03 June,2014 08:58 AM IST | | KANIKA SHARMA
A recent study found out that the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is on the rise among young Mumbai women; a fact that should not exist in the first place
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Just a while ago, a nationwide study was carried out that processed more than 32,000 Mumbai women's test results to understand what afflicts city women nowadays. One of the alarming facts were that 19.2% of the results indicated hypothyroidism, which especially has been on an alarming rise among women between the age groups of 20 to 30 years making them 21.2% of the cases.
Dr Jatinder Bhatia, chief of lab services & projects, Metropolis, who was one of the brains behind the survey, informs, "The survey was conducted on International Day of Action for Women's health on May 28." The reason behind the rise in TSH that leads to the condition of hypothyroidism is pollution and stress, according to Dr Kiran Coelho, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologist at Hinduja Healthcare Surgical. Dr Bhatia adds that less exercise is the key factor behind this fact.
Dr Coelho explains, "Hypothyroidism is a common condition among girls who have just reached puberty or among post-menopausal women. The 20/25/30 bracket is unusual and should not see a rise in this hormone." Irregularity in terms of diet, reduced physical activity and obesity are some of the reasons why hypothyroidism emerges as a problem in the first place.
"Thyroid is like the conductor of the body that oversees its overall functioning. If that is on the rise, multiple things of the body are malfunctioning," she reminds. As symptoms, Dr Coelho highlights, sluggishness, mood swings, constipation, irregular periods and several others. She also informs that hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome and obesity become inter-related once the body starts experiencing hormonal imbalance.
