72 September 2013 www.womanthismonth.com “In order to maintain a healthy thyroid gland, you can avoid preventable risk factors and screen for thyroid disease when it is indicated that it is necessary. Regular follow up and compliance with medication once diagnosed is also important,” the doctor advises. What’s next? Once diagnosed and treatment has commenced, there are a number of things women need to watch out for. You need to be able to recognise the symptoms in case of recurrence. Medications may have side effects, so care is recommended, especially in case of pregnancy when dosage needs to be adjusted. Regular visits to the doctor are highly advised in addition to frequent tests of thyroid functions. “Women are generally worried about external symptoms like weight gain and hair loss. It is vital that the patient understands that most symptoms are reversible, while some may persist. Regular visits to a healthcare provider are thus important,” Dr Khalaf says. “The treatment period varies depending on the condition. For example primary hypothyroidism would require lifelong treatment whereas transient thyroiditis requires brief treatment,” he adds. The final word Thyroid diseases in women are not a death sentence of any kind. It’s just a set of treatable diseases with controllable and manageable symptoms if diagnosed and treated promptly. Regular health checks are important as the nature of symptoms can vary from person to person and can easily be missed or ignored. Take charge of your life, eat well, exercise, eliminate stressors and do not ignore even the mildest symptom, especially if you have any of the above mentioned risk factors. Besides even celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Osbourne and fitness expert Jillian Michaels have dealt with and managed thyroid disorders. If they can, then so can you! g LIFESTYLE | wellbeing Any alteration in the body’s metabolism, as seen with thyroid disorders, can affect your sleep, skin, hair, waistline and mood
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