Low Thyroid Symptoms in Women are Widespread

Thyroid symptoms in women are sadly prevalent today. In general, women are more vulnerable to thyroid disorders than men for a variety of reasons. It is estimated that as many as ten percent of women suffer harmful effects from underactive thyroid, a condition also known as hypothyroidism.

Thyroid symptoms in women are more frequently caused by the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Up to ninety percent of all cases of hypothyroidism are caused by Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disorder that is about seven times more likely to affect women than men.

Why are women more prone to thyroid disorders than men?

Women experience autoimmune disease at a higher rate than men due to many factors.  Excessive estrogen levels can lead to autoimmune disease because high estrogen causes immune system problems.  Epstein-Barr virus is a common cause of Hashimoto’s disease and too much estrogen inhibits the body’s ability to fight this virus.

Women also experience higher levels of inflammation compared to men when they are under stress.  Relationship stress, family stress, conflict, lack of sleep, weight gain, and social isolation with loneliness increases inflammation in women to a greater extent than in men.  This causes chronic inflammation which is a key factor in developing autoimmune disease and hypothyroidism.

Common Low Thyroid Symptoms in Women

The most common low thyroid symptoms in women are fatigue, weight gain and depression. Other symptoms include:

* Alopecia (Hair Loss)

* Muscle Weakness or Pain

* Sensitivity to Cold

* Dry Skin, Hair & Nails

* Constipation

* Sleep problems

* Joint pain

* Heavy menstrual flow

* PMS

* Puffy face

* Hoarse voice

* Difficulty swallowing

You will not necessarily have all of these common thyroid symptoms in women. There are many causes of hypothyroidism and each one will lead to different symptoms in different patients.

Causes of Thyroid Symptoms in Women

Dr. Nikolas Hedberg has extensively researched thyroid symptoms in women. His book The Complete Thyroid Health and Diet Guide offers comprehensive information on the thyroid and all of the many factors that cause or contribute to thyroid dysfunction including:

* Lyme Disease

* Epstein-Barr Virus

* Blood Sugar Imbalances

* Adrenal Imbalances

* Leaky Gut Syndrome

* Gluten Intolerance

* Heavy Metal Toxicity

* Autoimmune Disease

* Excess Estrogen

* GI Infections

* Various Viruses & Bacteria

* Vitamin D deficiency

* Genetics

* Traumatic emotional event

The most common Western medicine approach to treating low thyroid symptoms in women is thyroid hormone replacement. Most physicians prescribe medications that treat or mask symptoms but do not deal directly with any of these underlying causes of disease.

Thyroid medication is prescribed for hypothyroidism that is non-autoimmune in nature as well as for Hashimoto’s disease.  But there is no treatment for the autoimmune component if you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

This is where functional medicine is extremely valuable because it searches for the underlying causes of the thyroid problem for both types of thyroid issues.

The Functional Medicine Approach to Low Thyroid Symptoms in Women

If you are looking for a natural solution for low thyroid symptoms in women, consult with Dr. Nikolas Hedberg, a practitioner of functional medicine. Functional medicine is a holistic approach to wellness that does not reduce a patient to a single organ,