Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, Seema noticed subtle changes: fatigue that lingered, unexplained weight gain, and a persistent chill. Initially dismissed as stress, the symptoms intensified. Concerned, she sought medical advice. A series of blood tests revealed irregular thyroid hormone levels. Seema’s journey into thyroid awareness began. This can be you or a loved one you know, what matters is seeking timely medical care.
As per statistics, thyroid disorders are the most common endocrine disorders around the world. It is estimated that nearly 4.2 crore Indians suffer from thyroid related disorders. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter/iodine deficiency disorders, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are among the well-recognized thyroid diseases. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial for effective management of thyroid disorders.
What is Thyroid?
The thyroid gland produces two essential hormones – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are responsible for regulating many bodily functions, including your heart rate, body temperature, and how quickly you burn calories. However, sometimes the thyroid can produce too much or too little of these hormones, leading to a range of health problems. This small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck plays a significant role in regulating numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. Almost 60 % of the population with thyroid disease is unaware of the condition. A primary factor contributing to lack of awareness of thyroid disease symptoms is its subtle nature. The gradual onset of these symptoms often leads to them being overlooked. Unfortunately, due to this lack of awareness, many thyroid cases go unnoticed, eventually resulting in more severe complications.
Common signs that indicate you must check your Thyroid
While thyroid issues can be sneaky, there are some common signs that you might need to get your thyroid checked:
- Unexplained Weight Changes
If you’re experiencing unexplained weight gain or loss, your thyroid might be overactive or underactive. - Constant Fatigue or Insomnia
Feeling overly tired or having trouble sleeping could be a sign of thyroid issues. - Mood Swings or Anxiety
An overactive thyroid can cause anxiety, restlessness, or even irritability. Meanwhile, an underactive thyroid might make you feel depressed or unusually sad. - Changes in Heart Rate
An overactive thyroid can cause your heart to beat faster, while an underactive thyroid might make your heart rate slower than usual. - Dry Skin or Hair Loss
Both can be signs of either an overactive or underactive thyroid. - Muscle Weakness or Tremors
These can be symptoms of an overactive thyroid.
Understanding Thyroid-Related Conditions
Two of the most common thyroid-related conditions are hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. This can slow down your metabolism, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, depression, and sensitivity to cold. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid makes too much T4, T3, or both. This can speed up your body’s processes, causing symptoms like rapid heart rate, weight loss, nervousness, and increased perspiration. Graves’ disease, another autoimmune disorder also leads to hyperthyroidism. Both conditions can be diagnosed with a simple blood test and are usually treatable. Treatment for thyroid conditions depends on the type and severity of the condition.
Thyroid Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
The consequences of thyroid imbalance are profound, affecting your overall health. Take control of your thyroid health by seeking specialized care from our Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes. Our expert team of endocrinologists ensures a comprehensive evaluation, management, and attentive care for thyroid concerns. Treatments for thyroid disorders typically involve medication to correct hormone imbalances and surgical intervention in complex cases. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent long-term health complications. Please find below link for more details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/endocrinologydiabetes/thyroidclinic.html
