## English 102

  
  
***Women are more prone to developing the autoimmune disease hypothyroidism than men are.***  
  
Draft, Resources, and Assignments  
  
November 1, 2022  
  
Luisa  
Ryan Jones  
22642  
11.01.2022  
  
Women are more prone to developing the autoimmune disease hypothyroidism than men are.  
  
Research has shown that women are more likely to develop issues with their thyroid than men are. There can be various reason for why women are more susceptible to hypothyroidism however, but the exact reason is still unclear. This issue affects so many women's lives (some cases worse than others) and there should be more research being done to prevent and resolve hypothyroidism.  
  
One significant factor why women can be more prone to develop hypothyroidism is because of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the woman's body is put through a significant number of changes, physically and appearance wise but internally as well. According to Narayana Health, one of these changes are that "Women experience a high flux of hormones during pregnancy and again, at menopause." (thyroid.org, p.2)  
  
Another reason hypothyroidism is more prevalent in pregnant women is because the immune system is working overtime and can mistakenly start attacking the thyroid. This causes the thyroid gland to not produce the correct number of hormones the body needs. Women are put through so many hormonal changes during pregnancy, adding a disease like hypothyroidism can be dangerous to not only the mother but to the baby as well. (thyoid.org, p2)  
  
When it comes to hypothyroidism, there are multiple symptoms to look for that can help with an early diagnosis. Educating yourself of these symptoms can help you bring awareness to others who may be suffering unknowingly from hypothyroidism. Hopkins Medicine states that "symptoms are different for each person. They are usually hard to notice and start slowly. These symptoms can also be mistaken for symptoms of depression." The symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, dry hair, and skin, irregular menstrual cycle, etc.  
  
The good news is that hypothyroidism is treatable and can easily be diagnosed. With a blood test the doctor can tell you if you have hypothyroidism and then go on to treat the autoimmune disease. According to the NHS the blood test will measure the level of the T3 and T4. "Low levels of thyroid-producing hormones, such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), can change the way the body processes fat." It is important that this be treated because it can cause more long-term effects such as heart disease. (NHS, p.3)  
  
It is important to know that hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland is underactive. Hypothyroidism is not curable but can be treated with medication. The medication that is usually used to treat hypothyroidism is called levothyroxine and is taken once daily for the rest of your life. This medication will help your thyroid function normally, there for alleviating your symptoms giving you a better quality of life. (Dr.Brighten)  
  
Works Cited  
  
Health, Narayana. "The Thyroid Gland: Let's Get to Know It." Narayana Health Care  
  
"Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy." American Thyroid Association  
  
"Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research