Thyroid Health Needs Our Attention!
1 in 10 people worldwide will suffer with some forms of thyroid disorders. Statistics show that thyroid disorders are 5 to 10 times more common in women than men. World Thyroid Day (WTD), May 25th, is dedicated to thyroid patients and to all who are committed to the study and treatment of thyroid diseases worldwide. This is a day that provides the public with information about the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases, as well as prevention through adequate iodine nutrition. Thyroid Disorders The thyroid gland produces hormones that influence every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism—the rate at which the body produces energy from nutrients and oxygen—and affects critical body functions, such as energy level and heart rate. Hypothyroidism (thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone) and Hyperthyroidism (the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone) are two common conditions with potentially devastating health consequences that affect all populations worldwide. Iodine nutrition is an essential determinant of thyroid disease risk since it must be ingested through the diet. However, other factors, such as ageing, smoking status, genetic susceptibility, ethnicity, and endocrine disruptors, also influence thyroid disease epidemiology. Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders Pregnancy and Thyroid Health 1. The interaction between the thyroid function of the mother and the baby For the first 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is completely dependent on the mother for the production of thyroid hormone. By mid-pregnancy, the baby’s thyroid begins to produce thyroid hormone on its own. The baby, however, remains dependent on the mother for ingestion of adequate amounts of iodine, which is essential to produce the thyroid hormones. The World Health Organization recommends iodine intake of 250 micrograms/day during pregnancy to maintain adequate thyroid hormone production. 2. Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Untreated, or inadequately treated, hypothyroidism has increased risk of miscarriage, and has been associated with maternal anemia, myopathy (muscle pain, weakness), congestive heart failure, pre-eclampsia, placental abnormalities, and postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding). Thyroid hormone is also critical for brain development in the baby. Children born with congenital hypothyroidism (no thyroid function at birth) can have severe cognitive, neurological and developmental abnormalities if the condition is not recognized and treated promptly. 3. Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy The most common cause of hyperthyroidism in women of childbearing age is Graves’ disease, which occurs in 0.2% of pregnant patients. In addition to the classic symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, ina...
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