In the realm of health, certain illnesses quietly sneak up on us, masked behind general symptoms.

Among such conditions, thyroid disorders top the list. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped, hormone-producing gland located at the front of the neck, is a small but mighty organ. This unassuming gland regulates numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. Disturbances in its function can generate a domino effect, leading to significant health issues. Such disorders disproportionately affect women, especially those between 30 to 45 years of age.

Two primary forms of thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, both of which represent the under-activity and over-activity of the thyroid gland, respectively.

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, tends to be more prevalent. It is often associated with symptoms like fatigue, depression, weight gain, hair loss, feeling cold, and irregular periods. Because many of these symptoms overlap with the stresses of everyday life, particularly for women in the throes of balancing careers, family, and self-care, they are frequently dismissed or misattributed.

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, also manifests in non-specific ways like increased heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, trouble sleeping, and frequent bowel movements. Again, the ambiguity of these symptoms often leads to misdiagnosis.

Importantly, there's another condition women aged 30-45 need to be aware of: postpartum thyroiditis. This inflammation of the thyroid gland can occur after childbirth and may initially present with hyperthyroidism symptoms before transitioning into a hypothyroid phase. Postpartum thyroiditis often resolves on its own, but it does require monitoring as it can sometimes lead to lasting hypothyroidism.

The question then becomes - why are women in this age bracket so susceptible to thyroid disorders? A key reason lies in our immune system. Women have a more vigorous immune response than men, which unfortunately makes them more prone to autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, leading causes of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations during this age, like those occurring during pregnancy or perimenopause, can instigate thyroid imbalances.

Due to the broad range of symptoms, accurate diagnoses and the care of experienced physicians is key. Effective treatment of patients with thyroid diseases requires seamless cooperation between experts from various medical fields. Furthermore, at Bumrungrad, all necessary diagnostic and therapeutic tools are available to doctors.

Thyroid disorders are common among women aged 30 to 45 years. Remember, your symptoms may not just be 'stress' or 'getting older'. Listen to your body, seek medical advice, and remember, your health is your wealth.