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Thyroid Awareness Month

Thyroid Awareness

Jan 15th, 2022

Posts Tagged ‘ Thyroid Symptoms ’

Thyroid Awareness

Saturday, January 15th, 2022

Thyroid diseases have become one of the most common health concerns in India, with an increasing number of people being diagnosed with them. Thyroid diseases affect 42 million Indians, with hypothyroidism affecting one out of every ten men and women. One-third of thyroid patients in India still remain unaware of their condition. Over time, untreated thyroid dysfunction can lead to obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. This disorder affects people of all ages, but women are more likely to develop it. January is celebrated as “Thyroid Awareness Month” worldwide to raise awareness regarding the various health problems related to the thyroid gland. Let us look at the common thyroid disorders, symptoms, complications and tips to manage your thyroid condition.

Common Thyroid Problems

Some of the most common thyroid problems include:

  • Goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland.
  • Hyperthyroidism – when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs.
  • Hypothyroidism – when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones.
  • Thyroid cancer.
  • Thyroid nodules – lumps in the thyroid gland.
  • Thyroiditis – swelling of the thyroid.

Symptoms of Thyroid

Thyroid disease is a term that refers to a group of disorders that have similar symptoms. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can have opposing effects on the same physiological systems, but goitre, thyroid cancer, and Grave’s disease each have their own set of symptoms. Your thyroid affects many different body systems and can have symptoms like:

1. Weight Changes

Unexplained weight changes can be a sign of a thyroid disorder

  • In hypothyroidism, you may gain excess weight.
  • In hyperthyroidism, you may experience sudden weight loss.
  • Not everyone with thyroid disease will have these changes.

2. Temperature

Both forms of thyroid disease can make you temperature-sensitive.

  • In hypothyroidism you may feel cold.
  • In hyperthyroidism you may feel hot and sweaty despite a normal temperature around you.

3. Fatigue and Sleep

Sleep issues and fatigue are common with thyroid issues in spite of a good night’s rest.

Hypothyroidism can make you

  • Wake up exhausted, even after 8 hours of night sleep.
  • Take longer naps.

Hyperthyroidism can make you

  • Have a hard time falling asleep.
  • Have sleep disturbances.
  • Feel anxious at bed time.

4. Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are common with thyroid problems.

5. Neck or Throat

Thyroid conditions can cause health problems in your neck or throat. It may lead to autoimmune thyroid disease, nodules, goiter or enlarged thyroid or thyroid cancer. This may cause swelling of the neck, trouble swallowing or breathing, a hoarse voice.

6. Hair, Skin, and Nails

An imbalance in your thyroid hormones may cause changes in your hair, skin, and nails. It may lead to brittle, dry hair, severe hair loss, fine hair, brittle, thin, dull hair,

7. Bowel Habits

Thyroid conditions can cause digestion problems such as persistent constipation,  diarrhoea, loose stools, or irritable bowel syndrome.

8. Menstruation and Fertility

Thyroid conditions can increase your risk of irregular periods, infertility and may raise your risk of having miscarriages.

9. Eye Problems

Thyroid conditions can affect your eyes and may cause symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, swollen puffy eyes, or proptosis.

10. Musculoskeletal System

You may experience muscular pains and joint discomfort, particularly in your arms and legs, if your thyroid is hyperactive. For persons with an underactive thyroid, fibromyalgia-like pain is prevalent, and you may also have carpal tunnel syndrome in your hands.

Thyroid Complications

Early diagnosis and timely treatment of thyroid can help lower the risk of complications. Here are some complications that you must watch out for:

Hypothyroidism

  • Neuropathy.
  • Trouble conceiving a baby.
  • Pregnancy complications.

Hyperthyroidism

  • Osteoporosis.
  • Atrial fibrillation.
  • Pregnancy complications.

How to manage your Thyroid

Work with a specialist to help monitor and treat your thyroid levels. Take your medications on time and be regular with your thyroid tests to reassess the medication requirements if needed. Here are some health measures to adopt to reduce the impact of thyroid and help control it:

  • Avoid packaged foods.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene.
  • Get daily sunlight.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Manage stress better
  • Quit smoking.
  • Have vitamins, proteins and whole grains.

Thyroid care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Meet highly trained and experienced endocrinologists at our Thyroid Clinic for a detailed diagnosis of your thyroid condition. The team is equipped with advanced thyroid care facilities to conduct thyroid profile, ultrasound, fine needle aspiration cytology, isotope scanning, radio-iodine treatment and surgery. Please find the below website link for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/endocrinologydiabetes/thyroidclinic.html

Thyroid Disorders

Tuesday, January 12th, 2021

Thyroid diseases are common worldwide and are increasingly affecting people from all age groups. We are sure you know someone in your family or neighbourhood suffering from thyroid. India shares a significant burden of thyroid diseases, with over 42 million thyroid patients. 1 out of 3 Indians suffer from one or the other kind of thyroid disorder that may lead to weight gain and hormonal imbalances.

Functions of the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of your neck. It is a vital hormone gland and plays a major role in the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. It helps to regulate many body functions by constantly releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. If the body needs more energy in certain situations – like pregnancy or cold climate, the thyroid gland produces more hormones. Here are the essential body functions that the thyroid controls:

  • Breathing
  • Body weight
  • Heart rate
  • Central and peripheral nervous systems
  • Muscle strength
  • Menstrual cycles
  • Body temperature
  • Cholesterol levels

Common Thyroid Disorders
Normally the thyroid gland produces the exact number of hormones needed to keep your body’s metabolism running and in balance. Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid fails to function properly, either by releasing too much T4 hormone or by not releasing enough. Here are the most common thyroid disorders:

Hyperthyroidism
In this condition, the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much of its hormone. Excessive thyroid hormone production leads to symptoms such as:

  • Nervousness and irritability
  • Weight loss
  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Bulging eyes

Hypothyroidism
This is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland is underactive, and it can’t produce enough of its hormones. Hypothyroidism leads to symptoms such as:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Memory problems

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It can occur at any age, but it’s most common in middle-aged women. The disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and slowly destroys the thyroid gland and its ability to produce hormones. The disease can remain stable for years, and symptoms are similar to as of hypothyroidism.

Graves’ Disease
This disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves’ is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This can cause the gland to overproduce the hormone responsible for regulating metabolism. Some of the risk factors include family history, stress, pregnancy, and smoking. The symptoms are common to hyperthyroidism.

Goiter
This is a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland. The most common cause of goiter worldwide is an iodine deficiency in the diet. Goiter can affect anyone at any age, especially in areas of the world where foods rich in iodine are in short supply. The symptoms include:

  • Hoarseness of voice
  • Swelling in your neck
  • Difficulties breathing or swallowing
  • Coughing or wheezing

Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. It is three times more common in women than in men. The cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified and include a family history of goiter, exposure to high levels of radiation, and certain hereditary syndromes. Common symptoms include:

  • A lump around the neck
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Throat or neck pain

Preventing Thyroid Disorders
Though you may not be able to prevent thyroid disease, you can reduce its risk by following a healthy lifestyle, and avoid complications with early diagnosis and treatment. Here are a few health tips to protect your thyroid health:

  • Be regular with health checkups
  • Stop smoking
  • Exercise regularly
  • Have balanced meals
  • Manage stress better
  • Take a selenium supplement if needed

Concerned about your thyroid disorder? Get exceptional care and treatment with our highly trained endocrinologists. The Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital offers comprehensive services to diagnose, treat and manage your thyroid disorder. Early diagnosis is the key to prevent the harmful consequences of a thyroid imbalance. Please find below the website link for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/endocrinologydiabetes/thyroidclinic.html