New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) Can’t lose weight despite crash dieting and exercising? Have a difficult menstrual cycle or suffering from forgetfulness? You may be suffering from an often overlooked health problem - thyroid related disorder.
According to the Indian Thyroid Society (ITS), over 4.2 crore Indians suffer from thyroid related disorders. Yet, it is often overlooked, not just by people but also by doctors.

In an effort to spread awareness on the issue, ITS has set up 600 testing camps across the country and kick-started a thyroid awareness month.

ITS chairman R.V. Jayakumar said: “Millions of people have undiagnosed thyroid problem and don’t realise that it is the source of other health challenges that they face. Obesity, depression, fatigue, high cholesterol, infertility and many other conditions are often the direct result of undiagnosed and untreated thyroid conditions.”

Thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland located in the throat region, just under the Adam’s apple. It makes, stores and releases thyroid hormones that influence almost every cell in the body.

“The thyroid facilitates the smooth functioning of the body. Hypothyroidism, in which the gland fails to produce enough hormones, causes fatigue, weight gain, depression and an excessive intolerance of cold,” Jayakumar said.

“Since thyroid is not typically tested for as a part of the regular blood tests, one should consult the doctor for a simple blood test called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test for any problem,” he added.