New Delhi: Highlighting the critical need for increased awareness about the importance of thyroid testing in infants, pregnant women, and those planning pregnancy, experts on World Thyroid Day on Saturday said women are particularly at risk, with one in eight at risk of developing thyroid disorder in their lifetime. World Thyroid Day is observed every year to increase awareness among the public about thyroid diseases and the need to keep the thyroid gland healthy to ensure a healthy life. According to Dr Rajesh Rajput, Director, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medanta, Gurugram, the burden of thyroid disorders is significant in India.
"Alarmingly, one in every ten individuals has thyroid dysfunction and the majority of these cases are diagnosed in late stages. Most thyroid conditions are chronic, requiring lifelong medication, and they are ten times more prevalent in women than men," Rajput told IANS. As per health experts, about 42 million people are believed to be suffering from thyroid disorders in India and the number of women affected by the disease is far greater compared to men.
"Hypothyroidism" is more common in women. "The level of thyroid hormones in the blood needs to be normal so that all the systems of our body can function normally. If there is a change in the level of thyroid hormones, either the level becomes high or the level becomes low, both conditions have many effects on our body," said Dr.
Chandan Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology, Aakash Heal.
