Thyroid problems in women occur when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of the hormone. Women, who are more likely to develop thyroid disease than men, may experience symptoms after pregnancy or menopause.

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, might make women feel restless or cause weight loss. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, could make them feel tired or experience weight gain.

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One in eight women will have thyroid problems in her lifetime, according to Womenshealth.gov, an information site managed by the Office of Women’s Health under the Department of Health and Human Services.

These 20 issues could result from thyroid problems in women:

1. Menstrual periods could become light, heavy, or irregular. The thyroid helps control the menstrual cycle. Periods could stop for several months or more due to thyroid disease.

2. Thyroid disorders have been known to cause the early or late onset of puberty and menstruation, Johns Hopkins reports. Early menopause could occur before age 40 or in the early 40s. However, some symptoms of an overactive thyroid may be mistaken for early menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia and lack of menstruation.

3. Difficulties in getting pregnant arise when the thyroid problems affect ovulation, or there could be health issues for the mother and baby during pregnancy. Women may suffer from postpartum thyroiditis.

According to Everyday Health, symptoms of hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, in women may include:

4. Weight gain.
5. Fatigue.
6. Irritability.
7. Depression.
8. Intolerance to cold.
9. Memory problems.
10. Brittle hair.
11. High cholesterol levels.
12. Slow heart rate.
13. Constipation or a sluggish bowel.

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Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, may include:

14. Weight loss.
15. Nervousness.
16. Tremors.
17. Sleeping difficulties.
18. Intolerance to heat.
19. Frequent bowel movements.
20. Thyroid gland enlargement (a goiter).

Some symptoms may indicate other illnesses, notes Dr. Stuart M. Weiss, an endocrinologist and assistant professor at New York University.

“But unless the physician gets the thyroid numbers to match the diagnosis, it’s difficult to blame the thyroid,” he told Everyday Health. A simple blood test can reveal thyroid hormone levels.

Johns Hopkins recommends finding a doctor specializing in benign thyroid disorders, endocrinology, endocrine diseases, or goiter for a treatment of thyroid problems in women.

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