Do you feel tired very often or have you noticed some sudden weight gain? It is time you test your thyroid levels. Majority of the present generation is suffering from one lifestyle disorder or another. The reason includes unhealthy lifestyle, poor health management and inactivity. A staggering number of people are affected by thyroid-related disorders, out of which women form a major chunk. Many seem to be unaware of the fact that heart problems, high cholesterol, weight gain or loss, hair loss, memory problems, irregular periods, infertility and abortions (miscarriages) are the result of thyroid problems.
What is thyroid?
The thyroid is a gland located in front of your neck, which produces thyroid hormones that manage the body’s metabolic functions. The problem occurs when the hormones that are being secreted vary. If there is overactivity, more hormones get secreted, causing hyperthyroidism. While less hormone secretion results in hypothyroidism.
Cause & effect
Hyperthyroidism can cause rapid weight loss, sleeplessness, tremors and nervousness. It could also cause more serious problems like a high rate of cholesterol, weight gain, fatigue, memory problems and slower heart rate.
Thyroid disease is usually caused when the body produces abnormal proteins called antibodies. These antibodies interact with the thyroid hormone and make it either overactive or underactive depending on the type of antibody.
The common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a condition where the body produces antibodies which destroy a part of the thyroid gland. Whereas, hyperthyroidism is caused by Grave’s disease which makes thyroid gland produce too much of the hormone. Sometimes, few are born with congenital hypothyroidism.
Risk factors
Thyroid problems are commonly found in almost everyone. However, women are more vulnerable to hormonal changes in their body than men. It is first important to be aware of the symptoms for timely diagnosis.
Keeping it at bay
Prevention is always better than cure. Adequate iodine intake is essential and thankfully most of the common salt producers add iodine to the salt which will prevent iodine deficiency.
You can also control the condition by following a proper diet:
With proper care and little precaution, thyroid-related conditions can be managed easily. Ensure that you drink lots of water and at least a glass of green tea every day to maintain your body weight.
(The author is a consultant, Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital)