Women’s Health — all lessons
Anatomy and Physiology
Pelvic floor anatomyUnderstanding the menstrual cyclePhysiological changes before and after pregnancyLife-Stage and Hormonal Conditions
MenopauseOsteoporosisPCOSThyroid disordersHormonal imbalance: what exercise can and cannot doExercise guidelines: step-by-step prescriptionPrenatal Exercise
Contraindications and precautions of prenatal exercisePrenatal exercise prescriptionFirst trimester: strengthening and stretchingSecond trimester: strengthening and stretchingThird trimester: strengthening and stretchingPostnatal Exercise
Postnatal evaluation and abdominal rehabilitationBenefits of postnatal exercise for mother and childPostnatal risks and contraindicationsC-section: post-op management and precautionsPostnatal exercise prescriptionThyroid disorders
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism — symptoms, treatment and how they affect exercise tolerance, with practical guidance for trainers.
Learning objectives
- Describe hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
- Explain effects on energy, heart rate and exercise tolerance
- Adapt training for treated and untreated thyroid conditions
- Recognise when to refer
Before this lesson
Why this matters
Thyroid disorders are common, particularly in women, and affect energy and exercise tolerance.
Conditions
| Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism | |
|---|---|---|
| Hormone | Low | High |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation | Rapid HR, weight loss, heat intolerance, anxiety, tremor |
| Treatment | Levothyroxine [jonklaas2014] | Medication, radioiodine or surgery |
Exercise
- Stable, treated: follow general guidelines [garber2011].
- Newly diagnosed hypothyroid: start gently; energy improves as treatment stabilises.
- Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism: avoid vigorous exercise until cleared.
Common mistakes and misconceptions
Case study
A client newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism feels exhausted. The trainer reduces session intensity for 6 weeks while her medication is adjusted, then progresses as energy returns.
Further learning: video lessons
Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.
Thyroid disorders
pelvic-health physiotherapists and women’s health clinicians (search)
You will understand: thyroid disorders
Why: Clinician-led content; verify the specific video.
Exercise guidelines explained
professional bodies (search, e.g. ACOG, CSEP, RCOG)
You will understand: current guideline recommendations
Why: Clinician-led content; verify the specific video.
Knowledge check
Knowledge check · 0/5
1. Hypothyroidism is typically treated with…
2. A symptom of hyperthyroidism is…
3. Can exercise cure hypothyroidism?
4. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism and vigorous exercise…
5. Thyroid conditions are more common in…
Short-answer & application questions
- Explain thyroid function simply.
- Adapt training for a client with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism.
- List referral signs.
Key takeaways
- Hypothyroidism (underactive) causes fatigue, weight gain and cold intolerance; it is usually treated with levothyroxine.
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive) causes rapid heart rate, weight loss and heat intolerance.
- Once treated and stable, most people can train normally.
- Avoid vigorous exercise in uncontrolled hyperthyroidism until medically cleared.
Connected topics
Introduction to metabolic disorders
personal trainingConsiderations for clients with chronic disease
References
- Jonklaas J, Bianco AC, Bauer AJ, et al. (2014). Guidelines for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Thyroid, 24(12):1670–1751. Guideline check pending
- Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, et al.; American College of Sports Medicine (2011). Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(7):1334–1359. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb Position stand check pending
Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.