Thyroid Awareness Month: A Guide to Reducing Risks and Recognizing Symptoms
- Rising Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders
- Understanding Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
- Impact on Pregnancy and Child Development
It is the month of thyroid disorders, January. The month makes people aware of the diseases and their implications on health. Data available show that about 13 percent Indians have been found to be suffering from thyroid-related diseases in the over-60 years age group and 5 percent in the under-19 years age group. Hence, there is reason to be concerned. Interestingly, actor Arjun Kapoor recently came forward sharing that he was suffering from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease of the thyroid. Amongst international stars, Gigi Hadid and Sofia Vergara too share their voices to fight with her own disease due to disorder in the thyroid.
Comprehending Thyroid and How it Works
It is located at the front part of the neck, below the larynx or voice box, and plays a very important role in the production of hormones that are used to regulate metabolism, heart rate, and other functions in the body. Of these two major thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, whichever of them is disrupted causes serious health issues to one’s health.
Types of Thyroid Diseases and Symptoms
Common types of thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid, and hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid:
- Hypothyroidism
Caused by autoimmune thyroid disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid surgery, radiation exposure, iodine deficiency, and certain medications.
Weight gain, fatigue, hair fall, brittle nails, swelling, depression, menstrual irregularities, low libido, difficulties in conceiving, high cholesterol, and slow heart rate.
- Hyperthyroidism
Due to Grave’s disease, toxic adenoma, multinodular goiter, thyroiditis, or certain drugs.
Symptoms include unintended weight loss, excessive sweating, palpitations, tremors, shortness of breath, hair loss, irregular periods, infertility, and anxiety.
Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy
According to the report of the National Family Health Survey IV, 2022, the prevalence of thyroid disorder increased by 2.9% between the years 2019 and 2021 and more in women than men.
The research has very well established complications in pregnancy resulting from thyroid diseases. According to Dr. Shweta Mendiratta, Marengo Asia Hospitals, in case of undiagnosed hypothyroidism, birth is preterm, low in weight, pre-eclamptic, and developmental problems might be seen in the child; in extreme conditions, hyperthyroidism gives a chance to miscarriage and heart failure of the pregnant women as the brain development of the child in its first trimester depends on mother’s thyroid hormone.
Awareness and timely treatment
Early identification of the symptoms and visit to a doctor on time would be very helpful in managing thyroid disorders. Proportionate thyroid function test, diet, and stress management would help reduce risks and ensure that the thyroid is working correctly.