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Mumbai, March 13, 2024 (Health News): Thyroid disorders, prevalent among women, pose significant health risks across various stages of life, from puberty to pregnancy to menopause, cautioned medical experts on Tuesday. Emphasizing the importance of regular checkups, doctors highlighted the multifaceted impact of thyroid disease on women’s health and well-being.
The thyroid gland, resembling a small butterfly at the front of the neck, plays a crucial role in producing essential hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate vital bodily functions, including weight management, energy levels, internal temperature, skin health, hair growth, nail growth, and metabolism.
According to Vaishali Naik, Thyroid & Gestational Diabetes and Endocrinologist at Lilavati Hospital Mumbai, disruptions in T3 and T4 levels can lead to conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. These disorders, more prevalent among women, are closely linked to the female sex hormone estrogen.
“Hypothyroidism often presents with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, and constipation, while hyperthyroidism may manifest as weight loss, palpitations, tremors, and diarrhea in women,” stated Naik.
Notably, thyroid disorders can affect women at various life stages, with symptoms ranging from delayed or premature puberty in girls to irregular menstrual cycles and recurrent pregnancy losses in reproductive-age women. Despite common symptoms like fatigue, constipation, weight gain, and mood swings, some women may overlook or ignore these signs, leading to potentially serious health consequences.
Chhya Vaja, Internal Medicine Expert at Apollo Spectra Mumbai, emphasized the increasing incidence of thyroid issues among women and the importance of prompt treatment and consistent monitoring. Vaja also highlighted the impact of stress on thyroid health, recommending stress management techniques and lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise for better thyroid and overall health.
As thyroid disorders continue to affect women of all ages, medical professionals stress the importance of heightened awareness, regular checkups, and proactive management to mitigate health risks and ensure optimal well-being.
