Hypthyroidism - Symptoms to Watch Out for

The thyroid is an important gland of the Endocrine System. The thyroid glands are situated in the neck below the Adam's apple and secrete hormones which are shorted for T3 and T4. These hormones regulate the speed with which cells of the body work. For example, T3 and T4 control heart rate and process of digestion. So if T3 and T4 levels are high, you will have a faster heartbeat and quick digestion which may lead to diarrhoea and weight loss. Similarly if T3 and T4 levels are too low, heart rate may be slower than normal and situation of constipated stomach will arise which may lead to weight gain.

Hypothyroidism occurs when T3 and T4 hormones are produced in deficiency. This is a prevailing disorder and estimated to affect 200 million people in the world. Around 50% remain undiagnosed and at present, India has 78 million patients of thyroid. Thyroid diseases are 10 times more common in women. Majority of them are unaware of their condition and because of this, there is an expected 20% rise in thyroid patients as women.

Around 3.47% or one third of thyroid patients are undetected even though it is easily diagnosable. The treatment of thyroid is not too expensive and hormones can be stabilized over time. There are numerous hazards of undetected thyroid as it can affect the overall health of the body. Physical and physiological issues like heart diseases, infertility and birth defects are some of the consequences of hypothyroidism. Dr. Talachero Srinivasulu, MD, Consultant General Physician and Diabetologist at Gleneagles Global Hospitals recommends that thyroid can be prevented from becoming a serious issue by identifying its symptoms early and acting accordingly. Diet rich in Iodine, Zinc and Alga are helpful to regulate hormones in thyroid gland. Emotional stress should also be reduced for sound health and wealth.

Hypothyroidism often comes with mild and subtle symptoms like:

 Weight gain

 Weakness

 Dry skin

 Fatigue

 Hair loss

 High cholesterol

 Irregular periods

 Infertility

Pregnant women especially need to have a watchful eye for these symptoms as thyroid hormones may cause harm for the brain development of the baby. Expecting moms should go for regular screening and should be diagnosed in the first trimester itself. Moreover, awareness needs to be created in regards to this issue so that people can correlate their symptoms to thyroid and start treatment.