Sneaky Thyroid Symptoms in Women Over 50 That Are Easy to Miss—From Tinnitus to Sparse Brows
Many thyroid symptoms can mimic menopause, making it harder to diagnose
Recognizing when your symptoms actually point to a health condition can be difficult, even when you know the major signs. And when your symptoms can be tied to several different conditions, it becomes even tougher. You may already know some of the most common hypothyroid symptoms, including weight gain and fatigue. But what about the symptoms you might mistake for another health issue? We spoke to experts to learn more about the lesser-known signs of a thyroid disorder that can be easy to miss.
5 sneaky hypothyroid symptoms doctors say to watch for
Your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland on the front of your neck, plays an important role in regulating your hormones. When it becomes sluggish or underactive, it’s a condition called hypothyroidism, which is more common in women and those over age 60.
The problem? It can sometimes be overlooked or even hard to diagnose since the symptoms can mimic other conditions, like menopause and daily stress. Here, the warning signs of a thyroid condition that you shouldn’t ignore.
Woman's World Answers
A hoarse or croaky voice in the morning
Many people have experienced a hoarse voice at some point in life. While it could be due to the common cold or seasonal allergies, it could also point to an underlying thyroid issue. “The thyroid gland sits at the base of the neck near the vocal cords,” explains Tiffany Marie Hendricks, MD, a family and lifestyle medicine physician and metabolic health coach. “When it becomes inflamed or enlarged, it can affect your voice, making it sound raspy or hoarse, especially in the morning.”
Ringing in the ears
Perhaps you’ve experienced the buzzing or whistling sensation of tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, due to the lingering effects of an ear infection or buildup of wax. But did you know it could also signal a thyroid issue? “Low thyroid hormone can affect circulation and nerve signaling, sometimes contributing to ringing or buzzing in the ears,” says Dr. Hendricks.
Thinning eyebrows
If you’re someone with normally thick eyebrows and discover that they’re suddenly thinning, the culprit could be your thyroid. “One of the more specific signs of hypothyroidism is loss of the outer third of the eyebrows,” says Maggie Williams, MD, DipABFM, DipABLM, Medical Director for Virtual Primary Care at MD Live. “It’s often missed or chalked up to aging, but low thyroid hormone levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to this very targeted kind of hair loss.”
“Loss of the outer third of the eyebrows is a hypothyroidism symptom often chalked up to aging.” —Maggie Williams, MD
Dry skin
While seasonal changes, genetics and skin conditions like eczema can all contribute to dry skin, thyroid issues can also play a role. “People don’t always connect dry skin to thyroid health,” says Dr. Williams. “But in hypothyroidism, slowed metabolism reduces sweat and oil gland activity, which can leave skin looking dull, rough or even scaly.”
Mood swings or anxiety
It’s no secret that different life circumstances and experiences can contribute to anxiety, but it’s possible that mood changes could be due to untreated hypothyroidism. “Thyroid hormones play a key role in brain chemistry,” says Dr. Hendricks. “Both low and high thyroid levels can disrupt neurotransmitters like serotonin, impacting mood, mental clarity and even increasing anxiety.”
How to treat hypothyroid symptoms naturally
If you notice any of the above symptoms and suspect your thyroid health may be to blame, do a neck check. Dr. Hendricks recommends standing in front of a mirror, tipping your head back slightly and swallowing a sip of water. If you see unusual bulging or asymmetry at the base of your neck, it could be a visual sign of a thyroid disorder.
Either way, you’ll want to visit your doctor for a blood test to check your thyroid hormone (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels to confirm a diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with hormone replacement therapy, which should ease the most common symptoms of thyroid issues over time.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t also support your thyroid through healthy lifestyle changes. Here’s what Dr. Hendricks recommends:
- Tweak your diet. Make sure your diet includes key nutrients like selenium (found in Brazil nuts), zinc, iodine (in moderation) and iron. These help the thyroid produce and convert hormones. Increase your fiber intake, especially veggies and “eat the rainbow”—follow a colorful diet rich in antioxidants and whole foods—to soothe inflammation. (Learn how to get started on a hypothyroid diet here.)
- Limit endocrine disruptors. Chemicals in plastics, perfumes and processed foods can interfere with thyroid function. Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods first and opt for cleaner beauty and cleaning products whenever possible.
- Make time to de-stress. High cortisol from stress can suppress thyroid hormones. Rest and relaxation are not a luxury—they’re a necessity for your health. You can see some of our best stress-busting tips here.
- Track symptoms. Keep a journal of how you feel day to day. Your energy, mood, weight and temperature sensitivity can reveal patterns that help your provider catch thyroid issues or changes early.
When menopause masks thyroid symptoms: what to know
Women who have reached menopause may discover they have overlapping symptoms and struggle to determine if their symptoms are due to menopause or thyroid issues.
“Some thyroid symptoms in women over 50 can easily be mistaken for the common changes that come with menopause,” says Dr. Williams. “Fatigue, brain fog, weight gain and even mood swings are all common during the menopause transition, but they’re also hallmark signs of thyroid dysfunction. That overlap can make it harder to spot when the thyroid is the underlying issue.”
When in doubt, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.
“If you’ve had persistent changes in energy, mood, weight, skin or menstrual cycles that just don’t feel like you, it’s worth asking for a thyroid panel,” says Dr. Hendricks. “I believe you are your best health advocate. If something feels ‘off,’ don’t wait. A TSH alone isn’t always enough. Don’t be afraid to ask to check for Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies, especially if you have a family history of thyroid or autoimmune issues.”
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