Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) in women

Posted on January 11, 2008 in Latest News

Women have 10 times the risk of hypothyroidism as men, with the difference being significant after age 34. In one study, nearly 6% of women over 60 had hypothyroidism, and some experts estimate that as many as 20% of women in this age group have a sub-clinical condition. Because the symptoms of hypothyroidism and menopause are so similar, hypothyroidism may easily be missed.

Causes

Pregnancy is a major factor in the higher risk in women. It affects the thyroid in a number of ways and poses a high risk for hypothyroidism, both during pregnancy and afterward. For one, iodine requirements are high in both the mother and the fetus. Changes in reproductive hormones also cause changes in thyroid hormone levels. In addition, some women develop antibodies to their own thyroid during pregnancy, causing a condition known as postpartum autoimmune, or subacute, thyroiditis. This occurs in up to 10% of pregnant women and tends to develop between 4 and 12 months after delivery. It is a limited condition and nearly always clears up. However, it does pose a risk for the development of permanent hypothyroidism later on.

Medical Conditions Associated with Hypothyroidism

People with certain medical conditions have a higher risk for hypothyroidism. These conditions include:
Autoimmune Diseases. People with many autoimmune diseases have a higher risk for hypothyroidism. Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes poses a higher risk and is a special problem since hypothyroidism can affect insulin requirements.
Breast cancer. There may be a link between breast cancer and thyroid levels, but the evidence is unclear.
Gout. Hypothyroidism and gout often coexist and may have biologic mechanisms in common.
Addison’s disease.
Myasthenia gravis.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Anorexia or bulimia. People with eating disorders are at risk for hypothyroidism. In these cases, however, reduced thyroid function may be an adaptation to malnutrition and, therefore, some experts think that only the eating disorder should be treated, not hypothyroidism.

Treatment

The standard treatment for an underactive thyroid involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid). The oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, shifting your body back to normal.

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) in women

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