Thyroid diseases have become one of the most common health concerns in India, with an increasing number of people being diagnosed with them. Thyroid diseases affect 42 million Indians, with hypothyroidism affecting one out of every ten men and women. One-third of thyroid patients in India still remain unaware of their condition. Over time, untreated thyroid dysfunction can lead to obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. This disorder affects people of all ages, but women are more likely to develop it. January is celebrated as “Thyroid Awareness Month” worldwide to raise awareness regarding the various health problems related to the thyroid gland. Let us look at the common thyroid disorders, symptoms, complications and tips to manage your thyroid condition.

Common Thyroid Problems

Some of the most common thyroid problems include:

• Goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Hyperthyroidism – when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs.
• Hypothyroidism – when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones.
• Thyroid cancer.
• Thyroid nodules – lumps in the thyroid gland.
• Thyroiditis – swelling of the thyroid.

Symptoms of Thyroid

Thyroid disease is a term that refers to a group of disorders that have similar symptoms. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can have opposing effects on the same physiological systems, but goitre, thyroid cancer, and Grave’s disease each have their own set of symptoms. Your thyroid affects many different body systems and can have symptoms like:

1. Weight Changes

Unexplained weight changes can be a sign of a thyroid disorder

• In hypothyroidism, you may gain excess weight.
• In hyperthyroidism, you may experience sudden weight loss.
• Not everyone with thyroid disease will have these changes.

2. Temperature

Both forms of thyroid disease can make you temperature-sensitive.

• In hypothyroidism you may feel cold.
• In hyperthyroidism you may feel hot and sweaty despite a normal temperature around you.

3. Fatigue and Sleep

Sleep issues and fatigue are common with thyroid issues in spite of a good night’s rest.

Hypothyroidism can make you

• Wake up exhausted, even after 8 hours of night sleep.
• Take longer naps.

Hyperthyroidism can make you

• Have a hard time falling asleep.
• Have sleep disturbances.
• Feel anxious at bed time.

4. Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are common with thyroid problems.

5. Neck or Throat

Thyroid conditions can cause health problems in your neck or throat. It may lead to autoimmune thyroid disease, nodules, goiter or enlarged thyroid or thyroid cancer. This may cause swelling of the neck, trouble swallowing or breathing, a hoarse voice.

6. Hair, Skin, and Nails

An imbalance in your thyroid hormones may cause changes in your hair, skin, and nails. It may lead to brittle, dry hair, severe hair loss, fine hair, brittle, thin, dull hair,

7. Bowel Habits

Thyroid conditions can cause digestion problems such as persistent constipation,  diarrhoea, loose stools, or irritable bowel syndrome.

8. Menstruation and Fertility

Thyroid conditions can increase your risk of irregular periods, infertility and may raise your risk of having miscarriages.

9. Eye Problems

Thyroid conditions can affect your eyes and may cause symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, swollen puffy eyes, or proptosis.

10. Musculoskeletal System

You may experience muscular pains and joint discomfort, particularly in your arms and legs, if your thyroid is hyperactive. For persons with an underactive thyroid, fibromyalgia-like pain is prevalent, and you may also have carpal tunnel syndrome in your hands.

Thyroid Complications

Early diagnosis and timely treatment of thyroid can help lower the risk of complications. Here are some complications that you must watch out for:

Hypothyroidism

• Neuropathy.
• Trouble conceiving a baby.
• Pregnancy complications.

Hyperthyroidism

• Osteoporosis.
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Pregnancy complications.

How to manage your Thyroid

Work with a specialist to help monitor and treat your thyroid levels. Take your medications on time and be regular with your thyroid tests to reassess the medication requirements if needed. Here are some health measures to adopt to reduce the impact of thyroid and help control it:

• Avoid packaged foods.
• Practice good sleep hygiene.
• Get daily sunlight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Manage stress better
• Quit smoking.
• Have vitamins, proteins and whole grains.