• Thyroid Disorders
• Hormone Replacement Therapy

What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Women?

Published: September 03, 2025
Updated: September 03, 2025
4 mins

Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder most commonly diagnosed in women and adults over the age of 60. Initially, you may not notice symptoms of hypothyroidism, which can make early diagnosis difficult. If you show common symptoms like extreme fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss, a healthcare provider may test you for hypothyroidism.

Women with hypothyroidism may also experience changes in their menstrual cycle. However, not every experience with hypothyroidism is the same. It’s not uncommon for a healthcare provider to mistake hypothyroidism for other health conditions if they don’t have a clear picture of your current symptoms and health history. Learn more about the hypothyroidism symptoms to expect and how to move forward with treatment.

What is Hypothyroidism?

The thyroid (a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck) doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones in those with hypothyroidism. Your thyroid produces the key hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). Hypothyroidism can happen when there’s damage to the thyroid gland, hypothalamus (a region of the brain), or pituitary gland (an endocrine gland at the base of the brain).

Hormones produced in the thyroid help stabilize energy levels, manage fertility, and regulate the immune system in the intestine. An underactive thyroid can reduce the efficiency of these bodily functions.

What Causes Hypothyroidism in Women?

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s Disease or not having enough iodine in your diet. The body does not naturally produce iodine. It’s typically absorbed through nutrients in food. Iodine plays a crucial role in the production of thyroid hormones needed to give the body energy to carry out bodily functions.

The following health conditions may also lead to hypothyroidism:

• Turner syndrome

• Type 1 diabetes

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Lupus

If you’ve been treated for hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) in the past, you may experience hypothyroidism. Radiation treatment and some medications may also increase your risk of hypothyroidism.

For those with high cholesterol, a healthcare provider may recommend getting tested for hypothyroidism. Studies show a common link between high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and hypothyroidism.

What are the Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Women?

1. Weight fluctuations

Postmenopausal women with hypothyroidism have a higher risk of gaining weight. With severe hypothyroidism, a woman may gain around five to ten more pounds as the body retains salt and water differently due to a change in thyroid function.

2. Mood swings

Hypothyroidism can increase the risk of women experiencing emotions commonly associated with depression or anxiety. Mood swings may occur more often because of how the connection between thyroid function and neurotransmitters in the brain affects emotions. 

3. Fatigue

It’s common for people with hypothyroidism to feel perpetually tired. If you have a history of depression, you may be more likely to experience fatigue when thyroid hormones are low.

4. Hair loss

It’s possible to lose small amounts of hair with severe hypothyroidism. Hair loss from hypothyroidism may show up as general thinning of hair on the body or hair that takes longer to grow.

5. Menstrual cycle changes

Hypothyroidism can change the consistency of your menstrual cycle. Some women may experience heavier menstrual bleeding or inconsistent cycles.

6. Slow heart rate

A slower heart rate in those with hypothyroidism comes from blood vessels constricting and blood pressure rising. 

7. Puffiness

For those with severe hypothyroidism, you may notice more puffiness in the face.

8. Feeling cold

Feeling cold more often is a common early symptom of hypothyroidism. When thyroid hormones are lower than usual, you may feel more sensitive to cold environments. An underactive thyroid gland is not able to produce enough hormones to help the body tolerate colder temperatures. 

9. Joint and muscle pain

Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to pain and sensitivity in your muscles and joints. Women may primarily feel joint pain in the hands, knees, and feet.

10. Fertility changes

Any changes to thyroid function may increase your risk of fertility complications. Some women with hypothyroidism may experience changes in normal ovulation. If you plan on getting pregnant and have hypothyroidism, start a conversation with a licensed healthcare provider about the best treatment options for you.

Other potential symptoms

In severe cases, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to the following severe symptoms:

• Myxedema coma

• Nerve damage

• Elevated cholesterol

• Memory issues

• Constipation

• Cramping

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing severe symptoms like these or others getting in the way of daily life.

How is Hypothyroidism in Women Diagnosed?

One of the first things a healthcare provider will do if they suspect you have hypothyroidism is perform a physical. Next, they may run a blood test. With a blood test, a healthcare provider can see where your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are.

Thyroid-specific tests measure T3, T4, and antibodies in the thyroid as well. Additional imaging tests, like a thyroid scan, ultrasound, and radioactive iodine uptake test, can help a healthcare provider determine if your symptoms are from a thyroid complication.

Treatment Options for Women with Hypothyroidism

The most common treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy. Generally, a healthcare provider will recommend a blood test before deciding on a proper thyroid replacement dosage. 

Iodine supplements may help restore low iodine levels, especially in pregnant women. Be sure to let a healthcare provider know before adding any supplements to your routine.

If high cholesterol is the cause of your hypothyroidism, a healthcare provider may prescribe statins as well to get your cholesterol levels back to a normal range. 

In addition to getting prescription medication and completing routine testing, eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise as part of treatment can help you balance thyroid hormones in your body.

How Does Thyroid Replacement Therapy Help with Hypothyroidism?

Thyroid replacement therapy prioritizes restoring T3 and T4 levels in the body. A healthcare provider may prescribe the daily oral medication levothyroxine to help stabilize TSH levels. Levothyroxine is one of the most common synthetic thyroid hormones prescribed to help regulate T4 levels. Typically, adults take the oral tablet once per day before a meal. 

During hypothyroidism treatment, a healthcare provider will have you take a blood test after six to eight weeks to check your progress. You may not notice improvements to symptoms until around one to two weeks of taking levothyroxine. If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, a healthcare provider may slightly adjust your dosage.

Where Can I Learn More About Managing Hormonal Imbalances?

Hypothyroidism is a lifelong health condition. LifeMD can help you understand any health changes you may experience in your daily life associated with hypothyroidism and the best next steps to take. 

LifeMD offers treatment for anyone needing support for thyroid complications. With LifeMD+, you can get quality testing and lab options for thyroid treatment and other health concerns. A LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider can also prescribe hypothyroidism treatments for those who qualify.

Become a LifeMD+ member today to balance your hormones for an optimal health outcome.

For menopausal women with thyroid concerns, the LifeMD Women's Health Program may be more suitable for your individual health needs. It provides not only thyroid support like levothyroxine, but also estrogen replacement therapy and other care to help you manage hormonal changes through different stages of menopause.