Malfunctioning thyroid affects 32% Indians

A quarter of the Indian population suffers from thyroid disorders, according to a recent survey conducted by a private diagnostic chain.

Researchers analysed data of 33 lakh individuals between 2014 — 2016, and three thyroid markers — TSH, T4, and T3 were examined. About 32 per cent had abnormal thyroid markers.

Dr Avinash Phadke, President Technology at SRL Diagnostics that undertook the study, said “This data highlights thyroid abnormalities across the country in its various forms. Many apparently healthy individuals may have subclinical hypothyroidism.”

Subclinical hypothyroidism, in which thyroid functions just below normal level, is a silent disease which is being increasingly diagnosed in the Indian population.

Women have up to eight times the risk of developing a thyroid disorder than men.

Symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) are similar in men and women and include weakness, fatigue, weight gain, depression, and high cholesterol.

With early diagnosis and treatment, thyroid hormone replacement is a safe and effective treatment that can manage one’s symptoms and prevent complications. Family history plays an important role in occurrence and diagnosis, say experts.