Hypothyroidism vs. PCOS, differences in symptoms, causes, and treatment
Hypothyroidism, also referred to as underactive thyroid, has been linked to PCOS—polycystic ovary syndrome. While many studies show that these two conditions share some of the same symptoms, most experts still say that they are separate health issues.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain hormones. Having hypothyroidism disrupts the balance of chemical reactions in the body, and while it usually doesn’t cause symptoms in the beginning, if untreated, it can lead to a number of health problems including joint pain, obesity, heart disease, and infertility.
In PCOS, the levels of a woman’s sex hormones are out of balance. This can lead to ovarian cysts, as well as problems with the menstrual cycle, cardiac function, and fertility. Continue reading…
Hypothyroidism in women is a common condition where the thyroid gland underproduces necessary thyroid hormones that help the body function. The thyroid is responsible for many functions, including metabolism and hair growth. Many hypothyroidism patients gain weight, for example, because their metabolism slows down.
Women suffer from thyroid-related issues more often than men, and the reason for this is still unclear. Reproductive hormones may play a role, as there is an obvious difference in these between men and women. Furthermore, many women experience thyroid problems during hormonal changes like perimenopause, which further shows that differences in hormones may play a role in thyroid function. Continue reading…
Hypothyroidism risk in women may increase with exposure to flame retardant chemicals. The study has found that younger women exposed to a chemical known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) may be more likely to develop an underactive thyroid.
PBDEs are flame retardants found in textiles, furniture, and electronics. Lead researcher Youssef Oulhote said, “What we found is, there is a link between exposure to these flame retardants, especially some of them, and the risk of hypothyroidism [abnormally low thyroid function].”
The researchers looked at 745 women aged 30 to 79, taking their blood measurements for PBDEs and checking their thyroid function. They found that 90 women who reported hypothyroidism and were on hormone replacement therapy. Continue reading…
Does hypothyroidism increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you are among many others who ponder it as well.
Roughly four to 15 percent of Americans have subclinical hypothyroidism—underactive thyroid. Along with the usual symptoms of fatigue and weight gain, a study has found that a subclinical hypothyroidism diagnosis in those younger than the age of 75 puts them at risk for cognitive impairment and dementia.
The Italian researchers looked at 13 studies that explored the effects of subclinical hypothyroidism on the brain. The researchers found that 56 percent of patients had an increased risk of cognitive function impairment and 81 percent had an increased risk of dementia. Continue reading…
The correct diet for your thyroid can offer many benefits like reducing the risk of hypothyroidism, which can lead to numerous health complications. But what foods should you be consuming for your thyroid? Well, we are about to tell you, but first, it’s important to understand just how important the thyroid truly is.
Our thyroid is often overlooked unless a doctor raises concerns about it. Although you may not think about it much, it plays a major role in producing hormones and regulating our metabolism. When this process is thrown off, it can cause hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
The good news is, hypothyroidism is manageable, and one way to do so is through diet. Continue reading…