September 2016 www.womanthismonth.com 66 Anniversary Celebration The Tau Gamma Sigma – Bahrain Chapter held its 12th anniversary celebration at the 100 Residence, Juffair. Members at the celebration Joseph, Maria & Rachelle Raymond, Cattie, Sherwin & Zharee Salma & Cristalyn Darwin & Mahal The thyroid gland is an important organ situated in the front of the lower neck. It produces the hormone thyroxine, which is closely linked to the metabolism in all cells and organs in the body. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is when the gland does not make enough thyroxine or has been removed by surgery or radiation therapy. “Hypothyroidism manifests as a general slowing of body processes and can have many symptoms, like unexplained weight gain with lethargy and fatigue being the most common,” says Dr Sunil J Rao, who specialises in internal medicine at the Royal Bahrain Hospital. Other symptoms include menstrual disturbances, constipation, dry skin, hair fall, problems with memory and concentration, nerve pains in the hands and feet and feeling excessively cold, he says. The condition also causes puffiness of the body, especially the face and legs, and difficulty in conceiving. It is hence important that subtle or borderline deficiency of thyroxine is diagnosed and treated early on. Hypothyroidism is commonly caused by the production of an antibody to the thyroid tissue that gradually destroys the thyroid gland. This progressive disease results in the decreasing function of the remaining thyroid tissue. Therefore, testing for these anti-bodies is important, in addition to testing the thyroid function. Complete or partial removal of the gland, or radiation treatment for an overactive thyroid gland are other reasons. Hypothyroidism cannot be cured, only kept under control with the intake of thyroxine tablets. With correct analysis and treatment, it can be managed effectively for optimal health and wellbeing. Call 17 246-800 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com showcase What does it mean when you’re told you have an underactive thyroid? An expert from this renowned hospital explains the repercussions of this disorder. ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL THYROID TROUBLE Dr Sunil J Rao
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