THYROID DISORDERS – HIGHER RATE IN WOMEN

Thyroid disorders are reported in higher numbers for women. Thyroid conditions are not serious and timely treatment will enable the individuals to resume normal lives again. Thyroid hormonal imbalance occurs leading to variation in the outlook of the individual. Increase and decrease production of the hormones will result in symptoms which have an impact on the menstrual cycle.

The other common symptoms observed are gaining weight, tiredness, joint pains etc. At times the resistance of body is very low that you get repeated health problems like disrupted bowel movements, diarrhea, dry skin problems, high fever with body pains, unbearable pain in the muscles of legs and hands. At times you will not have the energy to stand , you will feel like lying down. You become tired quickly and weak.

Upon visiting the Doctor, he will recommend for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) tests results. You can give blood sample upon fasting i.e early in the morning. The normal range is from around 0.5 to 5.5. If the TSH level is below normal, your doctor may determine that you are hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid). If the TSH level is above normal, your doctor may determine that you are hypothyroid (underactive thyroid) .

Based on the results in the medical reports, the Doctor will be able to diagnose and prescribed medications. For a person already taking medication, the dosage will be changed as per health condition.

Few points to remember: take your medication daily. Early morning is the ideal time for taking the tablet as it works well to act on the hormonal changes. Do not neglect health. Conduct blood tests once in 2 to 3 months. This will ensure you keep your Hormonal balance and can keep away from health problems.

It is advisable to perform Sugar tests also simultaneously. There is a tendency for people to get affected by Diabetes. Therefore keep a conscious check on your food habits and overall hygiene aspects.

Anti-thyroid medications are helpful in regulating thyroid levels, but prolonged or excessive use may actually adversely affect the gland and result in hypothyroidism. In some cases, thyroid disorders occur after pregnancy.

The menstrual cycle gets disturbed . For persons suffering with hypothyroidism the problem is excessive bleeding and variations in the frequency of monthly cycle. For individuals suffering with hyperthyroidism the menstruation stops abruptly, symptoms of menopause are seen. In few cases blood flow during cycles becomes very low.

The appetite of the thyroid patient is usually very large and the weight reduction cannot be prevented for some time.

Great care must be taken never to allow the body to become exhausted and any irritation likely to cause emotional stress should be avoided. The cure of thyroid disease is not a speedy one and there is often a recurrence of symptoms but these should gradually become less prominent. Strict adherence to diet is essential for complete cure.

Foods that disturb iodine absorption in the body and lead to swelling of thyroid gland are: spinach, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and peanuts. In case of severe thyroid disorder, it is best to avoid vegetables such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and fruits such as pears and peaches as they may have a suppressive effect on thyroid function.

Iodine is undoubtedly most helpful in many cases, but it should be introduced in organic form,  all foods containing iodine should be taken liberally. These are cabbage, garlic, onion, oats, pineapple, whole rice, asparagus, tomatoes, watercress and strawberries.

Use food which helps curing constipation with rich in fiber, like salads, green vegetables and drink eight to ten glasses of water daily.

For people with hypothyroidism and associated with severe weight gain you can include turkey, yogurt, avocados, lean chicken, fish, lentils, almonds and sesame seeds.

To improve metabolism, it is best to consume smaller, frequent meals throughout the day. Do yoga and exercises to maintain your health.

All efforts should be made to prevent emotional stress. There may be slight recurrence of this extremely nervous complain for some times, but the attacks will become less severe and of shorter duration as the treatment progresses. And above all, the approach to the treatment and personal care should be consistent , the patient’s should put in efforts to help themselves because success can only be attained by constant efforts.