The thyroid is one of many essential glands we normally don’t worry about unless there’s a problem. But, considering women are more likely than men to develop thyroid diseases (groan), we should understand how the thyroid works — and how to be vigilant about potential issues. For those unfamiliar with the thyroid and its purpose, here’s a quick primer: It’s a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the neck, serving as part of the body’s endocrine system. This gland makes and releases the hormones that control your metabolism, or, how the body uses energy.  Sometimes, people can...

Have you ever felt like your body’s thermostat is completely out of sync? Maybe you’re constantly cold, or perhaps you’re always feeling a bit too warm. Or, have you noticed weight creeping on (or falling off) even though you haven’t changed your eating or exercise habits? These can all be subtle, early warning signs of thyroid problems. As women, we're actually more likely to face thyroid issues, so it’s especially important to stay in tune with these changes our bodies might be signaling. Understanding the thyroid gland Before we get into the signs to watch for,...

Never heard of lichen sclerosus? You’re not alone. The condition is not one you hear about often. Chalk it up, at least in part, to the fact that lichen sclerosus is rare, according to Yale Medicine. We’re going to guess that there’s more going on than just the fact that lichen sclerosus is uncommon, though: It’s also that, due to the nature of the condition and the areas it typically affects, there may be a bit of shame and stigma involved. According to the Mayo Clinic, lichen sclerosus typically affects the genital and anal areas —...

Unless you’ve been diagnosed with lupus —  or are a Selena Gomez fan — you probably don’t know much about this particular condition. So let’s break it down: Lupus is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and pain in any part of the body. Specifically, it’s an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system, instead of fighting infections, attacks healthy tissue instead. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus, with that number increasing to 5 million worldwide. Ninety percent of lupus patients are women, and the disease generally attacks women...

If you have ever complained to your doctor about fatigue, irregular periods, and weight gain, there is a good chance that you were tested for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder where your thyroid doesn’t create enough hormones, is fairly common — an estimated 4-10% of women have it!  However, what if your test results come back and your thyroid hormone levels aren’t low enough to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism, but you are still experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism? You might have what experts call subclinical hypothyroidism.  What is subclinical hypothyroidism?  Your thyroid — a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck — plays an important...

As one of the leading causes of infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is regularly found at the center of reproductive health discussions.  According to the World Health Organization, PCOS is a common hormonal condition that affects approximately 8-13% of reproductive-aged women (although up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide). Specifically, PCOS is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the ovaries and adrenal glands produce a surplus of androgens (aka sex hormones).  PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess androgen levels — which can present either as acne or excess hair growth on the face,...

Most people don’t really think about their thyroid unless they’ve been diagnosed with a hormonal condition. But since women are more likely than men to develop thyroid diseases – usually after pregnancy or after menopause – it’s important to educate ourselves about this small yet mighty endocrine gland.  Let’s start with the basics: The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the neck, and it’s part of the body’s endocrine system. As such, the thyroid makes and releases the hormones that control your metabolism, aka, how the body uses energy.  When the...

Just months after welcoming her son, Tristan, Heather Rae El Moussa began experiencing crippling fatigue. It may be easy to write off that symptom as a part of the postpartum experience, but it went beyond that: The new mom also experienced a significant drop in her milk supply. “I remember saying to my assistant, ‘I feel like I’m dead,'" El Moussa told Today.com. “My brain was so tired. My body was so tired. I was exhausted all the time, and no amount of sleep could make it better.” Initially, she thought “mom brain” was to...

If you're dealing with unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, irregular menstrual cycles, and more, a thyroid condition could be to blame. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves' disease, both autoimmune thyroid conditions, can have a profound impact on your health and quality of life – including your reproductive health – but “they couldn’t be more different,” explains Caroline Thomason, RD CDCES, dietitian and diabetes educator in Washington, D.C.    So, what are the differences between Hashimoto's and Graves' disease? To understand this, we must first dive into autoimmune conditions as a whole.  What is an autoimmune...

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune disease closely associated with the skin condition psoriasis. It causes the immune system to attack the joints and skin, causing pain, and irritation, among other limitations. If you suspect you may be suffering from PsA, it's important to diagnose and treat it as early as possible to avoid permanent joint damage and maximize your quality of life with this chronic disease.  So, how can you tell if you’re in the early stages of psoriatic arthritis? In this article, we'll explore what psoriatic arthritis is, who it affects, and how to...