Why women are more susceptible to thyroid gland diseases

Why do many of the symptoms and conditions we've covered in thyroid disease articles affect women more than men? Why do we so often hear about thyroid problems and mysterious chronic illnesses as a women's problem?

First, part of this perception is wrong. Historically, there has been a greater stigma for men to admit to physical ailments. In the 1940s and 1950s, when women were visiting the doctor describing their health problems, men were also experiencing an epidemic of depression, anxiety, mood swings, excessive sweating, body temperature fluctuations, brain fog , heart palpitations, and the like. However, stoicism was highly valued by men. They had grown up with the message that they should be strong and stable, and so many of them stayed away from the doctor and kept their symptoms quiet, creating the illusion that only women were suffering. Once women's symptoms caused enough excitement in medical circles that they were given the widespread diagnosis of "menopause," similar symptoms in men became even more difficult to admit. Now, not only was the man hesitant to admit to "weakness"; which worries him anyway, and he is also afraid of the association that he is experiencing his own "physical changes".

Although it wasn't as obvious, EBV has been a major threat to men, and there's no shame in that. Liver problems, weight gain, restless legs, hypertension, high cholesterol , and constipation are just a few examples of these symptoms that you've probably recognized in at least one man in your life. Prostate cancer also stems from EBV.

However, there is a lot of truth to the observation that women experience chronic symptoms like thyroid problems at a higher rate than men. Much of this has to do with a woman’s reproductive cycle. Each month, her body puts a huge amount of energy and resources into preparing her body for the possibility of having a baby. When a woman is menstruating, 80% of her active immune system and body reserves go to renewing the womb, which significantly reduces the energy her body has to protect itself from disease at that time. And during ovulation, 40% of her immune system and body reserves go to this process – again leaving the door open for disease to take advantage. In addition, during this time, cortisol and adrenaline production increases, which send fuel for EBV into her bloodstream. All of this means that twice a month, women become more susceptible to health threats like EBV . This is why women often get sick with a cold, flu, migraine, or sore throat right before or during menstruation because their immune system is down.

Not to mention, women today live with more expectations than ever before. Under the pressure of pursuing a career, running a household, pleasing their partners, empathizing with their friends, taking care of their family, and looking good while doing it, most women are effectively working 10, 20, or 30 jobs. In addition to the physical and mental toll that this takes, the awareness, intuition, and compassion required to maintain it all can also be exhausting if there is no opportunity for recovery. It’s very easy to burn out with all of this, and a depleted immune system is one of the favorite pathways for EBV to develop.

This means that women can't get away with not taking care of themselves. If you're a woman and have felt like you need approval to make your health a priority, consider this your permission. Especially during menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery, take the necessary steps to maintain balance. It's the best thing you can do for those who rely on you. Otherwise, too much is hanging in the balance.

No matter who you are, you deserve to acknowledge any health issues you’ve faced, with the mindset that it doesn’t make you look bad. If you’re a man, remember: the symptoms and conditions you’ve read about in this chapter aren’t just women’s problems; EBV is an equal opportunity pathogen. You deserve to take care of yourself, too. By exposing EBV for what it is, you can see your struggle in a whole new light.

The article uses materials from Anthony William's book "Healing the Thyroid Gland" . More articles on the topic are coming soon to our blog!

Other articles about the thyroid gland: