Today's super woman, balancing home and career may be more prone to thyroid disorders than she realizes. The pressures of multitasking put her system at risk, which goes up particularly for new mothers.
What is thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in front of the neck, which produces the hormones T3 and T4. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland controls their production.
What causes HYPOTHYROIDISM?
Stress makes the thyroid gland falter. It has a strong genetic basis and a gender bias, being more common among women.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
It is often linked to depression or abnormal cholesterol and sugar levels, particularly during pregnancy or lactation. There are a number of subtle symptoms which mimic hypothyroidism, the commonest being 'feeling drained or tired'. This is often accompanied by weight gain, swelling of the feet, body or face, water retention, irregular cycles, dry skin, constipation and hair loss.
How is it tested and treated?
Usually blood tests of Free T3, Free T4 and TSH are conducted. The thyroid hormone replacement (T4) pill has to be taken lifelong.
Tips to control hypothyroidism
What is thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in front of the neck, which produces the hormones T3 and T4. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland controls their production.
What causes HYPOTHYROIDISM?
Stress makes the thyroid gland falter. It has a strong genetic basis and a gender bias, being more common among women.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
It is often linked to depression or abnormal cholesterol and sugar levels, particularly during pregnancy or lactation. There are a number of subtle symptoms which mimic hypothyroidism, the commonest being 'feeling drained or tired'. This is often accompanied by weight gain, swelling of the feet, body or face, water retention, irregular cycles, dry skin, constipation and hair loss.
How is it tested and treated?
Usually blood tests of Free T3, Free T4 and TSH are conducted. The thyroid hormone replacement (T4) pill has to be taken lifelong.
Tips to control hypothyroidism
- Eat right and less, walk more, sleep well, smile.
- Take medicine regularly.
- Drink boiled or mineral water; avoid water filters, which use iodine as disinfectants.
- Avoid iodine-rich foods like broccoli, soya, prawns, shellfish and crabs.
- Get Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3 levels checked, particularly if you're a vegetarian.
- Test your thyroid regularly and keep it in control.
- The winter season aggravates thyroid, so be careful.
