Disorders of the thyroid affect more than 300 million people across the world, and are 8 times more common in women. The commonest endocrine disorders in India, they hamper the quality of life for over 1 in 8 women across their lifetime.

• Thyroid disorders are intimately linked with female hormone levels and their effects can be seen extending from puberty to pregnancy and menopause.
  
• Thyroid disorders can cause abnormally early or late puberty and menstruation. Abnormally high or low levels of thyroid hormone can also cause periods to be very light, very heavy, very irregular or even absent.
  
• An over or under active thyroid affects ovulation, even preventing it completely. In addition, the ovaries are at an increased risk for cyst development in hypothyroidism. Severe hypothyroidism can actually cause milk production in the breast, while preventing ovulation.
  
• Pregnancy hormones increase thyroid hormones in the blood and can thus lead to thyroid disease. Uncontrolled hormone levels during pregnancy can lead to congestive heart failure, Preeclampsia (dangerous rise in blood pressure in late pregnancy), anaemia, miscarriage, low birth weight, stillbirth, or heart failure in the newborn. Postpartum thyroiditis, an inflammation of the Thyroid appears 1-8 months after giving birth and affects about 8% of women.
  
• Iodine deficiency in a pregnant woman can cause a congenital abnormality in the child, known as cretinism, a congenital, serious, irreversible condition with severe cognitive and mental disability, resulting in growth retardation and developmental delay.
  
• Thyroid disorders may cause the early onset of menopause (before or in early 40s). Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) such as lack of menstruation, hot flushes, insomnia, and mood swings may also be mistaken for early menopause.
  
• Thyroid hormones are also intimately involved with body weight and metabolism, and disturbances lead to upset sleep cycles, fatigue, emotional disturbances, and skin and hair concerns, all of which affect women profoundly.
  
• Guidelines recommend once a year physician consultation followed by basic diagnostic screening for Thyroid imbalances, comprising of Free T3, Free T4, and TSH level estimation; for all women.

Times Wellness Workshop on “Coping with thyroid ” will be held on 12th March’ 10 at Ahlcon International School , Mayur Vihar,Phase-1,Delhi at 4 pm.

For free registration mail timesfoundation@timesgroup.com or call 011 - 23782396, 23782031.

Source: Super Religare Laboratories Limited