Newswise — Midlife can bring subtle changes in women's skin, hair, energy, weight, and even mental outlook. Many women write off these changes as products of aging. But it's a good idea to make sure they're not the result of an underactive thyroid, says the November issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch.
The thyroid gland influences virtually every organ system in the body. The hormones it secretes into the bloodstream play a vital role in regulating metabolism. Low thyroid hormone production, or hypothyroidism, is especially common in women. Because the link between symptoms and thyroid disease isn't always obvious, especially in older people, many women don't know they have it, warns Harvard Women's Health Watch.
According to the article, the symptoms of hypothyroidism can differ from woman to woman. In some, the onset is gradual; in others, symptoms come on abruptly. Characteristic signs of hypothyroidism include:"¢ fatigue "¢ cold intolerance"¢ appetite loss"¢ weight gain "¢ cardiovascular effects, including high blood pressure, elevated levels of total and LDL cholesterol, and increased homocysteine (a risk factor for heart disease)"¢ mental effects, including difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and loss of interest in things normally important to you "¢ reduced sweating, which may lead to dry and flaky skin and brittle nails"¢ thin or coarse hair "¢ constipation"¢ slower speech and movement "¢ heavier and more frequent periods, or a halt in periods; infertility is sometimes a problem "¢ muscle aches and pain around the joints"¢ balance problems in older women.
Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with a blood test and treated with medication.
Also in this issue:"¢ Digital mammography"¢ Exercises to ease aching hands"¢ A hormone therapy trial in younger women"¢ Treatments for essential tremor"¢ A doctor answers: What does "insufficient cells" on a Pap test mean? Are antibiotics in poultry dangerous?
Harvard Women's Health Watch is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $24 per year. Subscribe at www.health.harvard.edu/womens or by calling 1-877-649-9457 (toll free).
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