Menopause, Hyperthyroidism, and Other Thyroid Conditions
By Andrea Donsky | Fact Checked | Sources
When discussing thyroid problems in women, especially during menopause, hypothyroidism is the one people typically mention most often. However, a few other thyroid issues we need to consider are hyperthyroidism, goiter, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis.
Before we delve into these different thyroid conditions, let’s take a closer look at the thyroid and the hormones involved.
Read about what menopause and underactive thyroid have in common
The thyroid 101
The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck below the Adam’s apple, is part of the endocrine system, which is a key player in numerous bodily activities. For the thyroid gland, the activities include making hormones responsible for regulating the metabolic rate, controlling digestive and muscle function, bone health, heart function, and brain development. Those hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is primarily inactive, while T3 is active. When the thyroid gland releases T4, it is transformed into T3 so your cells can use it.
How do you know if your body is transforming your T4 to T3? If your conversion rate is low, you may experience fatigue, constipation, depression, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, and feel puffy or bloated.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may want to get a blood test to identify your thyroid function.
Testing thyroid function
The traditional thyroid test is a blood test that measures levels of the following:
- Thyroxine (T4), which is converted into T3. It influences how the heart and other organs function in the body.
- Triiodothyronine (T3), the active thyroid hormone.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is released by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid to make its hormones and to help burn calories.
However, there are other factors that can provide important information about thyroid function as well:
- Free thyroxine (FT4) identifies how much T4 is free (unbound) to enter and impact the body’s tissues.
- Free triiodothyronine (FT3) is used to help uncover thyroid conditions, especially hyperthyroidism.
- Reverse triiodothyronine (RT3) is a byproduct of thyroid hormone metabolism.
- Thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAB) is a protein made and used by the thyroid to make T3 and T4.
- Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPAB), which may indicate thyroid damage and detect autoimmune thyroid disease.
Read about 5 everyday chemicals not doing your thyroid any favors
What is hyperthyroidism?
While hypothyroidism is characterized by a thyroid gland that is underactive and thus associated with weight gain, the other side of the coin is hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid gland is overactive. Although both of these common thyroid conditions are usually caused by an autoimmune condition, the antibodies involved and the part of the thyroid affected are different.
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune disease called Graves’ disease, affecting about 70 percent of people with an overactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism also may be caused by consuming too much iodine, overactive thyroid nodules, inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis), or taking too much thyroid hormone medication. Low TSH and high T4 indicate an overactive thyroid.
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What are thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, and goiter?
Thyroiditis, or thyroid inflammation, can cause either very high or very low levels of thyroid hormones. The most common form of thyroiditis is the autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Another form is silent or painless thyroiditis, which is also an autoimmune condition.
Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths of cells on the thyroid. In most cases, the nodules are benign, but they may still be an indication or cause of thyroid disease. Over-functioning thyroid nodules may result in hyperthyroidism, while they also may be associated with low thyroid function and hypothyroidism.
Various factors can cause thyroid nodules, including iodine deficiency and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. They are four times more common in women than in men and can be fluid-filled or solid. If they grow large enough, they may interfere with breathing and swallowing, as well as cause pain and lead to goiter.
Goiter is a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid. It is most often caused by an iodine deficiency, but it also may develop if you have thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, or pituitary gland tumors.
Eating for healthy thyroid function
Your thyroid needs iodine, selenium, iron and zinc to make and use its hormones, and most women get enough of these from a varied diet. More is not better here. The American Thyroid Association advises against iodine and kelp supplements that give more than 500 mcg of iodine a day, because too much iodine can cause thyroid problems, and people who already have thyroid disease are among those most at risk. If you think you're low in something, get tested and talk to your doctor before you supplement.
Foods that cover those nutrients include:
- Avocados
- Beans and legumes
- Berries
- Eggs
- Fermented foods
- Leafy greens
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil (extra virgin)
- Seafood
Bottom line
Healthy thyroid function is essential for many critical processes in the body. When thyroid hormones and other related factors are disrupted, various thyroid issues can arise, such as hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, goiter, and thyroiditis. In depth, thyroid testing can help identify problems with this gland, and a varied diet covers the nutrients your thyroid needs.
