Around 40 million Indians suffer from thyroid related disorders, of which 60% are women.
Thyroid disorders can be due to genetic, environmental and/or dietary factors. They are most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but can
occur at all ages.
It is observed that women with conditions involving hormonal imbalances such as endometriosis and PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) are more susceptible to thyroid disorders, say endocrinologists.
Because the initial signs and symptoms are vague and ambiguous, thyroid disease is often missed in its early stages. Patients may be treated instead for infertility, hyper cholesterol, anaemia or depression.
Thyroid disorders may manifest as under active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), thyroid nodule (mostly non-cancerous) or swelling in front of neck (goitre).
Dr Ramesh Goyal, endocrinologist at Apollo Hospital says, "Most of the above conditions are autoimmune in nature i.e. a condition in which a patient's immune system attacks and either destroys or stimulates the thyroid gland. Autoimmune
diseases are more common in
females."
According to Dr Banshi Saboo, diabetologist, "Most studies suggest an average prevalence of hypothyroidism in 10-20% of women, more common in women above 65. It is estimated that one out of 11 women
will become hypothyroid in their lifetime."
Elevated serum cholesterol, ageing process, irregular menses or infertility, depression and dementia are risk factors for thyroid disease.
According to a study published online, nearly one in six pregnant women who are tested suffer from gestational hypothyroidism. Also, population studies report the presence of
palpable thyroid nodules in 3-7% of adults with a
5:1 female to male ratio.
