Right in front of your neck, rests a butterfly-shaped gland known as the thyroid gland. It secretes thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and the normal functioning of your organs. When your thyroid gland isn't working properly, it can impact your entire body. January is observed as a thyroid awareness month to spread awareness about the thyroid and its disorders.

Don't leave your thyroid health to chance-opt for a blood test to assess if it works fine. 1 in 3 people having low thyroid levels didn't know about their condition. Did you know women are 5-8 times more likely to develop thyroid disorders?

Make sure to schedule that pending thyroid test today.

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3 most common thyroid disorders

1. Hypothyroidism

It means an underactive thyroid gland producing too less hormones. While there can be a number of causes, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Low thyroid hormone levels may not show symptoms initially. But when you turn too low, you may experience:

1. Fatigue
2. Slow heart rate
3. Hypersensitivity to cold
4. Unexpected weight gain
5. Constipation
6. Dry skin
7. Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding
8. Thinning hair

 

2. Hyperthyroidism

It is a condition when your thyroid gland is overactive, producing too many thyroid hormones. It may occur for a number of causes including Graves' disease, hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules, etc. Common symptoms include:

1. Feeling hot, sweaty and flushed
2. Restlessness or anxiety
3. More frequent bowel movements
4. Palpitations and fast heart rate
5. Unexpected weight loss
6. Change in menstrual cycles
7. Sleeplessness
8. Fine trembling in your hands and fingers (Tremor)

Hyperthyroidism can mimic other health problems, which can make it difficult to diagnose. A thyroid profile test can help rule out thyroid conditions.

 

3. Goiter

This is a condition in which the thyroid gland enlarges. Goiters can have different causes as per their type, for example,

Simple goiters: When the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones to meet the body's needs, it makes up for this shortage by growing larger.

Goiters due to iodine deficiency: lodine is necessary to make thyroid hormone. People who do not get enough iodine in their diet can develop enlarged thyroid glands.

Symptoms may include:

1. Visible swelling in the neck
2. Difficulty breathing and swallowing
3. Coughing or wheezing

 

THE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOUR THYROID

1. YOUR THYROID GOVERNS YOUR BODY'S RHYTHM

The thyroid gland makes hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are responsible for metabolism, growth, heart regulation, muscle activity, digestion, brain development, and bone health. It is crucial in controlling weight and metabolism by impacting the body's food conversion into energy. Make sure your thyroid gland is functioning optimally by seeking advice from a medical professional.

Consult Anytime, Anywhere with our specialist doctors from the comfort of your home.

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2. YOUR THYROID CRAVES IODINE

Iodine is vital for thyroid cells to produce hormones. Inadequate supply leads to iodine deficiency, causing goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone production), and potential intellectual disabilities in infants of iodine-deficient mothers during pregnancy.

Did you know?

Approximately 30% of the global population is vulnerable to iodine deficiency. Since the body doesn't naturally produce iodine, increase your intake of iodine-rich foods like iodized salt, eggs, prunes, etc., or consider taking supplements.

 

3. IT CAN GO HYPER OR HYPO

Your gland can become overactive, secreting excess hormones (hyperthyroidism), or slow down, becoming underactive (hypothyroidism), each with distinct symptoms.

Both hypo and hyperthyroidism exhibit different kinds of symptoms. If you're grappling with any of the symptoms and seeking clarity, it's time to consider a thyroid checkup.

 

4. YOU CAN MANAGE THYROID DISORDER WITH THE RIGHT CARE

While thyroid disorders can be managed with medications, you must never miss a dose and regularly consult your doctor. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle-eating right, getting proper sleep, and staying active play a key role in effectively managing your thyroid levels.

Remember:

Awareness is the key to better outcomes in chronic issues, including thyroid disorders.

 

3 Tips to live better with thyroid disorders

1. Take your medicine regularly

Thyroid disorders are lifelong conditions that are easily manageable with daily medicines. Make sure to take your prescribed medicines as and when recommended.

 

2. Embrace a healthy lifestyle

Eat wholesomely, exercise regularly, reduce stress, and sleep well to live better and prevent other chronic illnesses. Avoid processed foods as they can alter thyroid hormone production. Give up smoking as it can have multiple effects on the thyroid gland and may even affect the thyroid hormone levels.

 

3. Track your health regularly

Thyroid disorders may cause a rise in blood sugar levels and may cause metabolic syndrome or a prediabetic state. Hence, going for routine health checkups helps identify any such abnormality in time.

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