The Effects of Thyroid Disease on Women
The symptoms of thyroid disease vary among women. Aside from the symptoms that are exclusive to the particular type of thyroid disorder you have, there can be other effects on your reproductive cycle as well. This includes the stages of puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
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Types
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According to myOptumHealth, the most common types of thyroid disease are hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and thyroid nodules. Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, happens when the gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. Women who have this disease lose weight and often feel jittery. Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is caused by the thyroid gland's not producing enough hormones. This causes weight gain and fatigue. Thyroid nodules are cancerous or noncancerous growths on the thyroid gland. They do not cause many symptoms but can be painful to the touch.
Puberty
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Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in children and adolescents can lead to the onset of early puberty, also called "precocious puberty." In this case, a young girl's first menstrual cycle may occur before she turns 10 years of age. In come cases, hyperthyroidism may delay menstrual cycles until after the age of 15. Hyperthyroidism may also delay body growth in girls.
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Menstruation
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Hyperthyroidism causes lighter periods, while hypothyroidism generally causes heavier ones. Menorrhagia, a result of hypothyroidism, is a condition in which your period is heavy for an unusually long time. Hypothyroidism can also cause dysmenorrhea, or painful periods. In some cases, hyperthyroidism can cause amenorrhea, which causes you to miss several periods.
Pregnancy
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Severe cases of thyroid disease can cause infertility in women by preventing ovulation. If you are pregnant and have thyroid disease, be sure that your doctor closely monitors your condition, as thyroid disorders can lead to fetal damage. In severe cases, thyroid disease can result in miscarriage. Also, hypothyroidism can cause the growth of cysts on the ovaries.
Menopause
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Just as thyroid disorders may lead to early puberty, they can also cause early menopause. Early menopause is classified as occurring during your early 40s or before. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be mistaken for those of menopause, including night sweats, insomnia, absent periods and hot flashes.
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