At What Age do Thyroid Problems Start?

Thyroid problems can arise at any age. Often, this occurs after a larger change in either your body or lifestyle like pregnancy or a significant diet change.

Changes in the body can affect the thyroid gland resulting in irregular production of thyroid hormones. This can result in low energy and significant weight gain.

What is Causing my Thyroid Problems?

Here are the most common changes in the body that can have an adverse effect on the thyroid gland.

Puberty

Puberty is typically responsible for the largest chemical and physical changes in the human body. So it is not uncommon for something to go amiss with the thyroid gland during these significant changes in the body.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes significant hormonal changes in the body. Estrogen and progesterone are some of the most well-known chemicals produced during pregnancy. What’s more, is that these hormones and others have major effects on the thyroid gland.

It should also be noted that during the first 15 weeks of pregnancy, the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone often causes a significant drop in  Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone.

Childbirth

Similarly to pregnancy, once a woman gives birth, her body no longer needs many of the hormones being produced specifically to facilitate the pregnancy and induce labor. It is common for there to be a significant hormonal imbalance during postpartum which can impact the thyroid.

In many cases, the result is in a low thyroid or hypothyroid which can lead to weight gain, low energy, and even depression.

Menopause

Women’s hormones fluctuate much more than men’s. The menstrual cycle, pregnancy and eventually menopause, all affect only women which is likely why thyroid problems occur in women up to eight times more often than they do men.

Lifestyle changes

Diet and physical activity can be a huge influence on our body’s functions. Being overweight and not being conscientious of your diet may not seem like it is affecting your body but, more often than not, the body can only take so much abuse and eventually, it may begin to show signs of wear.

One of these signs is commonly an underactive thyroid which will reduce your energy levels and can cause you to gain significant weight which you subsequently struggle to lose even with diet and exercise.

The longer you live, especially for women, the more likely you are to develop thyroid problems. The good news is that potential thyroid solutions can be found in your diet and exercise regimens. If you are suffering from low thyroid problems regardless of your stage of life, know that there are solutions and options available for you to take back control of your life and health.