Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in females commonly presents with fatigue, unexplained weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, brittle nails, hair thinning or loss, constipation, depression, brain fog, and menstrual irregularities—including heavier or more frequent periods, or even amenorrhea (absence of periods). These symptoms often develop gradually and can be mistaken for other conditions like stress or menopause.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) in females typically causes unintentional weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, heat intolerance, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, and lighter or less frequent menstrual periods. In some cases, it may lead to a continuous menstrual cycle or severe menstrual bleeding.
Both conditions can cause an enlarged thyroid (goiter), mood changes, fertility issues, and impact bone health—especially in postmenopausal women. Thyroid disorders are significantly more common in women, particularly during reproductive years, postpartum, and around menopause.
Key takeaway: If you experience persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, mood swings, or menstrual irregularities, consult a healthcare provider. A simple blood test (measuring TSH, T3, and T4) can diagnose thyroid dysfunction. Early detection and treatment—often with medication—can effectively manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Cleveland Clinic
my.clevelandclinic.org › health › diseases › 8541-thyroid-disease
Thyroid Disease: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
June 2, 2025 - Females are five to eight times more likely to have a thyroid condition. Have a family history of thyroid disease. Have Turner syndrome. Take a medication that’s high in iodine.
UnityPoint
unitypoint.org › news-and-articles › 11-early-warning-signs-of-thyroid-problems-in-women
11 Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems in Women
Reddy says about 83% of patients report this as their most prominent symptom. Hair loss: Hyperthyroidism often causes hair loss. Itchiness: Dryness often leads to itchy skin, though not usually a specific hypothyroidism rash.
Hypothyroidism: What are/were your symptoms ?
Weight gain, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, hypoglycemia, mood swings, depression, hair loss, dry skin, joint pain.
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August 26, 2017What were the first symptoms you noticed?
All above symptoms, except the weight gain. I had brain fog, woke up in a confusing about what to do. Words would go away, could not recall everyday items and people. My boss made fu of me, knowing that I was suffering. I was terrified. My primary doctor refused to help. My psychiatrist just wanted to give ne anti depressants. I refused. Finally, my rumatoligist tested me for everything, 7 vials of blood. I am off water pills ,blood pressure medication and arthritis pills. More on reddit.com
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December 11, 2022What were your beginning symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
I was also having hyperthyroidism ,the main cause are the hormones that regulates this thyroid levels secreted from thyroid glands the main reasons I had found for this is selenium deficiency and lifestyle I went to a health coach Laxmi were she helped me losing weight and found this root cause and corrected my TSH was high now all T3 T4 and TSH is normal levels she corrected my lifestyle and helped me in managing my stress levels More on reddit.com
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February 9, 2023What were your first symptoms before you were diagnosed?
Super depressing, but it happened when I became pregnant and had it terminated. I grew a goiter and gained 30lbs. My aunt has it too, had to have her thyroid surgically removed. In fact, every woman in my family has some level of hypothyroidism (specifically Hashimotos), and it always rears it's ugly head after they've had children. I've been basically normal since going back on birth control (except for the lump in my neck, still getting it checked for cancer yearly)
When it happened I gained weight, got super depressed, was always tired... but all of that was easily explained away by my having an abortion. That is, until it just didn't end. It went on for years before I was diagnosed. Somehow I've normalized again, without ever having had medication. My health insurance ran out, and by the time I was covered again my doctor said I didn't need it. Go figure.
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March 26, 2014What are the common symptoms of thyroid issues?
The symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). Hyperthyroidism symptoms include anxiety, tremors, irregular heartbeat, heat intolerance, and weight loss. Hypothyroidism symptoms include lethargy, constipation, hair thinning, bloating, cold intolerance, and dry skin. Excessive fatigue can be a symptom of both conditions.
mdanderson.org
mdanderson.org › cancerwise › 2023 › 10 › signs of thyroid issues: how do you know if you have them?
Signs of thyroid issues: How do you know if you have them? | MD ...
How do thyroid hormones affect heart function?
Thyroid hormones have a strong connection to heart function. Too much thyroid hormone can increase the risk of a rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia and atrial fibrillation). Too little thyroid hormone can lead to a low heart rate (bradycardia) and an enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy). These heart conditions can also be a sign that a person has an undiagnosed thyroid problem.
mdanderson.org
mdanderson.org › cancerwise › 2023 › 10 › signs of thyroid issues: how do you know if you have them?
Signs of thyroid issues: How do you know if you have them? | MD ...
Can cancer treatment affect thyroid function?
Yes, some cancer treatments can affect the thyroid gland. Radiation therapy to the head or neck area, certain immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy drugs can cause thyroid dysfunction. It's important for patients to report all symptoms to their cancer care team so that blood tests can be done and any thyroid issues can be addressed promptly.
mdanderson.org
mdanderson.org › cancerwise › 2023 › 10 › signs of thyroid issues: how do you know if you have them?
Signs of thyroid issues: How do you know if you have them? | MD ...
Videos
16:21
15 Signs of HYPOTHYROIDISM You Can See: Doctor Explains - YouTube
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Signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders | Ohio State Medical Center ...
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19 Signs of HYPERTHYROIDISM (Graves Disease) You Can See: Doctor ...
11:15
Thyroid disease: Symptoms to look for | Ohio State Medical Center ...
02:26
Signs of Hypothyroidism | UCLA Endocrine Center - YouTube
Mayo Clinic
mayoclinic.org › diseases-conditions › hypothyroidism › symptoms-causes › syc-20350284
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
December 10, 2022 - Understand what happens when your thyroid is underactive and learn about treatment for this condition.
Brown University Health
brownhealth.org › be-well › thyroid-conditions-women-symptoms-treatment-and-care
Thyroid Conditions in Women: Symptoms, Treatment and Care | Brown University Health
Generally, the most common symptoms of thyroid disease are fatigue, temperature intolerance, hair thinning, weight changes and menstrual cycle changes. Thyroid disease generally falls into two categories: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
NHS
nhs.uk › conditions › overactive-thyroid-hyperthyroidism › symptoms
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) - Symptoms - NHS
For some people they're mild, but for others they can be severe and significantly affect their life. ... eye problems, such as redness, dryness or vision problems (see complications of an overactive thyroid)
Women's Health
womenshealth.gov › a-z-topics › thyroid-disease
Thyroid disease | Office on Women's Health
If your body's immune system causes thyroid disease, other glands, including your ovaries, may be involved. This can lead to early menopause (before age 40). Problems getting pregnant. When thyroid disease affects the menstrual cycle, it also affects ovulation. This can make it harder for you to get pregnant. Problems during pregnancy. Thyroid problems during pregnancy can cause health problems for the mother and the baby. Sometimes, symptoms of thyroid problems are mistaken for menopause symptoms.
MD Anderson Cancer Center
mdanderson.org › cancerwise › 2023 › 10 › signs of thyroid issues: how do you know if you have them?
Signs of thyroid issues: How do you know if you have them? | MD Anderson Cancer Center
Subacute thyroiditis: This may include any of the following after a viral infection: pain or swelling in the neck, tremors, heart palpitations, a jittery feeling, a racing heart, and feeling tired but unable to sleep.
Johns Hopkins Medicine
hopkinsmedicine.org › health › conditions-and-diseases › thyroid-disorders-in-women
Thyroid Disorders in Women | Johns Hopkins Medicine
June 2, 2025 - The thyroid gland has a big effect on a female reproductive system. The gland can cause problems if it is overactive (hyperthyroid). It can cause problems if it is underactive (hypothyroid). These conditions cause an imbalance in hormone levels. They can have these effects: Join endocrinologist Paul Ladenson, M.D., as he outlines the signs and symptoms ...
NHS inform
nhsinform.scot › home › illnesses and conditions › glands › underactive thyroid
Underactive thyroid symptoms and treatments
February 10, 2025 - If an underactive thyroid isn’t treated, it can lead to complications, including heart disease, goitre, pregnancy problems and a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma (although this is very rare). Read more about treating an underactive thyroid and the complications of an underactive thyroid · Many symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) are the same as those of other conditions, so it can easily be confused for something else.
Raymond Douglas MD
raymonddouglasmd.com › home › the 19 common signs of thyroid problems you shouldn’t overlook
19 Common Signs of Thyroid Problems | Raymond Douglas
January 22, 2025 - Below, you’ll find a few specific symptoms for men to watch for: ... Low thyroid levels may decrease your sex drive, along with your stamina and energy. ... Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism reduce energy levels, affecting men and women alike. ... Mood swings and even depression can indicate thyroid dysfunction in men.
LabCorp
ondemand.labcorp.com › home › articles and blogs › thyroid problems in women: recognizing the symptoms of thyroid disorders
Thyroid health problems: What are the symptoms of thyroid problems in women?
May 30, 2024 - Fatigue: Feeling exhausted despite adequate rest is a common symptom of hypothyroidism · Unexpected weight changes: Hypothyroidism often leads to weight gain as metabolism slows; Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism, causing weight loss · Hair loss: Hormone fluctuations disrupt the hair growth cycle causing hair to thin or fall out · Dry skin and brittle nails: When thyroid hormones are low, skin can become dry and flaky; Nails may crack easily
NHS
nhs.uk › conditions › underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - NHS
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a common condition where the thyroid gland in your neck does not make enough hormones. This can cause symptoms like tiredness and weight gain.
Associated Endocrinologists
endocrinemds.com › home › blogs › thyroid nodules › 7 early warning signs of thyroid issues
7 Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Issues - Associated Endocrinologist, P.C.
March 11, 2024 - With too little thyroid hormone circulating in the body, the metabolism slows, and the body converts food to energy at a slower rate. Consequently, patients with hypothyroidism often gain weight rapidly without altering their diet. Another common warning sign of thyroid issues is problems with vision or the eyes. This symptom can present in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism patients, though it is slightly more common in patients with an underactive thyroid.
The Surgical Clinic
thesurgicalclinics.com › signs-thyroid-isnt-working-right
19+ Signs You Have Thyroid Problems | The Surgical Clinic
September 15, 2025 - Next, as one of the physical symptoms of high hormone levels, your heart rate increases. The increase in heart activity can also lead to heart palpitations. Increased heart rate and palpitations can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness. So, if you feel your heart is off or moving too fast, you should ask your doctor about investigating your thyroid health.
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Medical News Today
medicalnewstoday.com › articles › 324535
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
May 2, 2025 - People with low levels of thyroid hormones can experience weight gain and an increase in body mass index (BMI). Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face and excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body. Hypothyroidism can affect a person’s muscles and joints in numerous ways, causing: ... These symptoms can occur because the brain requires thyroid hormones to function correctly.
MedlinePlus
medlineplus.gov › home › health topics
Hypothyroidism | Hashimoto's Disease | MedlinePlus
Have pernicious anemia, in which the body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells because it does not have enough vitamin B12 · Have Sjogren's syndrome, a disease that causes dry eyes and mouth ... Goiter, an enlarged thyroid that may cause your neck to look swollen. Sometimes it can cause trouble with breathing or swallowing. Because hypothyroidism develops slowly, many people don't notice symptoms ...
WebMD
webmd.com › women's health › slideshows
Thyroid Symptoms Pictures: Fatigue, Weight Gain, Hair Loss, & More
Because thyroid disorders can cause changes in menstrual cycle and mood, the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for menopause.
HealthInAging
healthinaging.org › a-z-topic › thyroid-problems › symptoms
Thyroid Problems Symptoms | American Geriatrics Society | HealthInAging.org
Cause goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland). Goiter can make it difficult to swallow or breathe. Increase the risk of heart disease, an enlarged heart, and heart failure. Over time, it can also damage your nerves and cause loss of muscle control. Advanced untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a fatal condition named myxedema coma. Warning signs include: ... Call 911 if you or someone else has these symptoms.
Mayo Clinic
mayoclinic.org › diseases-conditions › hyperthyroidism › symptoms-causes › syc-20373659
Hyperthyroidism - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
November 30, 2022 - Understand what happens when your thyroid is overactive and learn about treatment for this condition.
GoodRx
goodrx.com › goodrx health › health conditions › hypothyroidism: symptoms, causes, and treatments › 10 hypothyroidism symptoms in women
10 Hypothyroidism Symptoms in Women - GoodRx
Women with hypothyroidism may have subtle symptoms, such as feeling cold, tired, and less interested in sex. Other signs of an underactive thyroid include changes in weight, skin, menstrual cycle, and mood.
Published February 21, 2025