Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid diseases are among the most common hormone disorders in India — especially in women. They include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. Most are easy to diagnose with simple blood tests and treat with tablets; a small minority need surgery.

The major thyroid problems

• Hypothyroidism (underactive) — very common in Indian women (often Hashimoto's autoimmune). See Hypothyroidism.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive) — less common; Graves' disease, toxic nodule, thyroiditis. See Hyperthyroidism.
• Thyroid nodules — lumps in the gland. Most are benign, but all new ones need evaluation (ultrasound; FNAC if suspicious).
• Goitre — enlarged gland; can be from iodine deficiency, Hashimoto's, Graves', multinodular goitre, rarely cancer.
• Thyroid cancer — usually well-differentiated (papillary, follicular) with very good prognosis when treated; rarer aggressive forms exist.
• Thyroiditis — inflammation (post-partum, sub-acute/de-Quervain's post-viral, Hashimoto's).

Iodine — status in India

• India has made major progress on iodine deficiency through universal iodisation of salt, but gaps remain — some rural and tribal regions continue to show deficiency, and households using rock/sea salt miss out.
• Use iodised salt, store in a dry dark place, add after cooking to preserve iodine.
• During pregnancy, adequate iodine is critical for the baby's brain — your obstetrician will ensure it.

When to see a doctor

• Unexplained fatigue, weight change, hair fall, period change, infertility — start with a TSH blood test.
• Neck swelling, a lump, voice change, difficulty swallowing — needs clinical exam + ultrasound.
• Pregnancy or planning — TSH check before and early in pregnancy.
• Family history of thyroid disease — periodic TSH.

Avoid

• "Thyroid-cure" oils, pastes, and supplements — no evidence of benefit; some contain iodine excess, which worsens disease.
• Stopping levothyroxine because "sugars / energy are normal now" — most hypothyroid disease is lifelong.
• Mega-dose iodine or kelp supplements without a doctor — both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can be triggered.