Thyroid problem: An untold disease of every third Indian woman

Thyroid Problem in Women: Today every third woman in India has thyroid problem, the biggest reason for which is the changing lifestyle. Hormones deteriorate due to unhealthy food, lack of sleep and stress, but if you want, you can get rid of it by changing your lifestyle.

'Thyroid', a disease that affects about 42 million people in India. This disease, which affects women more than men, may sound like a small disease but in reality it can affect the affected person's hormones and fertility. It can even affect your future generations. What are the causes of thyroid and how can you get rid of this disease. Let's know-

This hormone is connected to every organ

Thyroid hormone is one of the important hormones of the body. Everything from metabolism, weight to heart rate, energy level, body temperature, health of skin, hair, nails, all depend on thyroid hormone. This hormone is connected to almost every organ system of the body and completes its activities. There is a possibility of thyroid disease due to the imbalance of this hormone.

Exists in two forms

This hormone is present in two forms in the body. Triiodothyronine, which is called T-3. And thyroxine which is called T-4. When the level of thyroid hormone increases in the body, it is called hyperthyroid. In this, weight starts decreasing rapidly, heartbeats become irregular.
Whereas when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, this condition is called hypothyroid. In this, weight starts increasing and fatigue is felt.

This is why thyroid is increasing

Dr. Ruchi says that you can call thyroid a lifestyle disease. Bad lifestyle promotes both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid thyroid. Factors like stress, poor diet and lack of exercise increase the risk of thyroid to a great extent because this hormone is connected to many organs of the body. Therefore, all of them are affected by its imbalance.

The relationship between weight and thyroid

Gynecologists say that weight gain is a common cause of thyroid imbalance as well as a symptom. In today's time, obesity is one of the reasons for thyroid at a young age. However, it is not that this is the only cause or symptom of this disease. Along with weight gain, if a woman feels constant fatigue, feels more cold, has mood swings, hair is falling too much or periods are becoming irregular, then you should definitely get a thyroid test done.

If you feel symptoms, get tested

If you are experiencing symptoms of thyroid, you should immediately get a TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone test done. In this, your thyroid hormones are tested. If needed, the doctor can also get hormone tests done like T-3 or T-4.

Only women suffer from thyroid

It is often believed that only women suffer from thyroid. Dr. Jain says that this is a myth. Thyroid occurs in both men and women. However, most women do not pay attention to themselves on time, so they come to know about it only when the thyroid grows too much.
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the early symptoms of thyroid.

Thyroid is caused due to pregnancy

Dr. Ruchi said that the notion that thyroid is caused due to pregnancy is wrong. About 50 percent of women get thyroid during pregnancy but it gets cured automatically after pregnancy.

You do not have to take medicines for life

Even today, many myths are prevalent among people regarding thyroid, one of them is that women suffering from thyroid have to take medicines for life. Dr. Ruchi says that it is wrong to think like this. Treatment of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is possible. If thyroid is controlled with medicines and a healthy lifestyle, then medicines can be reduced or stopped.

Is thyroid hereditary?

Very few people know that thyroid can also be genetic. If there is a history of thyroid in your family, then there is a possibility that you may be a victim of this disease.

Thyroid can be controlled by diet

Thyroid is a lifestyle related disease. You can get rid of it by improving your lifestyle. You can control thyroid to a great extent with a balanced and nutritious diet. Your diet should contain carbs as well as protein, fiber and essential minerals. Along with this, thyroid can also be controlled by regular exercise.

Effect of thyroid on fertility

Dr. Ruchi said that in today's time thyroid is a big reason for infertility. Due to this, the quality of eggs of women starts decreasing. Also, ovulation is affected, which causes problems in conceiving. Not only this, many complications can also occur during pregnancy due to thyroid. It can
have a bad effect on the mental development of the fetus.

How much iodine is needed

You can call iodine the 'medicine' for thyroid. Consumption of iodine helps in the production of thyroid hormone. However, consuming it in excess or less can be dangerous. Because it can disturb the balance of thyroid hormone. Take its supplements only on the advice of a doctor. Usually iodine present in salt is sufficient. Food containing selenium is also beneficial. Such as Brazil nuts, brown rice, oats, seafood, meat, eggs, poultry etc. can be beneficial.

Keep distance from these things

Women suffering from thyroid should stay away from certain things. Stay away from goitrogenic products like cabbage, turnip. They contain a chemical called goitrogen, which affects the thyroid. Along with this, junk food, processed food, food made from palm oil, excessive sweets, fried food
etc. should not be consumed.

(Acknowledgements- The article is based on a conversation with Dr. Ruchi Jain, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cloudnine Hospital, Delhi.)