Tyroid Problems and Back Pains in Women

What Is The Thyroid?

The thyroid gland is located in the neck, near the base area. It produces a hormone, thyroxine which helps speed up the process of the body to produce protein, increase metabolism, and is responsible for using up stored energy. A patient who suffers from chronic back pain that is attributable to thyroid malfunction, should get medical attention immediately – since the thyroid gland controls hormonal imbalances in the body. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common ailment that affects older women. The disease normally occurs before or after menopause. Thyroid in women are associated with either weight gain or loss. Any thyroid dysfunction might affect the patient adversely, hence the need for the patient to seek professional help immediately.

Diagnosing back pains attributable to thyroid may be difficult at times since there are not many symptoms that patients would be able to document on their own. There are basically two types of thyroid problems: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The symptoms for these problems follow:

* Hypothyroidism – happens when the there is underproduction of thyroxine by the thyroid than what is needed by the body to function smoothly. What results is the slowing down of body metabolism, leading to low energy levels.

The symptoms are as follows: dry and scaly skin, coldness in hands and feet, hair loss, weight gain, depression/dementia and poor memory, lowered immune system, extreme exhaustion, constipation, heavy menstruation

* Hyperthyroidism – occurs when excessive thyroxine is produced by the thyroid and increases the body’s metabolism rate. If untreated, the disease can have adverse effect on the body’s vital organs.

Some of the symptoms are as follows: weight loss, dry skin, insomnia/depression/over fatigue, nervousness/tremors, warm hands and feet, frequent defecation, light menstrual period.

Causes of Thyroid Problems In Women

There are various reasons why a woman would succumb to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The main cause however is hormonal imbalance, which may occur due to several reasons.

1. Low intake of Vitamin D

Deficiency in Vitamin D is said to cause Hashitomo disease, a chronic inflammation in the thyroid glands, that is due to the overproduction of antibodies that eventually injures it. This injury could lead to hypothyroidism. Hashitomo’s thyroidism is oftentimes associated with other autoimmune diseases like lupus and type 1 diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency may be common to some groups with inadequate dietary intake and with limited sun exposure. Vitamin D intake that is recommended for adults, varies from 400IU to 800IU for adults above 70 years of age.

2. Adrenal Fatigue – adrenal fatigue have symptoms similar to hypothyroidism, although they are two different matters. It is recommended by most doctors however, that adrenal deficiencies be cured first to have better success in combating hypothyroidism. The symptoms that are specific to the condition are as follows: tremors under pressure, lightheadedness, alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, loss of sexual appetite, and cravings for sweet and salty foods.

3. Fibromyalgia – a significant percentage of women who had hypothyroidism are also diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Both conditions would show the same symptoms. It is the
belief of most doctors that the latter is also auto immune in nature. Others believe that it may be a case of hypometabolism, therefore a clear manifestation of thyroid dysfunction. Fibromyalgia is characterized by joint and muscle pains. A formal diagnosis of this disorder would be extreme pain in both sides of the body, pain above and below the waist, pain in the cervical and thoracic spine, and pain in eleven tender point sites.

Back Pains and Hypothyroidism

When back pains occur, it usually results to cramps and spasm at the back portion of the body. These symptoms are clear signs of hyperthyroidism. In most cases, the back pain may be accompanied by pains in the neck area due to glandular swelling. Treatment of thyroid problems would entail – balancing the hormones in the body through medication. These pills would block the body’s ability to produce too many hormones. Once treatment begins, the illness may be quite easy to control and the pains just subsides away.

Medications may include anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce the swelling of the glands and the back muscles. When pain is controlled, further treatments can be
initiated to cure the ailment. Taking too long to get medical intervention by visiting a physician, may proved detrimental in the long run. Hyperthyroidism can worsen and lead to other health issues including diabetes.