You feel you always hurt, and your muscles always feel sore. Either they easily cramp or you eventually give in to excessive body pain. These are but early thyroid symptoms in women. It could be either of the thyroids, muscle pain and cramps are quite common.
4. Dramatic weight gain
Now you are somebody who maintains a healthy lifestyle, keeps herself fit with yoga and exercises, and eats healthy. But you still feel you aren’t able to shake off the sudden weight gain. You wonder what it is you are doing wrong to be gaining needless weight. But the answer is in the under-functioning of your thyroid glands leading to hypothyroid. A sudden, unexplained weight gain is the result of hypothyroid. You should not take this warning lightly. Meet your doctor and get on with the required medication.
5. Anxiety and nervousness
A fallout of hyperthyroid, this condition often gives you a racing heart, sweaty palms or sudden shivering owing to the over-functioning of the thyroid glands. You feel palpitations all the time. You fall into extreme anxiety or feel jittery in situations, while approaching people. These conditions are not per chance, but because of the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. Speak to your doctor and seek an appointment.
6. High cholesterol and bloated stomach
Both these conditions are as a result of hypothyroid. You notice a sudden increase in your cholesterol levels. Or due to excessive fluid retention your stomach feels bloated. These are early thyroid symptoms in women. Even if you have controlled meals, you feel your stomach is always full and feel a sense of fatigue, or sudden sharp rise in your cholesterol levels. In either case you should get a thyroid test.
7. Feel hot all the time
It isn’t so hot yet, but you are always sweating, cannot tolerate the slightest rise in temperature. You always require the air-conditioner. If you are facing this condition, it could be a case of an overactive thyroid gland, hyperthyroid. Usually people suffering hyperthyroid develop this symptom where they feel intolerant to heat. They cannot tolerate normal to slight increase in temperature and begin to sweat. You need to get it checked if you have been feeling this way.
Image: HealthLine
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