“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 – The Life-Changing Disease That Affects 2 In 100 People the Thyroid UK’s definition is:

“Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than it should – which then causes the metabolism to run too slow. Hypothyroidism is also known as myxoedema or an underactive thyroid”.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: Thyroid and the Menopause? the British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) explain:

“As some symptoms of thyroid disease can be similar to postmenopausal symptoms, it’s not unusual for them to be incorrectly attributed to the menopause or even put down to stress. To check the diagnosis, a blood test for thyroid function should be performed. Hypothyroidism is usually managed by a GP whereas hyperthyroidism will be managed, at least initially, by an endocrinologist in a specialist thyroid clinic. Borderline results may need to be repeated and monitored for a period of time with specialist advice from an endocrinologist”.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 your thyroid secretory state. On this single sample of blood, for example, the levels of the hormones involved can be measured in the laboratory. By this means it is possible to find out if too much or too little T4 and/or T3 is being secreted, and how active the pituitary is by measuring the TSH. A single blood test will normally confirm the diagnosis, but sometimes other tests are required”.¹⁰

In Thyroid Diseases: Summary MedlinePlus elaborate on:

“To diagnose thyroid diseases, doctors use a medical history, physical exam, and thyroid tests. They sometimes also use a biopsy. Treatment depends on the problem, but may include medicines, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery”.¹¹

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