Signs of Thyroid Problems in Women: What to Watch For

Signs of Thyroid Problems in Women –Explore

The thyroid — a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck — plays a huge role in your overall health.
It affects everything from energy to metabolism, hormones, and even your mood.

Women are five to eight times more likely than men to develop thyroid issues — and often, the early warning signs are missed or brushed off.

If you’re wondering about the signs of thyroid problems in women, here’s your complete guide.

Why Your Thyroid Matters

Your thyroid gland produces hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate:

• Metabolism (how your body uses energy)
• Heart rate
• Body temperature
• Brain function
• Menstrual cycles
• Mood stability

When the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), the ripple effects show up everywhere.

10 Common Signs of Thyroid Problems in Women

1. Unexplained Fatigue

If you’re tired all the time — even after a full night’s sleep — low thyroid function may be to blame.

2. Weight Changes

• Hypothyroidism often causes weight gain that’s hard to shift
• Hyperthyroidism can cause rapid, unexplained weight loss

3. Hair Thinning or Loss

Thinning hair, dry hair, or even losing the outer third of your eyebrows are red flags for thyroid dysfunction.

4. Mood Disorders

• Depression, sadness, or emotional flatness (common with hypothyroidism)
• Anxiety, restlessness, and irritability (linked to hyperthyroidism)

5. Cold Sensitivity or Heat Intolerance

Feeling freezing cold all the time? It could point to an underactive thyroid.
Feeling overheated? You might have an overactive one.

6. Menstrual Irregularities

• Heavier, more painful periods = Hypothyroidism
• Lighter or absent periods = Hyperthyroidism

Hormones and thyroid health are closely linked.

7. Constipation or Diarrhea

• Sluggish digestion (constipation) often points to hypothyroidism
• Frequent, loose stools can indicate hyperthyroidism

8. Brain Fog or Poor Concentration

If you find it hard to think clearly, stay focused, or remember simple things, check your thyroid.

9. Dry Skin and Brittle Nails

When your thyroid slows down, so does skin turnover — leading to dry, flaky skin and weak nails.

10. Swollen Neck or Visible Lump

A goiter (enlargement of the thyroid) can sometimes be seen or felt in the lower neck.

What Causes Thyroid Problems?

• Autoimmune diseases (like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease)
• Nutrient deficiencies (especially iodine, selenium, zinc)
• Chronic stress
• Toxin exposure (e.g., fluoride, pesticides)
• Genetics and family history

How to Test for Thyroid Problems

A full thyroid panel should include:

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
• Free T3 and Free T4
• Reverse T3
• Thyroid antibodies (TPO, TG antibodies)

Ask Dr Olz offers virtual thyroid testing and consultations across South Africa, helping you get the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Natural Support for Thyroid Health

• Boost selenium, iodine, and zinc intake (from food or supplements)
• Reduce stress with mindfulness and adaptogens
• Heal your gut — 70% of thyroid hormone activation happens there!
• Avoid gluten if sensitive (especially with Hashimoto’s)

Supplements like thyrosol, magnesium, omega-3s, and B-vitamins can also make a big difference.

Dr Olz Thoughts

If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t ignore them.
Early detection and natural support can dramatically improve thyroid health — and your life.

👉 Book your virtual thyroid consultation with Ask Dr Olz today and get to the root cause, not just the symptoms.