http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31804&articlexml=Thyroid-disorders-cross-gender-barrier-affect-more-men-08082015017027Aug
08 2015 : The Times of India (Mumbai)Thyroid disorders cross gender barrier,
affect more men in their 30sTIMES NEWS NETWORKSince treatment largely focuses
on women, men continue to endure it without detectionThyroid disorder is no
longer an exclusive concern of women. A recent study has revealed that a rising
number of men are suffering from thyroid dysfunction eventually leading to
heart and mental health problems, and infertility. And alarmingly, urban men in
the most productive age group of 30-45 years are at a higher risk (30.33%) than
those in the age group of 46-60 years (25.81%).
In the three-year-long data mining survey (2012-2014) conducted by national
diagnostic chain SRL diagnostics, around 14.24 lakh people were screened and
22.68% of the sample was found with abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.
Among the four zones, east zone had the highest percentage of abnor mality with
25.2%, south India stood at 19.4%, while northern and western zone had 23.9%
and 21.1%, respectively .
Endocrinolo gist Dr R Venkatachalam said since thyroid treatment largely
focuses on women, men continue to endure it without detection. The symptoms of
the disease are often confused with other disorders, thus making it one of the
most under-diagnosed with no permanent cure.
“However, with medication and proper treatment, thyroid can be controlled,
thereby, helping patients to lead normal lives. The most reliable test for
diagnosing hypothyroidism is thyroid stimulating hormone,“ he said.
Dr B R Das, president of research and innovation at the diagnostic centre,
said, “It also causes fertility problems.Studies have shown that many couples
who have trouble getting pregnant conceive after their thyroid problems are
fixed,“ he said.
“This is a shocking trend we have observed, not just with thyroid dysfunction,
but with several other diseases where many people in the younger age bracket
are becoming victims,“ said Dr Das.
To be sure, doctors usually prescribe specific free T3 and free T4 follow-up
tests. If a person is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, they have it for life. So
the focus is mainly on preventing complications, rather than trying to cure it
completely .
“Depending on whether your thyroid is over-active or under-active, the
thyroidhormone replacement drug may be prescribed. It can be taken as a
supplement to manage the disorder effectively,“ said the doctor.
