KNOW YOUR THYROID

Today’s superwoman, balancing home and career may be more prone to thyroid disorders than she realizes. The pressure of multitasking put her system at risk, which goes up particularly for new mothers.


What is THYROID?
The thyroid is the butterfly shaped gland in front of the neck, which produces the hormones T-3 & T4. The thyroids stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland controls their production.
WHAT CAUSES HYPERTHYROIDISM?
Stress makes the thyroid gland falter. It has strong genetic and gender basis, being more common among women.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM?
It’s often linked to depression or abnormal cholesterol and sugar levels, particularly during pregnancy or lactation. There are a number of subtle symptoms which mimic hypothyroidism, the commonest being “feeling drained or tired”.
This is often accompanied by weight gain, swelling of feet, body of face, water retention, irregular cycles, dry skin, constipation and hair loss.

HOW IS IT TESTED AND TREATED?
Usually, blood tests of Free T3, free T4 and TSH are conducted. The thyroid hormone replacement (T4) pill has to be taken life long.

TIPS TO CONTROL HYPERTHYROIDISM :-

• Eat right and less, walk more, sleep well, smile
• Take medicine regularly.
• Drink boiled or mineral water; avoid water filters which use iodine’s disinfectants.
• Avoid iodine rich foods like broccoli, soya, prawns, shellfish and crabs.
• Get vitamin B12 & Vitamin D3 levels checked, particularly if you’re a vegetarian.
• Test your thyroid regularly and keep it in control.
• The winter season aggravates thyroid, so be careful.
• Lifestyles measures like Yoga have long-term benefits.