| Women are eight times more prone to suffering from thyroid problems than men! rings some alarm bells |
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Thyroid [noun]: A large bilobed endocrine gland of craniate vertebrates that arises as a median ventral outgrowth of the pharynx, lies in the anterior base of the neck or anterior ventral part of the thorax, is often accompanied by lateral accessory glands sometimes more or less fused with the main mass, and produces especially the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine called also thyroid gland. Yes, its that gland which is responsible for the bodys metabolism and therefore is primal in proper functioning of the body. And according to research, women are eight times more prone to having thyroid related problems compared to men!
THE VARIOUS KINDS...
Thyroid diseases are broken into three main categories: hypothyroid, goiter and hyperthyroid. Dr. Shashank Joshi, consultant endocrinologist, Lilavati Hospital, says, "80 per cent of women suffer from hypothyroid where the thryroid gland is under-active; whereas 16-18 per cent suffer from goiter where the gland is visible in the front and can lead to problems of 3 Cs-cosmetic, compressive (problems with breathing and swallowing) and cancer, which is remote in most cases. And two per cent of Indian women experience hyperthyroid where the gland is over-active." Thyroid ailments are one of the most common diseases in women. Thats because demand on hormones is much more in the case of women, states Dr. Kiran Coelho, HOD, Gynaecology, Lilavati Hospital. According to Dr. Joshi, women comprise of the vulnerable community where the thyroid gland becomes the weakling in her body. "Besides heredity, women are prone to suffering from thyroid centric troubles during puberty, post-delivery known as post partum thyroid and menopause." Moreover, stress can also exhaust the thyroid gland. "Women triple task-as homemakers, professionals and parents. With most contemporary women, the stress level is exorbitant and thyroid becomes the innocent victim," explains Dr. Joshi. In situations as these, women with normal hormone levels can actually end up getting hypothyroid and this can be diagnosed through an anti-body test, which is an indicator of stress. Also, thyroid can be passed on genetically and a woman suffering from thyroid has grave chances of passing it on to her child, especially if its a girl.
WATCH OUT FOR WARNING SIGNALS...
Women, especially those with a family history of thyroid, have overwhelming chances of getting affected. So they should most certainly be very careful. Also, during delicate times like puberty, childbirth and menopause, one may be more prone to getting thyroid disorders. These are times when the gland is at maximal risk.
SYMPTOMS
Hypothyroid:
- Obesity
- Erratic and heavy periods
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Hoarse voice
- Slow heart-rate
- Fatigue
- Depression
Hyperthyroid :
- Weight loss
- Palpitation
- Erratic and scanty periods
- Staring eyes
- Diarrhoea
- Irritability
- Fine tremors
- Hair loss
Goiter Cosmetic problem where the gland is visible in front of the neck
CURATIVE MEASURES...
Diet and lifestyle are two ingredients to curing thyroid. Anyone suffering from thyroid should always have Boiled water, avoid food rich in iodine content, food items like cabbage, cauliflower, mustard known to destroy thyroid hormones, crabs, prawns and shellfish which are often responsible for goiter.
TREATMENTS :
Hypothyroid : This needs lifelong treatment with Thyroxine, a safe drug.
Hyperthyroid : There are three approaches to curing hyperthyroid. Medicines, radioactive iodine treatment for elderly people or one can also go in for an operation. However, most people opt for medication for two years.
Goiter : If goiter is not symptomatic, then it can be left alone. However, if it is compressive or cancerous in nature, it needs to be operated upon. A number of women go for the surgery just for cosmetic purposes.
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