All You Need To Know About The Thyroid Disorder

The usual reaction to a discussion about a disorder or an illness is ignorance or indifference, in a way that it is irrelevant to the individual's life. I have interacted with numerous people who dismiss the discussions as they believe it cannot happen to them or anyone dear to them. But disorders have started creeping into our lives slowly, and; are much closer to us than we wish to believe.

Over the last few years, the one disorder that I have personally heard a lot about is Thyroid disorder. According to a recent study conducted in eight major cities of the country, it was found that 1 in every 8 adults suffer from thyroid disorders and about 8% may have subclinical HypoThyroid Disorder. It is really crucial to understand that thyroid isn't a disease, it is a disorder where an assigned gland produces insufficient (HypoThyroid Disorder) or excess (HyperThyroid Disorder) hormone that is required by the body to function properly. Unfortunately, many people don't even know they suffer from the disorder and hence it is important to understand the disorder and recognise the symptoms.

One of the most alarming symptoms of thyroid is Thyroweight, an unexplained weight gain coupled with fatigue and tiredness, that is experienced mainly due to the imbalance in thyroid hormone production. Since women experience fluctuations in weight frequently, and hence Thyroweight is often ignored or overlooked and that's when all the problems arise including irregular periods, problems in conception, difficult pregnancy and early menopause. #RuleOutThyroweight initiative is a great platform to create awareness, educate and assist in managing the disorder.

The awareness campaign with Dr. Shehla Shaikh, a renowned consulting endocrinologist and Mrs. Juhi Chawla Shah, a well known Indian actress and celebrity, where both shared their experiences about their experiences with the disorder. Dr. Shaikh explained in detail how the disorder affects women in general and how a simple  Thyroid Function Test (THS) helps identify the severity of the problem. Mrs. Chawla reiterated on the fact how the disorder has impacted her husband and father-in-law emotionally and physically, and how they overcame the limitation with a simple and systematic medical approach. The panel busted some popular myths about Thyroid Disorder:

Myth #1: Only Women Suffer From Thyroid Disorder
Thyroid Disorder can affect both men and women. 

Myth #2: Only Older People Get Thyroid Disorder
Thyroid Disorder is most common after age 35, but the condition can strike at any age. 

Myth #3: People Suffering From Thyroid Disorder Would get easily diagnosed
About 70 percent of people with thyroid disorder remain undiagnosed for its generic symptoms.

Myth #4: A Gluten-free Diet Will Cure Thyroid Disorder 
Diet changes impact the thyroid positively, however, medication is a must to control the disorder.

Myth #5: When Symptoms Aren’t Bothersome, It’s Okay To Skip Treatment
One needs to be under medication forever if diagnosed with the disorder, however, one must consult with the doc to change the dosage/weightage of the pills

Myth #6: Supplemental Iodine Can Correct Thyroid Disorder
Excess iodine can trigger a thyroid dysfunction.

Myth #7: You Can't Take Thyroid Medication During Pregnancy
Without treatment, Thyroid Disorder can result in serious complications during pregnancy to the mother and the foetus.

So armed with all the relevant information, if you notice changes in body weight, sleep patterns or overall behaviour, get a THS done at your doorstep by sending an SMS (ABTSHPincode) to 98706 66333. Once your test results are received you will know your thyroid levels and ascertain whether or not you suffer from the disorder. You can also download the ThyroApp to help you manage the disorder better. You may also come across people or health care providers who may have a difference of opinion, it is ideal to be both informed and empowered to ask pertinent questions and participate in your health care decisions. For more information please visit http://thyroidindia.com/thyroweight/

Until next time,
~ Heena

Disclaimer: I attended a discussion on thyroid awareness facilitated by Abbott India Limited. Any opinion expressed in this blog is my personal opinion and not the opinion of Abbott India Limited. Abbott India Limited does not assume any liability for the content of the blog. The blog post is not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment for people having thyroid problems. Any reader of this blog suffering from thyroid problems should specifically consult his/her doctor for the same and follow the suggested course of treatment.