The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy, mood, and essentially every system in the body. Women are 5–8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid disease — yet symptoms are frequently attributed to stress, depression, or "just getting older." Many women live with undiagnosed thyroid disease for years.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is the most common: persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, hair thinning, feeling cold, constipation, heavy menstrual periods, brain fog, and low mood. In women trying to conceive, untreated hypothyroidism increases miscarriage risk and contributes to infertility. Hyperthyroidism (overactive) produces the opposite: weight loss despite increased appetite, rapid heart rate, insomnia, tremor, heat intolerance, anxiety, and lighter periods.
Diagnosis is straightforward: a simple blood test for TSH, free T4, and thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO). At THE FIT CLINIC we test thyroid function in women with relevant symptoms, those planning pregnancy, and any woman around the menopause whose symptoms could be either thyroid or hormonal — because the two overlap significantly. Treatment is highly effective: thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism, antithyroid medication for hyperthyroidism. Most women feel meaningfully better within weeks of starting appropriate treatment.