Impact of Socioeconomic Profile and lifestyle on incidence of Thyroid Problem among Women

Introduction: The Thyroid is our body’s metabolic engine controlling use of energy and foods. Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the base of the neck is responsible for secreting two hormones T3 and T4. The proper balance T3 and T4 is essential for energy production at the cellular level including, the transport of oxygen into the cells where energy is made. Due to this immense responsibility the thyroid gland acts as a control key for nearly every chemical reaction that occurs in the body so we can say that T3 and T4 are that fuel metabolism and help our bodied properly use energy and calories (Chatterjee, 2001) An overactive Thyroid is called hyperthyroidism and underactive Thyroid is called hypothyroidism. Other malfunctions of this gland include goiter, the presence of nodules etc. However the hyperthyroid and hypothyroid are the most prevalent situation. Common symptoms seen among individuals with altered thyroid function is unexpected weight gain and difficulty losing weight despite calorie reduction and increased expenditure through physical activity. Studies have shown that there is a link between an underactive thyroid gland and insulin function (Park & Park, 2002) Smoking can damage the thyroid and actually worsens some existing Thyroid conditions. Stress also increases the chances of thyroid problem. So reducing stress using effective techniques such as aerobic exercise (Shomon, 21 June, 2008) With undiagnosed thyroid disease may be 10 percent a level that is double current estimates and may represent as many as 13 million Americans currently underdiagnosed. For women the risk is even higher. A woman faces high as a one in five chance of developing thyroid problems during her lifetime. This risk increases with age and for those with a family history of thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism is the most commonly thyroid problem of woman. Symptoms (Shomon, 24 Feb 2008) are depression, forgetfulness, fatigue, weight gain, hoarse voice, high cholesterol level, intolerance to cold, coarse hair, hair loss, dry skin, tingling hands feet, heavy and irregular periods, and infertility of recurrent miscarriage.