KATHMANDU, May 25: The World Thyroid Day is being observed in Nepal by organizing various programs today.

May 25 is recognized globally as thyroid awareness day every year. Lalitpur-based Alka Hospital, Kathmandu Diabetes and Thyroid Centre, and Lions Club of Kathmandu jointly staged a rally to raise awareness on thyroid, according to a press statement issued by the hospital.

The rally started from Alka Hospital, Jawalakhel and passed through Kumaripati, Mangalbazaar, Pulchowk and ended at Alka Hospital.  

A free health check-up campaign is currently underway at Alka Hospital which runs until 4 pm today. It is said that 4.5% of the total population is afflicted with the thyroid in Nepal.

May 25 is recognized globally as thyroid awareness day every year.

What are Thyroid Disorders?

These disorders are typically caused by over or under-function of the thyroid gland. The most common thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism (abnormally increased thyroid activity), hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased thyroid activity), thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), Goiter, and thyroid cancer.

Thyroid diseases are easy to diagnose, easy to treat. Even a slightly swollen thyroid gland is visible and should be met with the utmost care. If and when it is identifiable, the patient should immediately consult a physician. Early diagnosis and treatment is the cornerstone of thyroid management.

Women are more prone to thyroid disorders: reports 

It is due to the fact that a woman’s body is more prone to hormonal imbalances than her male counterpart. Women are more sensitive to hormonal changes and any sign of Iodine deficiency can further complicate the female thyroid system.

A pregnant woman is more exposed to thyroid disorders, particularly if the thyroid is overactive or underactive. The imbalance in hormone levels may have the following effects on a woman’s body – Abnormal menstruation, imbalanced or non-existent ovulation cycle, cyst formation, postpartum thyroiditis, miscarriages, preterm delivery, stillbirth, postpartum hemorrhage, and early onset of menopause. 

Iodine deficiency can be easily avoided through dietary control and regular exercise. To prevent thyroid issues, the recommended daily intake of iodine is 150 mcg per day for most adults. For women who are pregnant or nursing, the requirements are higher.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs because the thyroid gland starts producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone. It develops due to problems within the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus. It can also result in the formation of a goiter, caused by the enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Some of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

Fatigue

Poor Concentration

Dry Skin

Constipation

Feeling Cold

Fluid Retention/Weight Gain

Muscle and Joint Aches

Depression

Hair Loss

Prolonged or excessive bleeding in women/Scanty or very less periods

Amenorrhea (a rare condition caused by hormone imbalance) can cause your periods to stop for several months or longer.

Diagnosis of thyroid disorders

In addition to the physical exam, some specialized tests are used to diagnose thyroid disorders. Blood tests are typically done to measure levels of thyroid hormones and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormones). Taking the levels of thyroid hormones and TSH test is highly recommended upon experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms.

In most cases, thyroid disorders can be well managed with medical treatment and are not life-threatening. Some conditions may require surgery. The outlook for most people with thyroid cancer is also good, although patients with thyroid cancer that has spread throughout the body have a poorer prognosis.

(With inputs from onlymyhealth.com)

 
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