More than half of all people with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. Individuals with low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) may have some or all of the following symptoms, but may not be diagnosed for years.
- PMS, Irregular menstrual periods
- Lack of exercise tolerance
- Weight gain (especially in the stomach)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Fatigue
- Irritability - low self esteem
- Low sexual desire
- Infertility
- Dry skin, eyes and/or hair
- Yellowed skin Loss of eyebrows
- Constipation
- Headaches, migraines
- Depression, apathy and anxiety
- Memory and concentration impairment
- Fluid retention - face, legs, eyelids and abdomen
- Slowed metabolism and slowed heart rate
- Cold and heat intolerance – cold hands and feet
- Enlarged tongue, deep voice and swollen neck
If you have some of these symptoms, ask your healthcare provider about thyroid testing.
What makes women more vulnerable to thyroid imbalances?
Stress
Environmental toxins
Genetics
Suboptimal nutrition
Hormonal changes (puberty, birth control pills, pregnancy, menopause, HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy often is focused on other hormones such as estrogens, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone, but optimal hormone balance cannot be achieved without correcting thyroid hormone imbalances. Many symptoms of hypothyroidism and menopause overlap. It is especially important for menopausal women who decide to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to have their thyroid function tested, because oral estrogens can lower the amount of bioavailable thyroid hormone. This means that if a woman is already on thyroid treatment, and begins oral estrogens, her thyroid dose may need to be increased.
Our compounding professionals work together with patients and their health care providers to customize medications in the specific strength and dosage form that is most appropriate to meet each patient’s specific needs and solve medication problems.
We welcome your questions about testing and thyroid hormone therapy.