Thyroid disorders are very common now a days. According to studies, about 12 % of population will experience abnormal thyroid function at some point of time at their lives. Various studies also shows, women are eight times more likely to develop one or the other thyroid disorders.

WHAT IS THYROID?

Thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland located at base of your neck, just below Adams apple. Thyroid is a part of endocrine system, responsible for coordinating many bodily activities. Thyroid gland produces hormones that regulates body metabolism.

WOMEN MORE PRONE TO THYROID DISORDERS ?

Yes, Women are more prone to various Thyroid disorders. The common conditions is as follows,

· Hypothyroidism
· Hyperthyroidism.
· Thyroiditis, especially postpartum thyroiditis
· Goiter
· Thyroid nodules
· Thyroid cancer

Hyperthyroidism

It happens due to an overactive thyroid gland, it produces more thyroid hormones than normal. Hyperthyroidism affects only 1 percentage of women. Hyperthyroidism leads to following symptoms,

Restlessness
Nervousness
Irritability
Increased sweating
Anxiety
Trouble sleeping
Brittle hair and nails
Muscle weakness
Weight loss
Bulging eyes (in Graves’ disease)

Hypothyroidism

Here the Thyroid gland is under active, and not able to produce enough of its hormones. Less thyroid hormone production leads to symptoms such as,
Fatigue
Dry skin
Increased sensitivity to cold
Memory problems
Constipation
Depression
Weight gain
Weakness
Slow heart rate

Goiter

It is a noncancerous enlargement of the Thyroid gland. The most common cause of goiter is an iodine deficiency in the diet. Goiter affects about 200 million of the 800 million people who are iodine-deficient worldwide. Goiter is not age-specific, it can affect anyone at any age, and however, this disease is more common after the age of 40 in women. Goiter might not show any symptoms if it isn’t severe. Goiter can cause one or more of the following symptoms .

Swelling or tightness in your neck
Difficulties breathing or swallowing
Coughing or wheezing
Hoarseness of voice

Thyroiditis

This is also known as Hashimotos disease. It can occur at any age, most common in middle-aged women. Occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and slowly destroys the thyroid gland and its ability to produce hormones. Some people with mild cases of this disease may not suffer from any obvious symptoms.
Fatigue
Depression
Constipation
Mild weight gain
Dry skin
Dry, thin hair
Pale, puffy face
Heavy and irregular menstruation
Intolerance to cold
An enlarged thyroid, or goiter

Thyroid Nodules

It occurs as a swelling in one section of the Thyroid gland. The nodule may be solid or filled with fluid or blood. It affect up to four times as many women as men.
Thyroid Cancer
It happens when cancer cells are formed from the tissues of the thyroid gland. The thyroid nodule does not cause any symptoms for most people who have thyroid cancer. To confirm if the lump or nodule is cancerous, your doctor will recommend a few tests. Thyroid cancer is more common in women who:
Are between the ages of 25 and 65
If had done radiation therapy in head or neck, especially in childhood, to treat cancer
Have a history of goiter
Have a family history of thyroid cancer

THYROID DISEASE AND PREGNANCY

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can make it harder to get pregnant. This is because any issue with the thyroid hormone change the balance of hormones that cause ovulation. Hypothyroidism can also cause your body to make more prolactin, too much prolactin can prevent ovulation. Thyroid problems can also affect the menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycle may be irregular, or may not have any periods at all for several months or longer. This is called Amenorrhea.

THYROID EFFECTS IN FEMALES DURING PREGNANCY

Pregnancy-related hormones raise the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. While in the womb, Thyroid hormones are necessary for the baby’s brain development. . Uncontrolled hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause problems for both the mother as well as baby.

Hyperthyroidism if not treated with medicine during pregnancy can cause:
Premature birth — This means, birth of the baby before 39 to 40 weeks or full-term.
Preeclampsia, a serious condition starting after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and other organs.
Thyroid storm (a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms)
Fast heart rate in the newborn, which can lead to heart failure, poor weight gain, or enlarged thyroid that can make it hard to breathe
Low birth weight (smaller than 5 pounds)
Miscarriage

Hypothyroidism if not treated with medicine during pregnancy can cause:
Anemia
Preeclampsia
Low birth weight (smaller than 5 pounds)
Miscarriage
Stillbirth
Problems with the baby’s growth and brain development

TIPS TO PREVENT THYROID DISORDERS

Check for hypothyroidism every 2 years, typically when you cross 35 years.
Get screened during and after pregnancy.
Quit smoking.
Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine.
Keep yourself stress-free..
Avoid consuming deep-fried foods.
Consume iodine-rich foods.
Keep your weight under control.
Do exercises and yoga.
Good sleep is very important in optimizing Thyroid function as it regulates the stress hormone cortisol.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF THYROID CONDITIONS

Ayurveda points towards the imbalance in tri-doshas as a cause of Thyroid disorders. These can result from the consumption of impure water, unwholesome food, and unhealthy dietary habits. It can also happen because of climatic conditions and disturbances in ‘Dinacharya’ (daily routine). The management of thyroid condition mainly depends on the “Prakruti “ (Body constitution) of the person, Both internal medications as well as external therapies should be required for managing various thyroid conditions , A diet which will be specific for each person will also be necessary for the management. Some of the therapies recommended for Thyroid conditions are

· Nasyam — instilling medicated oils through nose
· Sirodhara — dropping medicated oils along the forehead in cyclic motion
· Sirovasthi — holding medicated oils in head
· Lepanam — application of herbal paste
· Siropichu — application of oil in head
· Dhommapanam — medicated smoking
“Healthy living leads to Happy Living”