Thyroid issues are more common among older patients, making it even more challenging for younger women with symptoms to be taken seriously. “We tend to see women, in particular, presenting with thyroid illness around the time of sex hormone changes,” explains Dr Conway, pinpointing puberty, pregnancy and menopause as three of the main triggers for the condition. “I see a lot of women in their 20s and 30s, and generally it’s because they’re trying to get pregnant.”

Overactive thyroid symptoms

If the thyroid becomes overactive, then symptoms can include:

Extreme weight loss
Shakiness
Palpitations and a fast puls
Mood swings
Anxiety or nervousness
Feeling thirsty
More frequent bowel movements
Difficulty concentrating

Underactive thyroid symptoms

Fatigue
Unexplained weight gain
Dry or thinning hair
Muscle weakness
Slow heartbeat
Pins and needles in the hands
Difficulty concentrating
Memory trouble
Feeling cold
Depression or anxiety

“Infertility is another big red flag for women in their 20s and 30s,” explains Dr Conway. “If women are not getting pregnant and there seems to be no clear reason for it, often there’s an underlying thyroid issue.”

“I was diagnosed with a thyroid disorder at 19 – these are the red flags I wish I’d noticed earlier”