Experts Warn of Surge in Thyroid Disorders Across HPHamirpur (hp), May 25(UNI) Thyroid disorders are emerging as one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrine problems in Himachal Pradesh (HP) , with experts attributing the rising numbers to a combination of lifestyle changes, stress, autoimmune conditions and increased awareness leading to better detection.
Voicing his concern on this issue to the reporters here after delivering a talk at a Continuing Medical Education Programme on Thyroid Disorders organised by the Chamba based Pt.
He averred that thyroid disease is often a life-long condition and presents with subtle and non-specific symptoms, making it easy to overlook.
They further emphasised that thyroid disease during pregnancy requires special attention.
However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most women with thyroid disease can have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Experts Warn of Surge in Thyroid Disorders Across HP
Hamirpur (hp), May 25(UNI) Thyroid disorders are emerging as one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrine problems in Himachal Pradesh (HP) , with experts attributing the rising numbers to a combination of lifestyle changes, stress, autoimmune conditions and increased awareness leading to better detection.
Voicing his concern on this issue to the reporters here after delivering a talk at a Continuing Medical Education Programme on Thyroid Disorders organised by the Chamba based Pt. JLN Government Medical College on the occasion of World Thyroid Day - Executive Member, Indian Society of Endocrine Disorders - Dr Naresh Purohit said that hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is the most common thyroid disorder in HP and is seen more frequently in women.
"This disorder is generally passed on genetically, mostly among women, but nowadays it is getting detected in women even though it does not run in the family. Eating junk food cooked in adulterated oil causes goitre and are the probable reasons for the rise in thyroid cases," he stated.
Thyroid disorder causes problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol and the state already has a high prevalence of heart problems. Obesity also causes thyroid, as the hormone produced may not be enough for the obese person, according to Dr Purohit, a certified researcher of the Indian Council of Medical Research.
"Thyroid hormones are essential for the normal functioning of almost all organs, including the heart, blood vessels, brain, liver and reproductive system. Even minor imbalances can affect overall health significantly,” noted medic, explained.
He averred that thyroid disease is often a life-long condition and presents with subtle and non-specific symptoms, making it easy to overlook.
Experts said that symptoms vary depending on whether the thyroid is underactive or overactive. They said that common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue and lethargy, weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, hair fall, dry skin, depression and memory issues, and menstrual irregularities and infertility in women.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism, according to experts, include anxiety and irritability, weight loss despite good appetite, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, hand tremors, palpitations, frequent bowel movements, and goitre or thyroid nodules.
“If your body makes too much thyroid hormone, it leads to hyperthyroidism. If it makes too little, it results in hypothyroidism. Both conditions are serious and require medical supervision,” said Dr Purohit
Experts pointed out umpteen reasons behind the growing burden of thyroid disease in HP - include autoimmune disorders, chronic stress, iodine imbalance, genetic predisposition and hormonal changes
According to them, diet plays an important role in thyroid health. They advised adequate intake of iodine through iodised salt, but avoiding excessive consumption, including selenium, zinc and iron-rich foods like nuts, seeds, eggs and green vegetables.
They warned against excessive intake of processed foods and junk food and called for avoiding unnecessary supplements without medical advice.
They further emphasised that thyroid disease during pregnancy requires special attention. If a mother has untreated or poorly controlled thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism, it can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight and impaired brain development of the baby, they said. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most women with thyroid disease can have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
They pointed out that Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is the most commonly used screening tool. They said high TSH usually indicates an underactive thyroid, while low TSH suggests an overactive gland, though there are exceptions. .
According to medics, every adult should get thyroid tests once every three years, and those with a family history or symptoms should get tested annually.
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