New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS): Women with thyroid imbalance may face menstrual and reproductive problems, according to health experts on Saturday.
January is celebrated as Thyroid Awareness Month
The thyroid gland located in the neck produces hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) that play important roles in regulating the body's metabolism, energy production, and overall growth and development.
Thyroid disease includes a number of conditions affecting the function of the thyroid gland, with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism being the most common disorders.
It is known that thyroid disorders increase the chances of menstrual irregularities by about 30.62 percent in hypothyroidism – when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones – and by 7.5 percent in hyperthyroidism – when the thyroid gland produces too much.
“Thyroid disease can harm one's menstrual cycle by disrupting hormone levels. Irregular periods are a common problem associated with thyroid disease, with hypothyroidism potentially leading to heavy or prolonged bleeding and hyperthyroidism leading to light or scant periods,” says Dr Zinova, gynecologist at Shalby Hospital, Mumbai. Shweta Lalgudi told IANS.
"In addition, thyroid dysfunction can result in amenorrhea, where menstruation stops altogether, either as a primary condition in young women or as a secondary phenomenon in those who previously had regular cycles. Were," he said.
Lalgudi said that thyroid imbalance can also affect women's fertility. This can lead to anovulation, the ovary failing to release an egg during the menstrual cycle, and difficulty conceiving.
Another complication of thyroid imbalance can be polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder prevalent in women. While PCOS is not directly linked to thyroid disease, some research indicates a possible connection between PCOS and autoimmune thyroid disease, potentially worsening menstrual irregularities.
"Thyroid dysfunction can also increase the chances of complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth, preeclampsia and developmental problems in the baby," the doctor said.
Women should get tests like T3, T3Ru, T4 and TSH to identify any thyroid problems. These can help women take quick action through medication, exercise, and dietary changes to enhance their overall well-being.
“In addition to standard TSH testing, choosing tests such as Free T3, Free T4, and Thyroid Antibodies can provide a more comprehensive perspective on thyroid health. “These additional tests can help identify underlying issues that may not be apparent from TSH levels alone, giving women a better understanding of their thyroid function and the potential causes of any symptoms they may be experiencing,” Dr. Rajesh Bendre, National Technical Head and Chief Pathologist, Apollo Diagnostics Delhi told IANS.
"Also consider checking reverse T3 levels, as they provide valuable information about how the body converts the T4 hormone to its active form," he adds.
Doctors also emphasize eating a healthy diet rich in vital nutrients and using stress management techniques like yoga and meditation to help regulate thyroid hormone production. Daily exercise and maintaining optimal weight are also important for improving thyroid health, she said.
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