Thyroid Disorder
Education,  Lifestyle

#RuleoutThyroWeight – Some Myths and Facts about Thyroid Disorder

Thyroid Disorder

One of my friends has been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (Thyroid Disorder) since childhood. She is tired of telling people the reason why she is obese, as they keep nagging her to eat less and cut down on fatty food. She is always stressed about her weight and I fully sympathize with her today.

Did you know that 1 in 10 Indians suffers from Thyroid disorder? That’s an alarming ratio yet true and proven by statisticians. This disorder as they call it is more common in women. Thyroid disorder occurs due to over- or under-function of the thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland is an important gland that produces thyroid hormones, which maintains our body metabolism. It is a butterfly-shaped organ located on the front side of your neck, along with the windpipe.

There are two types of thyroid

1. Hypothyroidism – caused due to insufficient thyroid hormone production.

2. Hyperthyroidism – caused due to excess thyroid hormone production.

More about Thyroweight

Thyroweight is the weight gain, tiredness, fatigue and lethargy one experiences in Hypothyroidism. Thyroweight is the most common symptom of Hypothyroidism, however, often gets unnoticed and neglected for the generic nature of all these symptoms.

How do we know one has Thyroid Disorder?

One of the most common symptoms of Thyroid disorder is Thyroweight.
Other accompanying symptoms include hair loss, weakness, irritability, mood swings, and dry hair.

There is a close association between thyroid gland and body weight. The thyroid gland has an important role to play in controlling the metabolic rate of a patient. People with hypothyroidism have a low metabolic rate, combined with tiredness and hair loss.

These symptoms are good enough to call for a thyroid test to be done immediately. A common test of TSH will help determine if one has Thyroid disorder.

Myths and Facts about Thyroid Disorder

A thyroid disorder can occur at any age however you are at an increased risk when

  1. Being 35 and above increases the risk of thyroid conditions for both men and women.
  2. A family history of thyroid disorder increases your current risk of developing thyroid disease.
  3. If you have been treated with radioactive iodine treatment or anti-thyroid medication.
  4. The risk is more during Pregnancy. One must get checked when pregnant Stress is also considered an environmental risk factor for autoimmune thyroid disorder.
  5. Hypothyroidism does lead to weight gain but doesn’t cause obesity. Weight gain can be controlled with proper exercise and good eating habits.

For more information please visit http://thyroidindia.com/thyroweight/

The #RuleoutThyroWeight bloggers Meet was interactive and informative one. Read till the end to know why.

Thyroid Disorder
Dr. Shehla Sheikh highlighted RuleoutThyroWeight bloggers Meet

The Thyroid Disorder Event

Dr. Shehla Sheikh who is a renowned endocrinologist was called upon the dais to shed light on the topic of the day. She highlighted that Thyroid disorders are caused due to genetic or environmental and dietary factors.

They are most commonly diagnosed between the age of 20 and 40 but could be present at all ages. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause elevated cholesterol levels, decreased fertility, depression and decreased heart rate. For pregnant women with the untreated Thyroid disorder, it could be harmful to both the mother and the fetus.

Hence Thyroid disorder should not be ignored and treated immediately. It just takes a pill after you have been diagnosed, every morning on an empty stomach.

Thyroid Disorder

Later vivacious Actress Juhi Chawla explained the mindset of patients and relatives, she stressed on a simple test when thyroid symptoms are seen in a person. “One in ten Indians may have a Thyroid disorder, “Are you among them?” she asked us all in the audience.

That got me to introspect and think about my health condition. An eye opener indeed!! Ms. Juhi added her personal story by telling us about her family members and how they were coping with a Thyroid disorder. Her husband, father-in-law and even her hairstylist have successfully taken treatment and are coping adequately in life achieving to their heart’s desire.

Actress Juhi Chawla at RuleoutThyroWeight bloggers Meet

The live discussion session followed by bloggers asking various queries to the expert panel to specify details and points that needed more emphasis. Ms. Juhi Chawla and Dr. Shehla both answered patiently to all our questions.

Selfie at RuleoutThyroWeight bloggers Meet

Conclusion

What I gathered from the event

  1. We all know the symptoms of thyroid disorder – weight gain, tiredness, hair fall, etc to name a few. I immediately took the test in a week’s time. I have been detected with Hypothyroidism, but stay determined and positive to get it under control with medication and better lifestyle.
  2. No one should silently suffer from thyroid disorder. Pull yourself together to #RuleOutThyrocare and live life with positivity and conviction. I am taking the pill every morning for three weeks now, and bouncing with new energy. All thanks to ‘Rule Out Thyroweight ‘ Bloggers Meet.

‘ Disclaimer: I attended a discussion on thyroid awareness facilitated by Abbott India Limited. Any opinion expressed in this blog is my personal opinion and not the opinion of Abbott India Limited. Abbott India Limited does not assume any liability for the content of the blog.

The blog post is not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment for people having thyroid problems. Any reader of this blog suffering from thyroid problems should specifically consult his/her doctor for the same and follow the suggested course of treatment.’

A preschool teacher, social media influencer, lifestyle & food blogger. Added hobbies are travel, movies, and fashion, going for events, socializing, networking and making new friends.

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