Thyroid Symptoms & Treatment: Thyroid is a gland in our body, which is like a butterfly in the neck. This gland controls the body’s metabolism, energy level, weight, heartbeat and hormonal balance by producing thyroid hormones. When this gland starts producing more or less hormones than required, it becomes a problem. When this gland produces less hormones than required, the problem of hypothyroidism arises. When it produces more hormones than required, it is called hyperthyroidism. Both of these conditions create problems for people.

Dr. Anupam Biswas, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology Department, Fortis Hospital, Noida told News18. That the number of thyroid patients in the country is increasing very rapidly. Today the situation is that almost 1 in every 10 adults has thyroid disease. Especially women are becoming more vulnerable to it. Bad lifestyle, increasing stress, autoimmune diseases and lack of nutrition are the main reasons for this. This is not completely a lifestyle disease, but wrong routine definitely increases its effect. Thyroid problems are reported 5 to 8 times more often in women than in men. The main reason for this is hormonal changes and higher risk of autoimmune diseases in women. Hormonal changes in conditions like pregnancy, periods and menopause can unbalance the thyroid.

Do not ignore these symptoms

The doctor said that the biggest problem of thyroid is that people often ignore its initial symptoms. Symptoms like constant feeling of fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, hair fall, dryness of skin and mood swings are associated with thyroid. In hypothyroidism, symptoms like weight gain and lethargy are more visible, whereas in hyperthyroidism, there is rapid weight loss, nervousness and increased heartbeat. Nowadays, children and youth are also falling prey to thyroid, due to which their growth, puberty and even education can be affected. Stress does not directly cause thyroid, but it can definitely increase autoimmune thyroid.

What is the treatment of thyroid?

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Director, Internal Medicine Department, Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Model Town, New Delhi, told News18. It is not necessary that thyroid gets completely cured in every case. However, in most cases it can be controlled for a long time. In some patients, thyroid is temporary, while most require regular medication and follow-up. For proper treatment, its accurate identification through blood test and necessary scans is very important. Hypothyroidism is easily treated with medication taken once daily, whereas hyperthyroidism may require medication, radioiodine or, in some cases, surgery. With proper treatment and regular checkups, the patient can lead a completely normal life.