January is celebrated as Thyroid Awareness Month every year. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck and produces hormones that are important for our health and well-being. When our thyroid makes too much or too little of certain important hormones, it can lead to thyroid disease. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are some of the common thyroid disorders. Thyroid problems can affect anyone but are more common in women than men. Women are more likely to develop thyroid problems than men. (Also read: Thyroid Awareness Month: Common Thyroid Signs in Children to Look Out for)
“The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland, located at the front (front) of the neck. This gland produces the hormones T3 and T4 that help regulate our overall health. Thyroid disorders are common and can affect anyone.Some people are born with thyroid problems, while others develop them with age.
Women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid disease than men. This can affect women of all ages, but women who have just had a baby or are going through menopause, aged 60 or older, are more susceptible, says Dr. Himani Indeewar, MBBS, MS – ENT at Pristyn Care.
Thyroid problems usually fall into three categories:
1. Hypothyroidism 2. Hyperthyroidism 3. Thyroid tumor (can be cancerous or noncancerous)
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
“Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, thinning hair or nails, depression, cold intolerance, slow heart rate and irregular periods,” says Dr.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
“Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, rapid heart rate, anxiety, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and bulging eyes,” says Dr.
Tumors of the thyroid gland may be related to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Indeewar says some of the common health problems in women due to thyroid disorders are:
1. Skin disorders
2. Irregular menstrual cycle
3. Infertility
4. Early menopause
Thyroid disorders can be diagnosed with blood tests, imaging tests, and a physical exam.
