Thyroid disorder is the second most common endocrine gland disease in humans; the first being diabetes mellitus. However, unlike diabetes, thyroid disorder has a distinct gender bias! Thyroid problems are significantly higher among women; be it thyroid over-activity, under-activity or swelling. This is thought to be due the influence of sex hormones, though the exact reason is not yet clear. But all thyroid disorders are 5- 10 times more common in women than men.
More people are being diagnosed with thyroid problems. Whether this is a true increase or if more patients are being detected due to increased use of thyroid tests is a difficult question to answer as there is not enough data from Indian adults. A community cross-sectional study done in the iodine deficient adult population in Kochi showed that both hypo and hyperthyroidism were significantly higher among women more than 40 years old.
Women had significantly higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disorders than men. This study also showed that, other than gender, increasing age was a major determinant of thyroid disorders, though goitre was more common among younger people. With an increasing aged population, the findings of this study — a majority of the thyroid dysfunctions being undetected, especially among older women — become more relevant.
Care after childbirth
This may be due to reasons distinctive to our society. After the reproductive period, women do not get enough attention and healthcare from their family or from society. They tend to ignore their own health as they are busy managing the house, looking after children and grandchildren. In addition, many subtle health problems produced by thyroid disorders are attributed to ageing and/or menopause and ignored.
However, long standing undetected thyroid dysfunctions can have long-term implications on health. Sub-clinical hypo and hyperthyroidism contribute to morbidity rates due to osteoporosis and hypercholestrelemia, especially in middle-aged women. Previous studies on pregnant mothers have shown that iodine deficiency and undetected thyroid disorders are quite common. This high prevalence of thyroid problem among reproductive age group women and expectant mothers is important considering that maternal iodine status and thyroid function status have a serious bearing on the well-being and intelligence of the child. Severe iodine deficiency in pregnant women can cause serious damage to the developing brain of the baby and result in a condition called cretinism which is characterised by mental and physical retardation.
Hence, it is vital that women planning a pregnancy take iodised salt to prevent deficiency and check the thyroid function status. Fortunately, most thyroid disorders have easy and effective treatment.
Thyroid disorders
Symptoms include obesity, depression, fatigue, high cholesterol, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, memory problems, menstrual problems, difficult menopause, muscle aches, joint pains, hair loss, puffiness, constipation, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, obesity and inability to lose weight despite of diet and exercise.
“3 Ts” of Thyroid Health:
Three easy steps to enable patients and physicians to keep thyroids functioning well:
Test your thyroid: Knowing the symptoms and risk factors is half the battle. If you have any of the symptoms or are over 35, ask your doctor to do a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test.
Take Your Medicine: If you are on therapy, take your medicine every day, as directed by your doctor. Staying on the same dose of thyroid medicine prescribed by your doctor is also critical for optimal disease management, so check your prescription at every repurchase to make sure it is correct; each strength may be of a different colour!
Track Your Condition: See your doctor regularly and get a TSH test every 6-12 months. Report any recurrence of symptoms — or new symptoms — to your doctor immediately.
Published - February 04, 2012 04:50 pm IST
