Women are more prone to thyroid disorders, according to SRL analysis

The badysis of more than 11,000 samples by SRL Diagnostics shows that women are more prone to thyroid disorders

It is estimated that about 200 million people suffer from thyroid disorders in the world. A new report based on a survey by SRL Diagnostics found that women suffer from more thyroid-related disorders than men. The badysis focused on another aspect of thyroid disorders, autoimmune thyroiditis, in which the body acts against the thyroid.

In the general population, about 20% of women were positive for thyroid autoantibodies compared with men at 15%. The report also pointed out that 11 to 13% of adults in our country suffer from thyroid disorders. However, it was interesting to note that 19% of the normal population in routine thyroid tests (TSH, Free T4) were positive for thyroid autoantibodies. The age group 31-45 had the highest proportion of these cases (18%). At the zone level, people in northern India had the highest percentage of anti-thyroid autoantibodies positive in routine thyroid tests.

About 20% of the women tested were positive for thyroid autoantibodies compared to men at 15%. The report also pointed out that 11-13% of adults in our country suffer from thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders affect the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ in the front of the neck, under the Adam's apple.. Hormones, which are stored and produced in the thyroid gland, affect the functioning of the various organs of the body. These hormones regulate the body's metabolic rate as well as cardiac and digestive functions, brain development, muscle control, bone maintenance and even mood.

Dr. Avinash Phadke, President Technology & Mentor (Clinical Pathology) SRL Diagnostics, states: "The thyroid gland produces two main hormones known as Thyroxin or T4 (Tetraiodothyronine) and T3 (Triiodothyronine). The pituitary gland in the brain produces a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) that controls and monitors the amount of T4 and T3 produced and released by the thyroid gland. A damaged or lazy thyroid gland causes deficiency of thyroid hormones and, consequentially, thyroid disorders. Sometimes the thyroid gland can become overactive and produce more T3 and T4 than the body needs. The whole body is affected when thyroid hormone levels fluctuate. Thyroid autoantibodies are responsible for many of these cases. It is important to identify these antibodies and treat the disease accordingly. "

Here are the main disorders related to the thyroid that affect the entire population:

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder that affects 1 in 10 adults. The SRL report indicates that among the different disease categories, the highest percentage (26%) of thyroid antibodies was found in case of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is due to a sub thyroid thyroid, resulting in inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, depression, muscle and joint pain, excess weight, dry skin, hard voice and irregular menstrual cycle.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – Hyperthyroidism, due to hyperactivity of the thyroid causing excessive production of hormones, is relatively less common. Autoantibodies can actually trigger the production of a useless amount of T3 or T4. Affected people suffer from excessive sweating, hypertrophy of the thyroid gland, rapid heartbeat, pockets around the eyes, fine hair and a smooth, velvety skin.
• Goitre- A condition where there is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Worldwide, more than 90% of goitre cases are due to iodine deficiency or a condition induced by autoantibodies.

In the SRL report, it was found that 22% of women and 17% of men had tested positive for anti-TPO antibodies – the most common type of auto-thyroid antibodies.

On gender disparity, says Dr. Phadke, "A woman's body is more sensitive to hormonal changes and is generally more responsive to hormonal changes than the male body. Thyroid disorders are more common in women and are the second most common endocrine disorder in pregnancy after diabetes. At the first antenatal visit, all pregnant women should be screened for TSH. Ideally, screening should be done prior to pre-pregnancy badessment or as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed.

Living with an endocrinological condition may seem difficult because most thyroid problems can not be cured. However, with early diagnosis, it can be completely managed or controlled. Regular screening and monitoring is the key to long-term management. It is recommended to the experts to be tested:

• If you are pregnant
• If you are over 60
• If LDL cholesterol is not under control despite all efforts and management
• If your weight increases inexplicably
• If you have specific symptoms of hypothyroidism
• If your immediate family has a medical history of thyroid disorders
• Finally, women of all ages are more likely than men to have low levels of thyroid hormones