THYROID DISORDERS ON RISE IN INDIA

RIYA Kapoor (name changed), a working professional from Delhi, was pregnant for the first time at 33. As if the stress of being pregnant was not enough, she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism - a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, and one feels tired or gains weight unexpectedly. She was advised to follow a nutritious diet, engage in light exercises like walking, and practice stress-relieving techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. Along with these lifestyle modifications, she was prescribed thyroid hormone replacement therapy and was encouraged to consume iodised salt, as iodine deficiency is a common cause of thyroid imbalances. All these steps helped her immensely as, in November 2024, she delivered a healthy baby without any complications.

- KAVITA BAJELI-DATT @New Delhi

women to monitor their thyroid health and seek timely treatment if needed," Dr Krishnakumar said. It has also been seen that consumption of processed food is causing hormonal fluctuations, so avoiding them is the best bet. Screening before planning pregnancy, especially if there is a family history, is a good idea, says Dr Sridevi Paladugu, consultant endocrinologist, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

Rise in cases Thyroid disorders are increasingly being diagnosed across India. This rise isn't necessarily about more people getting sick, but more about improved medical awareness and diagnostics, says Dr Usha Menon, Clinical Professor of endocrinology and Diabetes at Amrita Hospital in Kochi, Kerala.

Hypothyroidism is significantly more prevalent at about 3%, and hyperthyroidism is less than 2%. "The prevalence of thyroid disorders in India varies by age, gender, and state. Historically, iodine deficiency was a major cause. Thyroid gland swelling called 'goitre' is seen in about 4-7% of the Indian population," Dr Menon added. Studies indicate that thyroid disorders affect about 10-12% of the Indian population. "India has become iodine replete, which reduces the chances of iodine deficiency disorders to a large extent but has reportedly increased the chances of autoimmune thyroid disorders," said Dr Paladugu.