Thyroid and India Inc.

Radhika (not her real name) had always been a star performer at work. An Information Technology professional, she was a high-performing, results-oriented individual. Of late, however, she had started to feel fatigued at work and at home and finally took a week's leave. But after rejoining, she still could not focus and was forced to take frequent leave from work. Her supervisor, meanwhile, was getting restless with her diminished productivity.

Luckily for Radhika a colleague advised her to get her thyroid checked. The tests showed the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in her blood to be 100 times above the normal. "She had almost lost her job by the time she came to us," says Dr Anoop Misra, Director and Head, Department of Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases, Fortis Hospitals.

Radhika's condition is not uncommon, though. If experts are to be believed, thyroid disorders are playing havoc with professional and personal lives. A woman professional who went to consult a psychiatrist after frequent tiffs with her boss and peers was actually found to be suffering from hypothyroidism. "Many of the psychiatrists end up doing or even starting with thyroid tests on their patients," says Misra.

While organisations have developed their health programmes with a focus on heart disease, diabetes and blood pressure, conditions of the thyroid remain on the back burner despite their serious impact on employee productivity. Sample these numbers: Approximately, six per cent of India's adult population suffers from hypothyroidism, 1.9 per cent from hyperthyroidism and about 7.5 per cent from thyroiditis.

Women have six to seven times more chances of getting afflicted with these disorders. "Nearly 12-13 per cent women in India suffer from thyroid conditions and even that is a conservative estimate," says Misra. A thyroid condition affects several bodily functions and can affect patients' interactions with others. First, productivity at work suffers due to fatigue, sluggishness, slow reflexes, memory impairment and day-time somnolence.

Irritability can affect interactions with peers. Swelling of the face, weight gain, hair loss, dry and wrinkled skin can cause patients to become socially withdrawn and depressed. "It is important that people are aware of the condition, and if any symptoms are present then they should promptly seek advice from a physician. Once optimal treatment is achieved most symptoms resolve," says Misra.

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent thyroid disorders. Certain foods like cabbage and shellfish, which are rich in iodine, should be avoided if the thyroid gland is enlarged. Once patients are treated and become stable, many of these dietary restrictions may not be required, explains Misra.

HYPOTHYROIDISM
A condition caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones.

SYMPTOMS

• Tiredness, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain.
• Joint pains and weakness of muscles.
• Abnormalities of glucose metabolism.
• Excessive sleepiness.
• Mood disorders.
• Swelling of feet, eyelids and whole body.
• Memory disturbances.

HYPERTHYROIDISM
A condition caused by overproduction of thyroid hormones.

SYMPTOMS

• Tremors, weight loss.
• Increase in bowel movement.
• Bulging eyes, palpitation.