Thyroid disorder awareness in the Assamese context
Among various endocrine problems, thyroid disorders are the most common worldwide. More than 40 million people in India suffer from thyroid disorders. In India, population surveys are carried out by the government to collect information on population, health, and nutrition for each state and union territory.
The prevalence of thyroid disorders was 2.9% overall in the country as per the NFHS-V (2019-2021). In Assam, 2642 per 1 lakh women suffer from some form of thyroid disorder. It can be conservatively estimated that 4-5 lakh women in Assam suffer from thyroid disease as do 1-2 lakh men. This is almost certainly an underestimation as clinic referral account for a very high percentage of thyroid disorders. In a study by doctors from state medical colleges, it was found that the prevalence of overt hypothyroidism was 10.9% and that of subclinical hypothyroidism was 13.1%.
Given this high level of prevalence in our state, it is essential to spread awareness of thyroid disorders to enable people to identify issues and seek help. This ensures that early and appropriate action can be taken.
However, the level of awareness among the general public is low. In a study by Prof. (Dr.) Gitumoni Konwar in 2019
- Only 10% of women knew the meaning of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
- Only 22.5 % were aware of the sign and symptoms of thyroid disorders
- Only 12.5% of women are aware of the thyroid screening tests
- Only 12.5% knew the anatomical location of thyroid gland
- No respondents were aware of the medical management of thyroid disorders.
This survey was carried out in two urban villages in Guwahati, Assam among women in the age group between 20- 40 years.
How do we improve awareness at an individual level?
- Online resources like thyroidindia.com
- One on one explanation from medical professionals
- Thyroid disease information booklet
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
- Weight gain despite less intake
- Puffy face
- Swelling over feet
- Generalized tiredness, joint and muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Difficulty in tolerating cold
- Dry skin, brittle nails
- Mental slowing
- Hoarse voice
- Heavy and more frequent menstrual bleed
- Neck swelling due to enlarged thyroid gland
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
- Weight loss despite good intake
- Moist skin, sweating
- Generalized tiredness, joint and muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty in tolerating heat
- Anxiety, tremors, palpitations
- Irregular menstrual bleed
- Neck swelling due to enlarged thyroid gland
- Bulging of eyes with pain, double vision or reduced vision
What are thyroid function tests (TFT)?
These are blood tests to detect levels of free T3, free T4 and TSH. Free levels are needed as they act on tissues. Anti TPO antibody levels are also done.
TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. It is the hormone that is produced from the brain (pituitary gland). TSH acts on the thyroid gland and produces
T3 and T4. It has a reciprocal relationship with T3 and T4
- Low TSH is seen with high T3 and T4(hyperthyroidism)
- High TSH is seen with low T3 and T4(hypothyroidism)
What is the importance of anti TPO antibody levels?
Anti TPO stands for anti- thyroid peroxidase. Thyroid peroxidase is a crucial enzyme in the gland that is responsible in the production of T3 and T4. Around 10-20% of population have anti TPO antibodies positive. A positive antibody with normal TFT does not need any treatment. It only indicates that the person is at risk of hypothyroidism in the future and annual monitoring is required.
*An information booklet about thyroid disorders is available in our clinic free of cost
