Your Thyroid Health: What Every Woman Should Know
Over the years, women have visited the Happy Hormone Cottage to get their hormones checked and to address any imbalances. Many of our clients have raised concerns about hormones like insulin and cortisol, but thyroid hormone is another one that deserves attention.
So far, we have been successful in testing cortisol and discussing insulin resistance and management. If you’re concerned about managing your metabolism and controlling your weight, then it’s also important to stay on top of your thyroid health. That includes understanding the role of your thyroid, the signs of a thyroid condition, and the treatments available at Happy Hormone Cottage.
Symptoms of a Thyroid Condition
A thyroid condition can stem from one of several causes, all of which must be taken seriously. For example, some individuals need treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that can directly affect hormone production. Other factors that can diminish healthy functioning include thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, and certain medications.
Chronic hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormones. Left untreated, this condition can lead to heart disease, insulin resistance, arthritis, inflammation, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Conversely, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an overabundance of the hormone. Recognizing the symptoms of each condition can help you get the treatment you need. More specifically, here’s how the symptoms compare:
| Hypothyroidism (low hormone) | Hyperthyroidism (high hormone) |
| Cold body temperature | Increased sweating or heat sensitivity |
| Dry skin | Changes in skin texture |
| Fatigue | Fatigue |
| Low libido | Lighter or less frequent periods in women |
| Weight gain | Unexplained weight loss |
| Brain fog | Anxiousness or irritability |
| Sleep disturbances | Sleep disturbances |
| Hair loss or thinning hair | Thinning hair |
| Muscle or joint pain | Muscle weakness |
| Constipation | More frequent bowel movements |
| Hoarseness | Irregular or rapid heartbeat |
| Puffy or swollen face | Tremors |
Challenges with Current Thyroid Tests
Maintaining a healthy thyroid can be a challenge for many women. Medical providers are currently limited to using blood tests for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4), which indicate how well the thyroid is working.
Some women who have had their thyroid function checked may be told that they have “normal” levels, despite not having optimal functioning for their individual needs. Even women with an accurate diagnosis of a thyroid condition may still receive inadequate treatment. Unfortunately, relying on these same tests to determine proper dosage for thyroid medication has left many women experiencing little to no improvement after being on medication.
Accurate Diagnosis and Effective Treatment for Thyroid Problems
Relaying your symptoms and going to a provider who can accurately test and treat a condition can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Our team at Happy Hormone Cottage is here to assist you with comprehensive care that gets at the root cause of your condition. We will thoroughly assess your symptoms and create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Get an Appointment Complete The Form Below And We’ll Get Back To You Immediately.