We at Medicircle are constantly working on bringing to our audience all the trending health-related topics. It is our primary objective to Bring to your attention news and views you need to be aware of to lead a healthy disease-free life. To help us in this regard we’d be joined by eminent and expert top doctors from across the country. Today in Doctor’s Speak we are going to talk about the problem of Thyroid and ways to help you deal with it. 

Dr. Shashikant Mhashal is an ENT/ Otorhinolaryngologist and has an experience of 16 years of in this field. He completed MBBS from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Sion, Mumbai in 2003 and MS - ENT from Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Hospital, Mumbai in 2007. He is a member of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI). He is currently working as Otorhinolaryngologist at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chembur.

Diagnosis and symptoms of the thyroid problem

Dr. Shashikant Mhashal says, “Thyroid is commonly seen in females. There are two types of thyroid- 

• Hypothyroidism includes- where there is a decrease in thyroid hormones, tiredness, fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. This is commonly seen in males. 

• Hyperthyroidism- where there is an increase in thyroid hormones. This causes palpitations and weight loss. 

• Thyroid cancer is seen more in males.”

Thyroid problems can impact the chances of pregnancy

Dr. Shashikant Mhashal says, “Thyroid can affect pregnancy. The thyroid is very important to maintain the basal metabolic rate. Thyroid hormone is very essential for basal metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism affects pregnancy. There are many physiological changes where there is a need for thyroid hormone-like puberty and pregnancy or during menopause. Thyroid requirement increases during hormonal changes. This may cause hypothyroidism and may transfer from mother to child. Thyroid should be checked during pregnancy and puberty. Hypothyroid during pregnancy may cause anomalies like- 

• Preterm labor 
• Syndrome in children causing hearing loss and mental development issues
• Developmental defects”

Cure for thyroid-related ailments

Dr. Shashikant Mhashal informs, “Thyroid causes hormone-related disorders causing an imbalance of hormones. It can be medically treated with a thyroid supplement externally. Thyroid medicines are available to increase thyroid hormones and decrease thyroid hormones. Iodised salt is very effective. Thyroid cancer should be detected early in case of neck swelling. Consult an ENT surgeon for USG and FNAC to detect thyroid problems early.”

Covid and thyroid 

Dr. Shashikant Mhashal says, ”Post covid patients have suffered from hypothyroid or thyroiditis. Viral infections may cause thyroiditis. Covid patients should take care of thyroid problems to check the immune system. Thyroid issues should be checked regularly with blood tests.”