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Written By: Sponsored | Updated : February 2, 2018 11:57 AM IST
January is thyroid awareness month! There are more than four crore people in India who suffer from thyroid disorders, of which hypothyroidism is the most common. However, many hypothyroid patients remain undiagnosed in our country. This January, let's resolve to be thyroid alert and watch out for the disease at the earliest!
To know more about the disease, read what Dr Arun Dahiya (Medical advisor, GSK) has to say on hypothyroidism.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which thyroid gland produces less than required amounts of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones help all the organs -- including brain, heart and muscles-- work normally. These hormones are secreted into the blood and are then carried to all the organs.
In hypothyroidism, metabolism slows down and this affects the functioning of all the major organs. Hypothyroid patients may feel more lethargic and colder than other people around them. They may also suffer from constipation, dry skin, decreased heart rate and weight gain. Apart from this, it can also affect fertility and increase the risk of heart disorders. Children suffering from hypothyroidism may show less than optimal physical and mental growth.
While most people with hypothyroidism will have one or more of the above symptoms, the severity may vary depending on the degree of the condition. Some people may have what is called as 'subclinical' (or mild) hypothyroidism and may not have any symptoms, while others might be at an increased risk of having 'overt' (or frank) hypothyroidism in future. In contrast to overt hypothyroidism, which almost always requires treatment, subclinical hypothyroidism may or may not require any kind of treatment.
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are not specific to the disorder, and many other disorders can cause similar effects.
How common is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism affects around 4% of the general population. Milder (subclinical) form of the disease may affect as many as 10% of the population. Women are affected more than men. The disease is thus quite common and affects crores of people in India.
Who can get hypothyroidism?
A person can suffer from hypothyroidism irrespective of their age, gender, educational or economic status. However, some people are at an increased risk, like those who had thyroid dysfunction earlier, have autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes and pernicious anaemia, have close relatives having thyroid disorder or those who have received neck irradiation in past.
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
As signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can also be caused by a variety of other disorders, they are not reliable in isolation. Laboratory testing is required to confirm the disorder. Your doctor can assess your health and may order specific tests if he/she suspects that you are suffering from hypothyroidism.
How is hypothyroidism treated?
In almost all patients, hypothyroidism is treated using L-thyroxine, a hormone that is also produced by the thyroid gland. L-thyroxine, available as tablets in India, is identical to a hormone naturally synthesized in our bodies and is usually recommended to be taken on an empty stomach. Dose of L-thyroxine may be different in different individuals. In the same individual too, the dose may vary with time. Hence, your doctor may call you for follow-ups, repeat laboratory tests to keep a tab on your thyroid levels regularly. In the initial days, after diagnosis, there might be frequent follow-ups to titrate the doses to achieve an ideal, stable dose. The dosage might be altered during pregnancy. Therefore, women with hypothyroidism should intimate the doctor about the disorder immediately once the pregnancy is confirmed. Hypothyroidism can be completely controlled in most patients as long as they take the medicine as recommended by the doctor. Therefore, one should not stop taking medicines unless the doctor advises so.
(Author Dr Arun Dahiya is a full-time Medical Advisor for GSK, India)
Disclaimer:
This article is for public awareness only. For any medical queries please consult your physician.
The mere appearance of the article on this site does not constitute an endorsement by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd (GSK) or its affiliates of such site. The article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
GSK hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this article, which is provided as is, and without warranties.
Public health initiative by GSK on Thyroid Awareness Month
Zinc no: IN/LTX/0007/18; Date of preparation January 2018
