About Women's Health Issues

Thyroid is a gland present in the human body. It produces hormones that help in metabolism. When the gland fails to function normally, it affects the metabolism rate of the body. Thyroid dysfunction is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world.

When the metabolism rate of the body is affected, it is common for a person to gain or lose weight. Since, the metabolism rate also determines the energy levels in the body, thyroid dysfunction can also cause weakness and fatigue. However, will you believe me, if I say your skin is often a potential victim of thyroid dysfunction? There is one common question that often creeps in the minds of many readers in talking about skin problems, can thyroid problems cause itching?

Thyroid Problems and its Types

There was an instance in the past when a friend of mine complained to me about a prolonged itching problem that she had been facing. I immediately asked him if he had ever bothered to do a thyroid test. He retorted quickly with a puzzled expression, “Can thyroid problems cause itching?” The answer is a simple yes. In order to understand how thyroid dysfunction can cause itching, you first need to know two types of conditions that result from thyroid hormonal imbalance.

• Hypothyroidism: In this case, the thyroid is underactive producing abnormally lesser level of hormones than required. The lower hormonal level reduces the metabolism rate. This, in turn, causes the skin to dry and makes it flaky leading to skin rash and itching.
• Hyperthyroidism: On the other hand, when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces hormones in excess, it leads to hyperthyroidism. As a result, the metabolism rate increases. This leads to thickening of the skin which in turn causes skin dryness and itching.

So, irrespective of your thyroid gland being under or overactive, it could lead to a whole range of skin problems such as itching and rashes. And, more importantly, skin problems such as dryness and itching get worse during winter.

Treating the Skin Problem

So, is there something we could do if we ever face the question, can thyroid problems cause itching? Definitely yes, says the doctors. It is easy to treat thyroid dysfunction and its associated problems. Here are a few tips to tackle your skin troubles:

1. Avoid soap as much as possible. It is preferable to use soap only in areas that get dirty.
2. Use a moisturizing cream or lotion after bath.
3. Opt for a tub bath but let the water not be too hot.
4. Consider reading this life-changing book on thyroid problems
5. Consider adding this simple supplement to your diet recommended by Dr. Brownstien to not only solve the itching associated with thyroid problems but a whole host of other problems as well.

And more importantly, consult your doctor. A simple blood test can help you determine thyroid hormonal imbalance. With proper nutritional supplementation, thyroid function and its hormonal level in the body can be restored to normal. This, in turn, can help you avoid a lot of complications that arise from it.