THYROID DISORDERS ON RISE IN INDIA

PRIYA 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.

- KAVITA BAJELI-DATT

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.

According to Dr Manju Gupta, senior consultant, obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, who treated Priya, in many cases, hypothyroidism during pregnancy is temporary and resolves after childbirth. In Priya's case, it was the same.

More common in women Experts say that pregnancy-induced thyroid disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus and gestational hypertension are common problems in women during gestational period the time between conception and birth when a baby grows in the mother's womb. Studies across the country have given an 8-15% prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnancy.

However, in the last five years, experts say they are seeing a sharp rise in thyroid cases, in general, in the country. "I am seeing 10-15 women, aged 33-45, monthly with thyroid problems, mainly hypothyroidism," Dr Gupta said. She adds that thyroid problems are rising in pregnant women and women in the reproductive age group of 25 to 45 years.