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Early Morning Signs of Hypothyroidism Every Woman Should Watch Out For: A Comprehensive Guide to Recognize and Address Symptoms

by Dr. Shruthi R September 7, 2024

written by Dr. Shruthi R

Discover the crucial early morning signs of hypothyroidism that women should be aware of in this comprehensive guide. Learn how to recognize these symptoms early and take proactive steps for effective management and improved well-being.

Hypothyroidism: Early Morning Signs Women Need to Watch Out For

Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, can significantly impact overall health and well-being. It affects women more frequently than men, and its symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other issues. One of the crucial times to monitor for signs of hypothyroidism is early in the morning. Recognizing these signs early can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment, helping manage the condition more effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the early morning signs of hypothyroidism that women should be aware of, why these signs are important, and how to address them.

Understanding Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, fails to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are critical for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall bodily functions. When hormone levels are low, it can lead to a range of symptoms affecting various body systems.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

Fatigue
Weight gain
Cold intolerance
Constipation
Dry skin and hair
Muscle weakness
Depression
Memory issues

Why Early Morning Matters

Early morning can be a telling time for symptoms of hypothyroidism due to hormonal fluctuations that occur overnight. Thyroid hormone levels typically peak in the early morning, and any deficiencies or imbalances can become more apparent during this time. Women with hypothyroidism may notice that their symptoms are more pronounced upon waking, which can help in recognizing the condition early.

Key Early Morning Signs of Hypothyroidism

Persistent Fatigue

Waking up feeling unusually tired or groggy, despite having had a full night’s sleep, can be an early sign of hypothyroidism. Fatigue in hypothyroidism is often profound and can persist throughout the day. If you find that your energy levels are low in the morning, even after a good night’s sleep, it might be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Why It Happens: Low thyroid hormone levels can impair energy production and overall metabolism, leading to feelings of persistent tiredness.

Unexplained Weight Gain

If you notice weight gain that cannot be explained by changes in diet or physical activity, hypothyroidism could be the cause. Weight gain is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to a slowed metabolism. This weight gain is often more noticeable in the morning when you first step on the scale.

Why It Happens: The reduced metabolic rate associated with hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, even if you are not consuming additional calories.

Cold Sensitivity

Feeling unusually cold or experiencing cold hands and feet in the morning can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Women with this condition may find that they are more sensitive to cold temperatures, and this sensitivity is often more pronounced in the early hours of the day.

Why It Happens: Thyroid hormones help regulate body temperature. Low levels can result in poor circulation and decreased heat production, making you feel cold.

Constipation

If you experience constipation that persists despite adequate fluid intake and dietary fiber, hypothyroidism might be the underlying issue. Morning constipation or difficulty having a bowel movement can be a sign of an underactive thyroid.

Why It Happens: Thyroid hormones play a role in regulating gastrointestinal motility. A deficiency can lead to slower digestion and constipation.

Dry Skin and Hair

Noticing that your skin feels unusually dry or your hair seems brittle when you wake up can indicate hypothyroidism. Dry skin and hair can be a result of reduced thyroid hormone levels affecting the body’s ability to maintain moisture.

Why It Happens: Thyroid hormones help regulate skin hydration and hair health. Lower levels can lead to dryness and poor texture.

Muscle Weakness

Experiencing muscle weakness or stiffness in the morning can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Women may notice that their muscles feel weaker or more fatigued upon waking, affecting their ability to perform daily activities.

Why It Happens: Low thyroid hormone levels can lead to muscle weakness and discomfort due to their role in muscle metabolism and function.

Mood Changes

Feeling unusually depressed or moody in the morning, despite no apparent reason, can be related to hypothyroidism. Mood changes, including irritability and depression, are common in individuals with thyroid hormone imbalances.

Why It Happens: Thyroid hormones influence brain function and mood regulation. Deficiencies can lead to feelings of depression and irritability.

Memory Issues

Difficulty with memory or experiencing brain fog early in the morning can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Women may find it challenging to focus or remember things, which can impact their daily routine.

Why It Happens: Thyroid hormones are essential for cognitive function. Low levels can impair memory and concentration.

Puffy Face

Waking up with a puffy face or swollen eyelids can be a subtle sign of hypothyroidism. Fluid retention, particularly around the eyes, is often noticeable in the morning.

Why It Happens: Hypothyroidism can lead to fluid retention and changes in skin appearance, including puffiness in the face.

Addressing Early Morning Symptoms

Monitor Your Symptoms

Keeping track of your symptoms can help identify patterns and provide valuable information to your healthcare provider. Consider keeping a journal of your early morning symptoms, including fatigue, weight changes, and mood fluctuations.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

If you suspect hypothyroidism based on early morning symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. They may recommend blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels and determine if hypothyroidism is present.

Follow a Healthy Lifestyle

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can support thyroid function and overall well-being. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular physical activity can also help manage symptoms and improve energy levels.

Medication and Treatment

If diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your healthcare provider may prescribe thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Following their recommendations and taking medications as prescribed is crucial for managing the condition effectively.

Regular Monitoring

Hypothyroidism requires ongoing monitoring and management. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider will help ensure that your thyroid hormone levels are balanced and that your symptoms are under control.

Recognizing the early morning signs of hypothyroidism is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management. Women experiencing symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, muscle weakness, mood changes, memory issues, or puffiness should be mindful of these indicators.

By paying attention to these early signs and seeking medical advice, you can take proactive steps to manage hypothyroidism and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, early intervention and proper treatment can make a significant difference in managing thyroid health and achieving better well-being.

September 7, 2024 0 comment

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Breasts: Facts to know

by Medically Speaking October 26, 2021

written by Medically Speaking

This October, ditch the pink and spread breast cancer awareness with these facts related to breasts.

1. The average woman in the United States wears a size 40 D bra. This works out to about 3 pounds total, or 1.5 pounds per breast.

2. The left breast is usually slightly larger than the right in most women. Only a small percentage of women have perfectly symmetrical breasts. It is normal for the right and left breasts to differ in size by up to 20%. Sudden changes, on the other hand, are not normal and should be discussed with your doctor.

3. Breasts typically grow for two to four years after a girl’s first period.

4. Breast cancer is the second most lethal cancer in women. The first is lung cancer.

5. Men can get breast cancer too. There will be an estimated 2,190 new cases of male breast cancer in 2014. Peter Criss of the rock group Kiss is a breast cancer survivor.

6. Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by watching their weight, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding or limiting menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

7. The state with the highest incidence of breast cancer is Massachusetts. According the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are 139.5 new cases per 100,000 female residents in the state.

8. The state with the lowest incidence of breast cancer is Arkansas. The CDC reports 101.9 new cases per 100,000 female residents.

9. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has found evidence that night-shift work might be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

10. By the end of 2014, an estimated 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to have been diagnosed in American women. An additional 62,570 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer are expected as well.

October 26, 2021 0 comment

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According to the Family Planning Association of India, there are growing gender disparities in hypertension awareness and diagnosis

by Medically Speaking October 6, 2021

written by Medically Speaking

Leading public health experts and female doctors called for immediate policy interventions to prevent a hypertension epidemic in India on the occasion of World Heart Day, which was observed on September 29.Experts highlighted in a webinar hosted by the Family Planning Association of India thatDue to a variety of socio-cultural and environmental factors, hypertension disproportionately affects women in India.Economic factors impede their access to diagnostic services and timely treatment.

Among those who spoke at the event were Sanghamitra Ghosh (Secretary-General, IPHA, Kolkata)

Dr. Daksha Shah, Rathnamala Desai (President, FPA India) (Deputy Executive Health Officer, MCGM), Dr Kalpana Apte (Secretary-General, FPA India) and Dr Ajit Menon (Interventional Cardiologist,Mumbai).

They discussed the growing problem of hypertension, how to address it, why women did not seek treatment, what measures could be implemented to enable them to do so, and how to ensure treatment adherence.

According to the WHO, 63% of Indians suffer from noncommunicable diseases, with cardiovascular disease accounting for 27% of the total. In India, hypertension remains the leading cause of cardiac disease, despite a lack of awareness, inadequate primary care, and inadequate follow-up.

One in every five women in India (aged 15 to 49 years) has hypertension but is undiagnosed.Hypertension causes the blood vessel walls to thicken.

Dr. Sanghamitra Ghosh, Secretary-General of the IPHA in Kolkata, stated that the complications that have arisen. Impaired foetal growth, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, and other hypertensive disorders cause morbidity and mortality in the mother, foetus, and newborn.

In younger and middle-aged women, hypertension may cause symptoms that are misdiagnosed as stress or menopause-related, resulting in neglect and becoming a risk factor for underlying diseases. Women may be more prone to developing hypertension after menopause due to a decrease in the levels of the cardio-protective hormone oestrogen.

“A preliminary review of data around the prevalence and care cascade of hypertension in India has revealed that women are at an increased risk of hypertension, especially beyond their reproductive years, as compared to men, and they are also sub-optimally treated,” said Dr Kalpana Apte, Secretary General, FPA India. Women are more likely than men to be affected by health disparities caused by sociocultural factors, as well as socioeconomic and political contexts.

Gender discrimination, socioeconomic burden, and physical mobility constraints frequently limit women’s access to optimal health care, she continued. This webinar provided an opportunity to interact with experts about data and programme gaps that can impede the effective implementation of gender-equitable hypertension control programmes in India.

Dr Rathnamala Desai, President of FPA India, elaborated on the subject, saying, “The key agenda of our advocacy efforts is to identify research gaps and design policy and programmes so that specific needs of women, during and beyond their reproductive years, are addressed.”

CVDs are more common in women (38%) than in men (31%), so it is critical to implement programmes that can control hypertension in women specifically, as the condition has a far-reaching impact on their health, well-being, and role in society.” “Hypertension affects nearly 24% of the world’s population and is a major risk factor for a variety of cardiovascular diseases and complications. Women are more likely than men to have hypertension, which often goes undiagnosed and untreated, putting them at a higher risk of complications.

There are many sex and gender-based disparities, as well as rural versus urban divides and inequalities, in the diagnosis and management of hypertension, particularly in women “Dr. Aijt Menon, a renowned interventional cardiologist from Mumbai, agreed. Dr. Daksha Shah, Deputy Executive Health Officer at MCGM, stated, “Given the country’s and city’s alarming NCDmortality statistics, we must prioritise budget and human resource allocation for NCDs, with a particular focus on women’s participation in the programme. Also, develop care models that involve the private sector and community organisations.

Noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 60% of all deaths, according to the WHO. Every year, a staggering 35 million people are killed by these silent killers, with 18 million of them being women. NCDs are the most serious threat to women’s health worldwide, wreaking havoc on women in developing countries during their most productive years. As a result, it is critical to prioritise hypertension treatment.

Controlling hypertension necessitates a strategic approach that begins with policy-level support for effective programme implementation, standardisation of treatment protocols, deployment of trained human resources and monitoring mechanisms across all tiers of the health system, inter-sectoral linkages and synergies between ongoing programmes, and improved people’s ability to prevent and self-manage chronic disease.

In this context, Prioritizing Advocacy for Control of Hypertension in India (PrACHI) is a collaboration between development partners FPA India and GHAI to reach out to key influencers for effective policy and programme implementation to reduce the prevalence of hypertension in India by 25% by 2025.

Advocacy efforts will focus on the effective implementation and convergence of national programmes and schemes that are either fully committed to hypertension prevention and management or include this strategic component as part of a larger programme. The critical asks will be for on-the-ground synergies between vertical programmes, larger allocations of resources (or resource pooling), and public-private partnerships for effective implementation and monitoring.

October 6, 2021 0 comment

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You must get rid of some strange myths about the Tampon

by Medically Speaking September 26, 2021

written by Medically Speaking

The vagina is regarded as the sacredest place in the body of a woman. And all the lies and myths cast upon her with dignity have survived this sacred place.

Very few people know the facts of our vagina and vaginal products. They were all appreciated when pads came into being.

But with Tampons, that was not the case. Tampons had to suffer a lot just like our vagina. During World War Two, Tampon was intended to stop bullet hole wounds. It was subsequently found to be useful for women too and was re-designed for their bodies.

Some bizarre myths about tampons you need to get off your mind now are :

Using a New Tampon, each time you Pee:

Your vagina and your bladder are two different things. The bladder is a muscular organ that collects your urine and your vagina is made up of highly elastic tissues. Both of these systems perform different tasks and are not interconnected with each other. So, attend your natures call hassle-free, without thinking of changing a tampon every time. Also, changing a tampon very frequently can cause discomfort as taking out a dry tampon can irritate the vaginal area.

Tampons are the Reason Behind Cervical Cancer:

This is a total myth. Cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) which is only transmitted from one person to another during sexual intercourse. Tampons are as safe as menstrual cups and sanitary pads. They are widely accepted by doctors and there is no proof that tampons cause cancer.

A Tampon can Fall:

A Tampon cannot fall out of your vagina if it is inserted correctly. Vagina can hold a tampon even if you are working out or running. Also, if pressure is applied then there are chances that the tampon may fall. But it does not fall out itself.

A Tampon can get Lost Inside:

The vagina is a muscle, not a black hole that we would lose things inside. A tampon if inserted correctly stays in the vagina only. It cannot go up itself unless pressure is applied. Also, it cannot fall out, unless it is pulled outside.

Using a Tampon can take your Virginity Away:

A tampon cannot break your hymen and take your virginity away. Hymen can break due to several reasons like gyming, horse – riding, and running, etc. Also, if a tampon breaks the hymen of a person that does not mean that the person is no longer a virgin. Virginity is only lost to a person not to a menstrual care product.

Tampons cause Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare life-threatening illness that is caused by bacterial toxins like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pathogens. Women who menstruate have more chances of having Toxic Shock Syndrome. If a tampon is inserted for a very long duration inside a vagina and is not taken out timely, then the chances of having Toxic Shock Syndrome increases. However, if a tampon is changed frequently and hygiene is maintained then you can move around carefree.

Using a Tampon is as easy as using a sanitary napkin. Tampons are not dangerous instead they are a safer alternative, but lack of awareness and knowledge is harmful. However, being aware and educated about the product ensures a comfortable route. Being careful with what you are using is definitely a hygienic start after all it’s your own body.

September 26, 2021 0 comment

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Union MoS is looking for data on minor girls pregnancy

by Medically Speaking September 19, 2021

written by Medically Speaking

Nashik: State Minister for Family Welfare and Health Dr Bharti Pawar was looking for data on Friday on every small girl who has been either pregnant or babies recently in the district.

Pawar visited the civil hospital in Nashik, where a special child diagnostic camp was organised for 0 to 17 years of age.

Dr Pawar talked to the media and reported that in recent times minor girls were married and their health was affected by earlier pregnancy.

“These little girls, who were married early, have a life of concern for us. I learnt about several rural cases and therefore requested the District Officials of Health to supply such cases with the data,” she said.

The reproductive system of minor girls is not developed sufficiently and hence, pregnancies at such young age are inadvisable. They could also lead to complications. If the mothers are weak, they could have weak babies. It could lead to malnourishment in the mother and the child.

There are chances that early pregnancies could cause permanent damage to the health of these mothers. At times, these can even prove fatal for both the mother and the baby.

“If we have to stop all this, it is important to get the idea of such cases and take corrective measures related to monitoring of health,” Dr Pawar said.

“The law against child marriages is very clear. If there have been a large number of such marriages in the recent past, then there is a need to increase the intelligence gathering. Everyone has to take efforts to ensure the health of such minors is focused upon,” Dr Pawar added.

After reviewing the data, the minister said that she would take this up on the larger scale across the state and take up the issue with the state government and even across the country as well.

September 19, 2021 0 comment

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6 Things Every Woman Should Do To Maintain Vaginal Health!

by Medically Speaking September 15, 2021

written by Medically Speaking

The fundamentals of vaginal care!

THE ESSENTIALS OF VAGINA CARE: We, the women, have read a lot about how to maintain the health of our vaginal organs. Some of those suggestions must have proven to be beneficial, while others must have gotten us into difficulty or were simply difficult to implement. So, to make things easier for you, we’ll go through the essentials of preserving vaginal health.

Why is it important?

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Maintaining vaginal health is not complicated but the benefits it provides are uncountable. A healthy vagina gives your sex life a boost, keeps you happy down there, lowers your chances of infections and helps you spot cervical cancer early.

As you must be shaking your head, read on to know the six basic things that a woman must do to keep her vagina happy and healthy no matter how old she is.

Get yourself tested

GET YOURSELF TESTED: American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (AGOG) recommends annual pelvic examination to all women above the age of 21. A regular visit to your doctor is important to know if you have any hormonal imbalances. Regular mammograms are also as important as pelvic tests are.

Basics to take care of your vagina!

BASICS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR VAGINA: We, the women, have read a lot about how to keep our vaginas healthy. Some of those tips must have definitely helped us but some must have us landed in trouble or were simply not easy to follow. So, making it simple for you, here we take you back to basics of maintaining vaginal health.

Prevent yourself from infections

PREVENT YOURSELF FROM INFECTIONS: When we talk about vaginal infections, what comes to our mind is yeast and fungal infections. And three out of every four women get either of these infections at some point in their lives says, Clinical Microbiology Reviews report. But there is another infection which occurs and is called bacterial vaginosis. It is marked by greyish and yellow discharge with a fishy smell. This infection affects around 3 million women every year. It is more common in pre-menopausal women.

Practice a few key healthy habits to keep infections at bay

PRACTICE A FEW KEY HEALTHY HABITS TO KEEP INFECTIONS AT BAY

– Wear cotton underwear so that your vagina can breathe. Change your underwear after every workout.

– Do not forgot to take probiotic supplements if you are taking antibiotics.

– Bathe your vagina with a mild soap which is free from added colours and fragrance as these two can irritate your vagina.

Know about UTIs

KNOW ABOUT UTIs: UTIs are more common in women who are sexually active and those who use birth control methods like spermicidal agents and diaphragms. The spermicidal agent can change the pH level of the vagina and diaphragm can trap bacteria.

Steps to prevent UTIs

STEPS TO PREVENT UTIs

– Stay hydrated and do not forget to pee before and after sex.

– Wipe from front to back to keep the bacteria at bay.

– Wear cotton underwear so that your vagina can breathe.

Do Kegel exercises

DO KEGEL EXERCISES: Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic muscles (these muscles hold your uterus and bladder). Strong pelvic muscles help to ward off urine leakage and frequent urge to urinate.

September 15, 2021 0 comment