Even the SEXY in the CITY have Thyroid

Sex & the City star Kim Cattrall has it, and it could be the reason behind your love handles. With the Indian Thyroid Society declaring January as Think Thyroid Month, iTALK tells you more about this silent diseaseu00a0

Actor Kim Cattrall suffers from Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism. "When I thought of thyroid problems, I thought of goiter. But then I found out that it was an autoimmune problem that makes you tired and can lead to depression," she said.

In case you are ballooning without a change in diet or exercise plan, or if you aren't able to slim down despite eating right and working out, it's time you get a Thyroid test.

Dr Manoj Chadha, Endocrinologist with PD Hinduja Hospital says Thyroid disorders progress slowly, and the symptoms are subtle.u00a0 They are often diagnosed in teenagers when they hit puberty, and women in their peri-menopausal period. The most common cause of thyroid disorders is the Autoimmune Disorder, associated with the production of antibodies directed against one's own tissues.u00a0 As the name suggests, it's related to the immune system and seems to start anytime, anyhow.u00a0 "Do not neglect symptoms no matter how minor.

Whether it's hair loss or delayed menstruation, visit a doctor," he says.

It's curable disease, but the medication is far more effective when administered in the early stages.

Feeling too cold or too hot? It could be your thyroid

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid problem and involves abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Here, the thyroid gland is not active enough, and can make you gain weight, feel fatigued, and you could experience a difficulty dealing with cold temperatures.

Symptoms
>>You feel tired without physical strain.
>>You are depressed, find it difficult to concentrate.
>>You gain excess weight without reason.
>>You have dry or itchy skin and coarse, dry hair.
>>You can't handle cold temperatures.
>>You suffer from constipation or muscle cramps.
>>You have increased menstrual flow or irregular periods.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than your body needs.
It could lead to loss of weight, speeding up of your heart rate, and leave you sensitive to heat.

Symptoms
>>You tend to feel nervous.
>>You have fine brittle hair that's difficult to maintain.
>>You suffer from muscular weakness especially involving the upper arms and thighs, or shaky hands.
>>You can't sleep well.
>>You have frequent bowel movements.
>>You lose weight drastically.

Could lead to birth of mentally challenged kids

Dr Duru Shah Chairman, Gynacworld.
Women need to be cautious and visit a gynaecologist in case they experience irregular periods. Sometimes, Hypothyroidism goes unnoticed, and it can affect your fertility. It can hamper your chances of conceiving. If you do manage to conceive, it could affect ovulation, even leading to a miscarriage. In extreme cases, women could give birth to a mentally challenged kid.

4.2 crore
Indians suffer from Thyroid related disorders.u00a0 Women are 8 times more prone to develop it as compared to men: Indian Thyroid Societyu00a0

Women between 20 and to 40 are at risk

Dr Caesar Sengupta Head-Clinical Services, Thyrocare
Due to their hormonal build up, women are predisposed to Thyroid dysfunction, especially those aged between 20 to 40 years.u00a0 Some problems are genetic, but they can also be lifestyle driven. Iodine deficiency, which is a dietary factor, also plays a significant role in causing thyroid hormone deficiency.
A low-calorie diet is recommended for patients of Hypothyroidism. Due to a paucity of the Thyroid hormone, conversion of food to energy is less, and there may be heavy accumulationu00a0 of fat.

Say YES to:
>>Raw vegetables or boiled sprouts.
>>Seaweed is ideal, unless you suffer from Diarrhea.
>>Non-acidic fresh fruits. Eat whole fruits instead of consuming them as a juice.
>>Egg yolks, parsley, apricots, dates, fish or chicken and raw milk.
>>Exercising regularly.

Say NO to:
>>Goitrogenic food like soya bean and vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
>>Stimulants like coffee, tea, nicotine, alcohol and soft drinks; they decrease your metabolic rate.
>>Excess of refined foods like white flour and sugar.