Her target specialties are the pancreas, parathyroid and thyroid. In a recent conversation, Dr. Shin points out that thyroid problems can affect both genders, but women who have undiagnosed symptoms often confuse an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism (too much T4), with menopause. Hot flashes, hair and sleep loss, heart palpitations and decrease in bone density all can be connected to an overactive thyroid. Treatment options include anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine to slow the production of thyroid hormones and, sometimes, surgery that removes all or part of the gland.