Arjun Kapoor opens up about being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease at 30: ‘Almost like I can take a flight and gain weight’

The 39-year-old added that his late mother, Mona Kapoor, and sister, Anshula Kapoor, were diagnosed with the condition, too. “So, the more relaxed I am, the better I look, which is ironic because in this profession, you are not really relaxed. That happened to me when I was 30, and I defied it. I said, no, it can’t be because my mom used to have it. I used to be nonchalant because I became fit; I lost 50 kgs. I said, it is not going to bother me. My sister also has it. I said I will deal with it. But I remember when I was doing Tevar, Ki and Ka, Half Girlfriend, and Mubarakan, it started showing up. I shot back-to-back. If I look back, I was trying but my body kept changing. That’s 2014-15, and that’s 7-8 years of holding that physical trauma,” expressed Arjun.

Taking a cue from his revelation, let’s understand more about the condition.

Dr Anil Bhoraskar, senior diabetologist, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim and secretary – Diabetic Association of India (Scientific Section) said hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones. It is the third most common condition after obesity and diabetes, affecting all age groups. “There are many conditions that are known to produce hypothyroidism; one of them is autoimmune thyroiditis known as Hashimoto’s disease,” said Dr Bhoraskar.

Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director, gynecologist and IVF specialist, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre New Delhi and Vrindavan said Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, a small gland at the base of the neck.

Symptoms

The symptoms of it are tiredness, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, joint pain and stiffness, brittle hair, puffy face, irregular menses, mood swings, low sex drive, and even infertility, said Dr Aarti Ullal, physician and diabetologist, Gleneagles Hospital Parel. “Some may also experience a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can cause discomfort in the neck,” added Dr Gupta.

Here’s what to consider (Source: Freepik)

Causes

Family history, age, and genetics increase the risk of this common condition, noted Dr Ullal.

People with celiac disease, lupus, type 1 diabetes, and Sjögren’s syndrome can also be at risk of suffering from Hashimoto‘s disease.

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibodies, said Dr Gupta. “Once diagnosed, Hashimoto’s is managed by hormone replacement therapy, usually with synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine, to normalise hormone levels and alleviate symptoms. Regular follow-up with an endocrinologist is essential to monitor thyroid function and adjust treatment as needed,” said Dr Gupta.

While the replacement of thyroid hormone helps to manage hypothyroid symptoms, innovative perspectives that emphasise holistic and personalised care are recommended as adjuvant therapies, said Dr Ullal.

Dr Ullal stressed that integrative strategies such as dietary modifications, stress management techniques like yoga or meditation, and targeted nutritional supplementation garner attention for their role in supporting thyroid health. “Individuals can find that much-needed relief through comprehensive treatment plans that address hormone levels and nurture mind-body harmony for lasting change,” said Dr Ullal.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.