Thyroid Symptoms in Women: Learn How to Manage Them Naturally With Ayurveda

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Some diseases quietly sneak up on you, masked behind general symptoms. The one that tops the list is thyroid problems. Though the condition can affect anyone, the risk of women getting it is about five to eight times higher than that of men.

Women in various stages of their lives are prone to thyroid disorders for reasons doctors don’t fully understand. To help prevent thyroid imbalance, use Krishna’s Thyro balance juice. A blend of more than 20 Ayurvedic herbs that help you maintain adequate thyroid hormone in your body and support the proper functioning of the gland.

Thyroid diseases are different from other diseases due to the broad range of symptoms. While both men and women can experience similar symptoms, some are unique to women. If the condition is not treated within the right time it can turn severe and for women trying to conceive, it may lead to difficulties getting pregnant.

Keep reading to learn about the symptoms of thyroid problems in females and how Ayurveda can help naturally balance them.

Role of The Thyroid Gland

This is a small gland of butterfly shape located at the base of your neck, just below your voice box (larynx). The gland makes hormones, Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), and Calcitonin, which work together to perform many important functions in your body, such as metabolism, heart and brain function, digestion, maintaining body temperature, bone and muscle development, and more.

When the gland makes either too much or too little of these hormones, it results in a thyroid disorder. The common thyroid problems are hypothyroidism (underactive gland, producing too little hormones) and hyperthyroidism (overactive gland, producing too many hormones). Thyroid disorders often occur due to autoimmune responses in which your body’s immune system starts attacking its own healthy cells. Some other reasons include iodine deficiency, infection in the gland, certain medications, like lithium, and prolonged stress.

The Importance of Knowing Thyroid Symptoms Early

Delayed diagnosis of thyroid problems can make it difficult to manage the condition and several other changes that can affect your daily life.

An underactive thyroid can cause your heart to beat slowly and less efficiently. This may increase your risk of heart conditions like coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. For those already with heart disease, hypothyroidism can worsen the condition.

On the other hand, an untreated overactive thyroid can lead to an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. Over time, it can also increase the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) and fractures.

But in women, the condition can affect differently at various stages of life due to the link between thyroxine and the female sex hormone estrogen.

Females with thyroid problems may experience changes in their menstrual cycle. Menstrual periods can start early or late. Depending on hormone levels, periods can be very light or heavy. Irregular periods or absence of periods may also occur in some cases.
Thyroid issues can affect ovulation, the process where an egg is released from the ovary. If a female has an underactive thyroid, she may have a higher chance of developing ovarian cysts and, in severe cases, may experience problems with ovulation.
Pregnant women with thyroid problems have an increased risk of serious problems like pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure), miscarriage, preterm birth, developmental problems (in baby), miscarriage and bleeding after birth.
Undiagnosed thyroid disease in older women may cause early menopause (in the early 40s).

Knowing the symptoms of thyroid problems in females early can help the doctor create an appropriate treatment plan and bring the hormones under control.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Problems in Females

When the gland produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism), your metabolism speeds up. When it produces too little hormone (hypothyroidism), your metabolism slows down. The symptoms in both situations are very different.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Females

Weight Loss: Overactive thyroid gland fastens the metabolism, causing weight loss.
Rapid Heartbeat: High hormone levels can lead to a rapid or irregular heartbeat, causing dizziness and lightheadedness.
Heat Intolerance: Women become more sensitive to heat and sweat more than usual.
Menstrual Changes: Women may have lighter, less frequent periods or even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Irritability and Nervousness: Increased irritability, nervousness, and anxiety can affect daily life and social interactions.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Females

Fatigue: Women with hypothyroidism often feel unusually tired and lack the energy to perform daily tasks.
Weight Gain: An underactive thyroid often slows down the metabolism and leads to weight gain.
Cold Sensitivity: Feeling cold more often than usual is common, as a slow metabolism affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Dry Skin and Hair: Hypothyroidism can cause dry, coarse skin and brittle hair, which may lead to hair loss and other skin issues.
Menstrual Irregularities: Women may experience heavier, more frequent, or irregular periods, which can affect reproductive health and fertility.
Depression and Mood Swings: Emotional symptoms, including depression and mood swings, become frequent.

Also Read: All You Need to Know About Thyroid Disease And Its Symptoms

Ayurveda and Thyroid Health

Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal practice that offers natural and holistic approaches to prevent and manage illnesses, including thyroid disorders. Ayurveda addresses thyroid issues with a combination of herbal remedies, detox therapies, diet, and lifestyle changes that aim to balance thyroid hormone production by aligning the doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha. Ayurvedic treatment can be used alongside standard treatment to support overall thyroid health.

Herbal Remedies

In ancient times, thyroid problems were less common because herbs were a regular part of daily life. But in this modern era, the use of herbs is negligible. We are now more inclined towards quick remedies and treatments, not caring to treat the cause of disease. Herbs help you fight diseases from their root cause and also prevent them.

Ashwagandha is a well-known herb that supports thyroid health. It is an adaptogen that helps control stress, one of the main causes of thyroid problems. Some studies support its use in treating hypothyroidism. Other herbs like ginger and holy basil, which are commonly found in every Indian household, can also be used to balance thyroid hormones.

Krishna Ayurved Products For Thyroid Problems

Panchakarma Therapy

This is an ayurvedic detox treatment that involves a 5-step procedure that helps to clear the body of accumulated impurities and disease-causing toxins. Know more about it: All about Panchakarma

Ayurvedic Diet For Thyroid Problems

You may have heard of the saying ‘You are what you eat.’ This is absolutely true in the case of thyroid health. Ayurveda recommends eating light, easily digestible foods like plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. For women suffering from thyroid disorders, avoid eating raw vegetables, especially cauliflower and broccoli, as they are cruciferous and may suppress the functioning of the thyroid gland. Soy products, processed foods, and foods high in gluten should also be avoided.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practices

Apart from eating the right foods, Ayurveda also recommends making certain lifestyle changes like getting adequate sleep, regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding alcohol consumption and smoking. These adaptations help manage thyroid symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and mood swings, while also complementing thyroid treatments.

Takeaway

To prevent thyroid imbalance, following a healthy lifestyle along with these remedies as supplemental therapy can be of great help. If you wish to include some herbs and Ayurvedic medicines alongside standard treatments, it is best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner first.