Experts say that 1 in 8 women could have a thyroid condition at some point in their lives.
Shillong, 26 May: On World Thyroid Day on Saturday, experts emphasized the urgent need for greater awareness about the significance of thyroid testing in infants, expectant mothers, and those considering pregnancy. They noted that women are disproportionately at risk, with one in eight of them having a thyroid condition at some point in their lives.
Every year on May 25, the world observes World Thyroid Day to raise public awareness of thyroid disorders and the importance of maintaining a healthy thyroid gland to ensure long-term health.
Thyroid disorders are quite common in India, according to Dr. Rajesh Rajput, Director, Endocrinology & Diabetology, Medanta, Gurugram.
Remarkably, one in ten people have thyroid dysfunction, and most of these cases are discovered much later in life. Ten times more common in women than in men, the majority of thyroid disorders are chronic and require lifelong medication, Rajput told IANS.
Experts in the field estimate that 42 million Indians are thought to be afflicted with thyroid disorders, with a much higher proportion of women than men. In women, "hypothyroidism" is more prevalent.
For all bodily systems to operate normally, there must be a normal level of thyroid hormones in the blood. When the level of thyroid hormones fluctuates, it can go from being high to low.
According to Dr. Chandan Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant in Endocrinology at Aakash Healthcare in Delhi, "both conditions have numerous effects on our bodies."
Hypothyroidism is the term for the state in which hormone levels fall. According to experts, it primarily affects women between the ages of 20 and 50, though it can occur in any age group.
According to Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director and Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital in Gurugram, thyroid issues can have a substantial effect on neurological function and result in a variety of nervous system-related complications.
Cognitive consequences linked to hypothyroidism include changes in intellectual capacity, difficulty focusing and concentrating, and memory loss. Moreover, some patients may experience "brain fog," which is characterized by a lack of mental clarity and a dazed or easily confused feeling, according to Gupta, who spoke with IANS.
He continued, "Multiple specialists, including endocrinologists, neuropathologists, psychiatrists, and others, are frequently involved in the successful treatment of these conditions.
Experts say it's critical to raise awareness of thyroid symptoms. In order to guarantee prompt treatment, doctors should inform patients about the symptoms.
Raising the availability of thyroid testing and encouraging routine examinations can greatly lower the number of cases that go undiagnosed.
Dr. Rajput stated, "We can enhance health outcomes and lessen the long-term effects of thyroid disorders on individuals and communities by prioritizing these actions." (IANS)