Many women with a thyroid imbalance seek medical attention when they are experiencing noticeable weight changes and fatigue. However, a number of other symptoms can suggest thyroid dysfunction, but they are often overlooked.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of thyroid symptoms in women that can be caused by too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little activity (hypothyroidism) in this butterfly-shaped gland.

Here are six issues that can suggest thyroid imbalance.

1. Difficulty with Digestion

Thyroid symptoms in women often include digestion issues. Bloating, constipation, and an overall abdominal heaviness are usually associated with hypothyroidism.

Comparatively, patients that experience bouts of diarrhea may have hyperthyroidism.

2. Hair and Skin Changes

Since the skin is the body’s largest organ, patients should pay attention to any changes in the appearance and texture of their skin and hair. More specifically, look for hair that is dryer and more brittle than normal and scaly, thinning skin.

3. Mood Swings

It’s normal to have some fluctuation in mood, especially in response to certain circumstances and stimuli. However, significant and sudden changes in mood may be linked to thyroid function.

Additionally, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks that present abruptly and have not responded well to traditional therapies may also be indicative of dysregulation.

4. Reproductive and Menstrual Issues

Since all hormones can impact one another, increased or decreased levels of TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 may result in reproductive health and menstrual changes.

Accordingly, thyroid symptoms in women can occur as lighter, shorter periods (often associated with hyperthyroidism) or heavier or more painful periods (may represent hypothyroidism).

5. Cognitive Impairment

Fuzzy thinking, memory loss, and inability to concentrate can also be seen in women with thyroid imbalance.

6. Temperature Dysregulation

The thyroid is recognized as the body’s internal thermostat. As such, thyroid symptoms in women may manifest as feeling unusually chilled or sweating without a discernable cause.

If you have any of the aforementioned concerns and would like to learn more about thyroid symptoms in women, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation.