Thyroid disorders in women that can cause infertility

Of several Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia is in the highest position for cases of thyroid disorders. This condition is generally more common in women than men. Worse yet, thyroid disorders in women usually go unnoticed. As a result, this condition brings with it several serious health problems. What caused this and what were the effects?

What are thyroid disorders?

Thyroid disorders in women are conditions where the amount of thyroid hormone is disrupted — too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) —in a woman.

The thyroid is a gland that produces endocrine hormones. These glands are located at the front and bottom of the neck and resemble a butterfly.

The function of the thyroid is to regulate the number of cells in your body's tissues and organs. Thyroid hormone in normal amounts can maximize the development of your body and brain.

Not only the amount is excess or deficient, thyroid disorders in women can also be caused by abnormalities in thyroid function and shape.

For example, enlargement of the thyroid gland, goiter, and GAKI (Disorders Due to Iodine Deficiency). The thyroid gland can also develop infection or even cancer.

What are the symptoms of thyroid disorders in women?

According to Dr. dr. Fatimah Eliana, SpPD-KEMD, an endocrinologist who was met at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Wednesday (17/07), symptoms of thyroid disorders in women often go undetected.

This is because some of the symptoms of thyroid disorders are similar to those of other conditions. You will have to do tests to confirm this thyroid hormone problem.

Dr. Fatimah Eliana said there are several symptoms of thyroid disorders that are common in women.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

• Often feel hot
• Weight loss
• Sweating frequently
• Hair loss
• Hand tremor
• Fast heart rate

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

• Constipation
• Weight gain drastically
• Hair loss
• Brittle nails
• Depression
• Get tired quickly

Why are women more prone to thyroid disorders than men?

According to dr. Fatimah Eliana, thyroid disorders tend to be more prone to occur in women because of their estrogen content. Women are known to have more estrogen than men.

Thyroid disorders are one of the autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disease itself is known to attack women more often because of this estrogen.

The hormone estrogen can cause the thyroid hormone not to function optimally. As a result, a person is more susceptible to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

What are the effects of this condition?

Generally, thyroid disorders in women can affect everyday life. In fact, this condition can also reduce the quality of life.

In women, there are two effects of thyroid disorders to watch out for, including:

Making menstrual cycles messy

Thyroid hormone is a hormone that helps control a woman's menstrual cycle. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can cause periods to be too little, too much, or even to cycle irregularly.

Thyroid disorders can also cause periods to stop for several months or longer. This condition is called amenorrhea.

If a thyroid disorder causes problems with a woman's eggs, there is a risk that you could experience premature menopause before the age of 40.

Impact on fertility

Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause infertility in women. This is because thyroid hormones can disrupt the balance of hormones in a woman's body that regulate ovulation.

Thyroid disorders in the form of hypothyroidism in women can also cause the body to produce more prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates the body to produce breast milk. Too much prolactin can prevent ovulation.

How do you deal with thyroid disorders?

According to dr. Fatimah Eliana, to treat thyroid disorders in women, screening or tests must be done first to determine the type of disorder they are experiencing. Different types of thyroid problems will have different handlers and medications.

For hyperthyroid disorders, doctors will generally give you antithyroid drugs to treat excess hormones in your body. The administration of this anti-thyroid drug can be in the long term, short term, or even forever depending on your health condition.

Meanwhile, for those who have hypothyroidism, generally the doctor will give thyroid hormone which will be combined with antibiotics and painkillers.

Those with thyroid disorders due to cancer, require a combination of drugs, radioactive therapy and even surgery if needed. It is not recommended that you use herbal or alternative remedies to treat thyroid problems.

Besides that, dr. Rita Yuliarnis, a nutritionist who was met on the same occasion, Wednesday (17/07), said that treatment of thyroid disorders must be accompanied by a healthy diet.

When there is a lack of thyroid, it is advisable to increase the number of foods that contain iodine, one of which can be obtained from iodized salt. Selenium is also needed and can be obtained from fish, eggs, and milk.

Meanwhile, for those who experience hyperthyroid problems accompanied by weight loss, dr. Rita recommends taking medicine and eating energy-boosting foods.

Increasing the intake of energy, protein, and essential fatty acids can be a natural way to treat thyroid disorders in women besides taking medication.