Women are more likely than men to have thyroid diseases, especially after pregnancy and after menopause. Untreated thyroid disease can make it more difficult for women to get pregnant, cause premature delivery, and result in health problems for the baby.
The thyroid produces thyroid hormone, which controls many activities in the body, including how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats. Diseases of the thyroid cause it to make either too much or too little of the hormone. Depending on how much or how little hormone your thyroid makes, you may often feel restless or tired, or you may lose or gain weight.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disorder
Hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Joint and muscle pain
- Cold intolerance
- Slowed heart rate
- Constipation
- Weight gain
Hyperthyroidism:
- Fatigue
- Nervousness or irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle weakness
- Heat intolerance or increased sweating
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
- Weight loss
Read here for more information about the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, goiter, and thyroid cancer.