Thyroid Awareness Month, seen every January, serves as a crucial initiative to educate and inform about thyroid disorders. From hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism, raising awareness fosters early detection and proper management.The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that can be easily seen and felt. It produces 2 hormones T4 and T3 which are important in regulating our daily activity and metabolism. Thyroid gland dysfunction can lead to complications such as goiter, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism.
Dr Shrinath P Shetty, Consultant Endocrinology, KMC Hospital, Mangalore shares how thyroid issues affect women’s health and some daily tips on nutrition, exercise, and stress management to maintain a healthy thyroid.
Dr Shrinath says, Goiter is more of a structural problem in the thyroid gland
which leads to enlargement of the gland. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
are caused by lower levels of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) and high levels of
thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) respectively.
Thyroid illness can be present in different ways. According to Dr. Shrinath, “Patients can present with goiter, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism. Even though thyroid illness can affect both genders, women tend to go more often to the doctor. This is mainly because women tend to have more issues like menstrual issues, infertility issues, PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), and pregnancy-related thyroid disturbance. This is compounded by the fact that autoimmune thyroid problems are very common in women compared to men.
Among the many effects thyroid has on women’s health following are some ways as mentioned by Dr Shrinath:
Infertility: Hypothyroidism can cause delays in conceiving a child and having a family. Treatment with thyroxine can help these couples to complete their family.
Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism – Patients with mild hypothyroidism who do not take treatment need to take thyroxine supplementation during pregnancy. This is because the growing fetus (baby) is dependent on the mother’s thyroid hormones in the beginning part of the pregnancy. During pregnancy thyroid supplementation has shown better results.
Hyperthyroidism – It is not so unusual to see pregnant women with low TSH during the 1st 3 months of pregnancy. This is mainly due to increased HCG levels during pregnancy. It is usually self-resolving, but some of the patients may have underlying hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease- which needs correct diagnosis and treatment.
Goiter – pregnancy may be complicated with goiter due to increased demand or due to tumors, which need proper evaluation and management. Patients who need thyroid surgery are generally operated on during mid-pregnancy.
Menstrual Irregularities- Hypothyroidism is well-known to cause irregular menstrual cycles, sometimes increasing bleeding and leading to anemia (low hemoglobin). Recognition of hypothyroidism and treatment improves the condition. Sometimes women presenting with PCOS may also have hypothyroidism as an underlying cause which needs to be recognized at the correct time for better outcomes. Hyperthyroidism can also lead to irregular cycles which improves with thyroid treatment.
Puberty- In young adults, undiagnosed hypothyroidism can lead to early menarche (periods) and short stature.
Most Affected by Thyroid Issues
Slightly elevated TSH is usually seen in the elderly population. Not everyone needs thyroxine supplements. The decision has to be taken based on the underlying etiology and severity of hypothyroidism.
Tips to Maintain Healthy Thyroid
Thyroxine hormone production depends on sufficient iodine intake. Use iodized salt to ensure proper iodine levels; pink/Himalayan salt lacks iodine. Iodized salt prevents conditions such as endemic goiter and intellectual disabilities. Adequate iodized salt contains > 15 ppm iodine.
After thyroxine, try to avoid taking iron tablets immediately, for optimal absorption. Cruciferous vegetables like leafy green or broccoli may interfere with iodine absorption, but normal consumption levels are usually safe.
Regular exercise and weight management are crucial, especially for obese people with higher thyroxine requirements.
