Overview of Thyroid Disorders:
- The thyroid gland produces thyroxine, essential for the body’s normal functioning.
- Disorders:
- Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone levels.
- Hyperthyroidism: Excess thyroid hormone levels.
- Swelling of the thyroid is a common occurrence, but not all swellings are malignant.
- Disorders:
Relevance: GS 2(Health)
Statistics:
- 40%-50% of the population may have undiagnosed thyroid issues.
- Thyroid cancers are curable in 90% of cases with timely treatment.
Symptoms Indicating Thyroid Issues:
- Gradual weight gain or loss.
- Lethargy, sleepiness, lack of interest in work, and fatigue.
- Constipation or diarrhoea, menstrual irregularities.
- Persistent palpitations, sweating, chronic cough.
- Difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
- Delayed growth in children.
Testing and Diagnosis:
- Thyroid function tests are essential and can often be included in routine health packages.
- Imaging and clinical examinations help in early intervention and minimize morbidity.
Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy:
- Second most common disorder after diabetes in pregnancy.
- Physiological changes in pregnancy may mimic thyroid disorders, requiring early detection and management.
- Endocrine evaluations are crucial, especially post-pregnancy, as these changes may persist for a year.
Risk Factors:
- Higher risk groups: Adolescents, pregnant women, men above 40, and women above 50.
- Stress, anxiety, and depression act as endocrine disruptors, contributing to thyroid disorders.
Advice from Experts:
- Regular check-ups and monitoring are critical for early detection and treatment.
- Even asymptomatic thyroid swellings should not be ignored.
