The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Thyroid disorders continue to remain under-diagnosed

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Sunday, May 25, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Thyroid disorders continue to remain under-diagnosed

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: This ailment afflicts one and all, especially more so in women. While the Indian Thyroid Society (ITS) has declared Sunday as ‘International Thyroid Day’, the fact remains that thyroid disorders, despite being common, continue to remain most under-diagnosed of all other disorders. Women form a large chunk of patients with thyroid disorders.

Take the case of Ruhana Begum, a 50-year old-housewife from Moula Ali, who had an extreme case of fatigue, mood swings and lack of sleep. Initially, doctors had assured her that the symptoms were due to menopause. But, with time, her voice started to go deep and rough. Gandhi hospital doctors later diagnosed the problem as Hyperthyroid. “Thyroid glands produce hormones that influence all the organ systems of the body throughout the life. Thyroid related ailments are common in pregnant and elderly women. The reason behind this is still under research,” says Dr. Vijay Sekhar Reddy, in-charge of Department of Endocrinology of Gandhi Hospital.

The symptoms associated with thyroid ailments are tiredness, depression, hair loss, weight gain, cramping, constipation, dry skin, heavy periods in women and even erectile dysfunction among men.

“Critical periods of life where risk of thyroid diseases increases are at birth, during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause and in the senior years,” Dr. Reddy adds.

“Eighty per cent of thyroid related ailments are due to Hypothyroidism or overactive thyroid. Pregnant and elderly women, older men, infants should undergo thyroid test,” says Apollo Hospital endocrinologist Dr. Ravi Mehrotra.

“Any person who reaches 35 years should opt for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test,” says Dr. Unnikrishnan of Indian Thyroid Society (ITS)

However, there are pitfalls too.

“There is a danger of indiscriminate tests. Thyroid ailments are not life threatening and they can be controlled by proper medication in a month or two,” Dr. Reddy informed.

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