5 Subtle Signs of Hypothyroidism in Women

One out of every 300 people in the United States has hypothyroidism, meaning their thyroid gland is underproducing essential hormones — and women develop hypothyroidism 8-9 times more often than men.

However, the symptoms are often subtle, so many women go undiagnosed and untreated. 

Dr. Naima Cheema and Dr. Hina Abid at Nexclin Medicine know the signs of hypothyroidism well and often catch this sneaky condition even before you realize you have it. We also run a complete thyroid panel as part of your annual screenings to monitor your thyroid function as you age. 

Why do women develop hypothyroidism more often than men?

Hypothyroidism can affect both genders, but it favors women for a few reasons.

Autoimmune issues

Studies show that women comprise 80% of all people with an autoimmune disease, where the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. Since one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s disease, women are at a higher risk.

Hormones

Women have a unique relationship with hormones, in that they experience fluctuations regularly, unlike men, whose hormones only ebb and flow due to age or illness. 

Menstruation, pregnancy, and stress shift women’s hormonal balance, and while those shifts have a purpose, they can often lead to imbalances. 

When you have more estrogen than progesterone in your system, the dominant hormone can attack your tissues, including your thyroid gland. 

Pregnancy can contribute directly to hypothyroidism. Studies show that up to 43% of women develop transient hypothyroidism after childbirth, and your risk increases to 80% if you have certain antibodies in your system (thyroid peroxidase), a history of hypothyroidism, or diabetes.

Subtle signs of hypothyroidism in women

It’s tough to spot hypothyroidism unless you know what you’re looking for. Many hypothyroidism symptoms may seem insignificant or unrelated to one another, which is why so many women fail to report them and seek help. 

Our Nexclin Medicine team wants to make sure you know the potential signs so you know when to come in and get checked for hypothyroidism. Some of the following symptoms are common to both genders, but some are female-specific.

1. Fatigue

A busy schedule and high stress can make you feel perpetually tired, but it could be your thyroid, not your to-do list, that’s causing fatigue. When thyroid hormones wane, so do your energy and metabolism, leaving you feeling zapped.

2. Weight gain

Women battle weight gain on several fronts and are accustomed to gaining and losing a few pounds as their hormones fluctuate. However, hypothyroidism could be the culprit since your thyroid regulates your metabolism. 

3. Reproductive system issues

It’s easy to write off irregular periods as part of womanhood, but if you usually have a regular cycle and predictable flow rates and suddenly something seems off, it could be hypothyroidism. 

Hypothyroidism can also cause fertility problems. If you’ve been trying to get pregnant without luck, consider having your thyroid checked. Low thyroid production can affect ovulation and impact your ability to get and stay pregnant. 

4. Skin, hair, and nail problems

Without a good supply of thyroid hormones, your skin and hair suffer. You might notice your skin becoming dry, scaly, and thin, a condition called myxedema. 

Hypothyroidism also affects your hair, making it dry, brittle, and coarse. About 50% of people with hypothyroidism experience hair loss. 

Your nails suffer when you don’t make enough thyroid hormone, too. They can become brittle, dry, and easily broken. 

5. Mood changes

Since depression and anxiety stem from various underlying causes, you might overlook your thyroid’s role. But if you experience changes like foggy thinking, difficulty concentrating, and faulty memory, consider getting your thyroid checked. 

What to do if you suspect a thyroid problem

Call Nexclin Medicine if you experience any of the above symptoms. This is only a partial list of the potential signs of hypothyroidism, and Drs. Cheema and Abid can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms.

Getting tested for a thyroid problem is easy; a simple blood test is all it takes. We can also treat your symptoms and help you live more comfortably. Call us in Roswell, Alpharetta, or Milton, Georgia, or book an appointment online.