Report Says Hypothyroidism Highly Prevalent in India

In India, hypothyroidism, a common form of thyroid disorder is highly prevalent with one out of ten people in the country diagnosed with the condition, reveals report.

Thyroid is a gland which produces a hormone influencing almost all metabolic processes in the human body.

Hypothyroidism - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Symptoms of hypothyroidism are often general, unspecific changes in the body. Lethargy, weight gain, stiffness and cramping of muscles are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism was found to be affecting 10.95 percent of the studied population in India.

The older population (above the age of 35 years) seemed to be at a higher risk of hypothyroidism than the younger population.

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Of the 5,360 people screened for the study, more than one-fourth (26.7 percent) were from Delhi.

Over 11 percent of the study population from Delhi reported hypothyroidism and one-third of them were not even aware of their disease, said the "Thyroid Epidemiological Study" by Abbot India, a leading health care and pharmaceutical company.

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Women were three times more likely to be affected by hypothyroidism than men (15.86 percent as against 5.02 percent), especially those in the 46-54 years age group, it said.

Undetected cases were significantly higher in Delhi (3.97 percent) as compared to other major cities like Mumbai (2.86 percent) and Chennai (2.09 percent).

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About 9.61 percent of the study population in Delhi had mild thyroid failure, which may lead to hypothyroidism in future.

"The study assessed the nationwide prevalence of thyroid disorder, particularly hypothyroidism in adults residing in various cities that represent diverse geographic origin, occupation, socio-economic status and food habits," said A.G. Unnikrishnan, principal investigator of the study and CEO and endocrinologist at Chellaram Diabetes Institute in Pune.

Raj Kumar Lalwani, a consultant physician in a south Delhi hospital, said: "Over 11 percent of the study population was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and one-third of hypothyroid cases were not aware of their disease."

Source-IANS