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Thyroid: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention — Complete WHO-Based Guide

 

Thyroid Problems Are Increasing Rapidly in India

Thyroid disorders have become extremely common in India, especially among:

  • young adults

  • women

  • students

  • working professionals

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and global endocrinology data:

  • Over 4–5 crore Indians suffer from thyroid disorders

  • More women (especially 20–40 years) are affected

  • Sedentary lifestyle, stress, poor diet, and iodine deficiency are leading causes

  • Many cases go undiagnosed for years

Thyroid problems affect:

  • weight

  • energy

  • mood

  • periods

  • heart

  • fertility

  • hair

  • mental health

This Swasthaay article explains everything—types, causes, symptoms, tests, diet, and treatment—in a simple, WHO-based format.



What Is the Thyroid? (Simple Explanation)

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck.
It produces hormones that control your body’s:

  • metabolism

  • energy

  • heart rate

  • digestion

  • hair growth

  • mood

  • body temperature

In short:
Thyroid hormones decide how fast or slow your body works.

The major hormones are:

  • T3 (Triiodothyronine)

  • T4 (Thyroxine)

These are controlled by another hormone:

  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

Types of Thyroid Disorders (WHO Classification)

There are two major thyroid disorders:

1. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Your thyroid makes too little hormone.

Most common in India.

Causes:

  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune)

  • iodine deficiency

  • stress

  • poor sleep

  • hormonal imbalance

  • genetic factors

Symptoms:

  • weight gain

  • tiredness

  • hair fall

  • dry skin

  • depression

  • constipation

  • irregular periods

  • cold intolerance

  • slow metabolism

2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Your thyroid makes too much hormone.

Less common but serious if untreated.

Causes:

  • Graves’ disease (autoimmune)

  • thyroid nodules

  • excessive iodine

  • certain medicines

Symptoms:

  • weight loss

  • anxiety

  • sweating

  • fast heartbeat

  • heat intolerance

  • trembling hands

  • irritability

  • excessive hunger

  • sleep problems

Other Thyroid Conditions

3. Goitre

Swelling in the neck due to thyroid enlargement.

4. Thyroid Nodules

Small lumps in the thyroid (mostly non-cancerous).

5. Thyroid Cancer

Rare but increasing worldwide.

What Causes Thyroid Problems? (WHO & Endocrinology Insights)

Thyroid disorders are caused by a mix of:

  • genetic factors

  • lifestyle factors

  • nutritional deficiencies

Top causes include:

1. Iodine Deficiency

Still common in some Indian regions.

2. Autoimmune Disease

The immune system attacks the thyroid (Hashimoto’s or Graves’).

3. Stress & Poor Sleep

Disrupt hormones and immunity.

4. Vitamin D Deficiency

Extremely common in Indian youth.

5. Highly Processed Diet

Excess sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy oils disrupt hormones.

6. Hormonal Imbalance in Women

PCOS, pregnancy, menopause → higher thyroid risk.

7. Pollution & Toxins

Heavy metals and environmental chemicals interfere with thyroid function.

8. Genetics

Family history increases risk.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders (Early & Late)

Symptoms vary based on underactive or overactive thyroid, but common signs include:

  • fatigue

  • weight changes

  • hair fall

  • mood swings

  • menstrual irregularity

  • skin dryness

  • swelling of neck

  • digestive issues

  • sleep problems

  • loss of concentration

If symptoms last more than 2–3 months → get tested.

How Is Thyroid Diagnosed? (WHO-Standard Tests)

Doctors typically check:

1. TSH (Most Important)

High TSH → hypothyroidism
Low TSH → hyperthyroidism

2. Free T3 & Free T4

To check hormone levels.

3. Anti-TPO & Anti-TG Antibodies

To detect autoimmune thyroid disease.

4. Ultrasound

To detect swelling, nodules, or inflammation.

5. Additional Tests

  • Vitamin D

  • Vitamin B12

  • Iron

  • Blood sugar

These help find underlying causes.

Treatment of Thyroid Disorders (Safe & Effective)

Treatment depends on whether thyroid is underactive or overactive.

1. Hypothyroidism Treatment

Usually treated with:

  • Levothyroxine (T4 hormone)

Daily dose taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
Safe and effective.

2. Hyperthyroidism Treatment

May include:

  • anti-thyroid medicines

  • beta-blockers

  • radioactive iodine therapy

  • surgery in rare cases

3. Treatment for Goitre, Nodules, or Cancer

Depends on size, symptoms, and diagnosis.

Natural & Lifestyle Remedies for Thyroid Health (Swasthaay Recommendations)

These do not replace medicines, but support thyroid function.

1. Eat a Thyroid-Friendly Diet

Best foods:

  • iodine-rich salt

  • eggs

  • milk & curd

  • bananas

  • nuts & seeds

  • whole grains

  • spinach

  • rajma, chole, dal

  • salmon/fish (omega-3)

Avoid excess:

  • maida

  • sugar

  • fried foods

  • packaged foods

  • ultra-processed oils

2. Maintain Healthy Weight

Belly fat increases hormonal issues.

3. Exercise 30–45 Minutes Daily

Improves metabolism and reduces symptoms.

4. Sleep 7–9 Hours

Poor sleep directly affects TSH levels.

5. Reduce Stress

Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises lower cortisol.

6. Increase Vitamin D Exposure

Morning sunlight for 15–20 minutes.

7. Avoid Smoking

Smoking worsens autoimmune thyroid disease.

Thyroid in Women: Must-Read

Women face thyroid issues more due to hormonal cycles.
Thyroid can affect:

  • fertility

  • pregnancy

  • periods

  • weight

  • mood

Women should test thyroid:

  • before pregnancy

  • during pregnancy

  • if periods are irregular

  • if hair fall is excessive

Complications of Untreated Thyroid Disorders

If ignored, thyroid problems can lead to:

  • infertility

  • pregnancy complications

  • heart disease

  • high cholesterol

  • nerve problems

  • severe fatigue

  • mental health issues

Early treatment prevents all major complications.

Prevention: How to Keep Your Thyroid Healthy (WHO-Aligned)

✔️ Use iodized salt

✔️ Eat balanced diet

✔️ Avoid ultra-processed foods

✔️ Maintain healthy weight

✔️ Sleep properly

✔️ Reduce stress

✔️ Regular health check-ups

✔️ Fix Vitamin D & B12 deficiency

✔️ Avoid smoking

Thyroid Myths (Indians Still Believe)

❌ “Thyroid means I will gain weight forever.”

➡️ Correct treatment prevents weight gain.

❌ “Thyroid medicine is harmful.”

➡️ Levothyroxine is one of the safest medicines.

❌ “Only women get thyroid.”

➡️ Men also get thyroid disorders.

❌ “Thyroid can be cured by home remedies alone.”

➡️ Medicines + lifestyle changes work best.

Conclusion: Thyroid Issues Are Treatable & Manageable

Thyroid is not something to fear.
With proper diagnosis, timely treatment, and healthy lifestyle habits:

  • symptoms reduce

  • energy improves

  • weight stabilizes

  • mood lifts

  • life becomes normal

Be aware, get tested, and stay proactive.

Healthy thyroid = healthy life.
Stay informed. Stay balanced. Stay Swasthaay.

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