“Thyroid disease,
especially hypothyroidism,
is more likely to develop after menopause”.¹

Umbrella

What may the Thyroid Diseases Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

Thyroid Gland

What is the thyroid gland?

DotS the definition of the thyroid gland may vary. In The Thyroid Gland: What Is the Thyroid Gland? the Australian Thyroid Foundation’s definition is:

Thyroid Hormones

What is the thyroid’s job?

In Thyroid Function Tests: What Is the Thyroid Gland? the American Thyroid Association explain:

“The thyroid’s job is to make thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormones help the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should”.³

Thyroid Problems

What are some thyroid problems?

In Thyroid Diseases: Summary the (United States) MedlinePlus elaborate on:

Hyperthyroidism

What is hyperthyroidism?

Dots the definition of hyperthyroidism may vary. In Hyperthyroidism the (United States) Endocrine Society’s definition is:

“Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to other health problems. Some of the most serious involve the heart (rapid or irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure) and the bones (osteoporosis)”.⁵

Hypothyroidism

What is hypothyroidism?

Dots the definition of hypothyroidism may vary. In Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This condition also is called underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Over time, hypothyroidism that isn’t treated can lead to other health problems, such as high cholesterol and heart problems”.⁶

Women

In women how common are thyroid diseases?

In The Thyroid Gland: Are Thyroid Disorders Common? the Australian Thyroid Foundation note:

“Thyroid Disorders affect 10 times more women than men, worldwide”.⁷

Thyroid or Menopause

Can some symptoms of thyroid problems be sometimes mistaken for menopause symptoms?

In Thyroid Disease: How Do Thyroid Problems Affect Women? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov explain:

“Sometimes, symptoms of thyroid problems are mistaken for menopause symptoms. Thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism, is more likely to develop after menopause”.⁸

In Thyroid and Menopause Article: Thyroid and Menopause – Thyroid Problems In Women the British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) explain:

“Both thyroid and menopause-related symptoms are common, non-specific and overlapping. Such symptoms can also have other causes, like stress. So it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential causes of your symptoms. It is not unusual for thyroid symptoms to be put down to menopause and vice versa. And as these problems are common in midlife women, symptoms may be a combination of factors that should all be addressed.

The additive effect of hypothyroidism and menopause can impact the overall burden of symptoms facing midlife women. Therefore optimising the management of both hormone conditions is crucial”.⁹

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have thyroid disease?

If you think you have thyroid disease, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Your Thyroid Gland: How Are Thyroid Disorders Diagnosed? the BTF elaborate on:

“Your doctor will be able to get a good idea about the activity of your thyroid gland by listening to your symptoms, asking you some questions, and by examining your neck. However, by taking a small sample of your blood he or she can assess exactly how well your thyroid is working. From a single sample of blood, the laboratory can measure the level of thyroid hormones in your blood. This makes it possible to find out if too much or too little T4 and/or T3 is being released. By measuring the TSH it will be possible to find out how active the pituitary is. A single blood test will normally confirm your diagnosis, but sometimes other tests are required”.¹⁰

In Thyroid Diseases: Summary MedlinePlus elaborate on:

“To diagnose thyroid diseases, your health care provider may use a medical history, physical exam, and thyroid tests. In some cases, your provider may also do a biopsy”.¹¹

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