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Shenaz Treasury revealed in an Instagram post that she has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, which is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs. “Unfortunately developed hypothyroid(ism), (the type that makes you FAT -ugh). I don’t take any medication. Just doing my best to keep my weight down with diet and exercise. #tummycontrol Have you tried apple cider? Does it help? Does anyone else with thyroid? Suggestions please,” she shared.
The post was flooded with comments, including one from Mini Mathur, suggesting that she should take medication too. “Do yourself a favour shen.. take the medication. And keep working on natural therapy and yoga to lower your dosage and ultimately wean it out. You are doing your body no favours by not taking the meds,” said Mathur.
Another person commented, “Thyroid needs medical attention and help for an effective solution. Diet and exercise are a great support system to the medical therapy. Pl do see a doctor”.
Let’s understand more about the condition from an expert.
What is this condition?
Hypothyroidism or “underactive thyroid” is a condition when the thyroid gland situated in the neck is not making enough thyroid hormones, that is T4 (Thyroxine) and T3 (Triiodothyronine). “This hormone is important for the metabolism and controls how the body uses and stores energy,” said Dr A. Sharda, consultant, endocrinologist, and diabetologist, Manipal Hospital, Millers Road, Bangalore.
The most common causes of hypothyroidism are:
– Immune system problems: Sometimes the immune system attacks its own healthy cells and destroys them. Here the target is thyroid cells called autoimmune or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
-Removal of the thyroid gland by surgery as a treatment for the thyroid problems like overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism), thyroid cancer, etc.
-Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism with the intention to make the thyroid underactive.
-Rare radiation to the neck, certain medications.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is lethargy, especially early morning, one may not feel fresh. “Tiredness is not specific as many conditions can cause this. Constipation, dry skin, hair loss, and weight gain are a few symptoms also common among patients with hypothyroidism. Later it can cause breathlessness, swelling of feet and puffiness of the face, and slowing down of the heart. In women, it can cause disturbance of monthly periods or delayed or skipped cycles, and increased blood loss during menses. Some women have difficulty in getting pregnant and some can have an increased risk of abortion as well,” said Dr Sharda.
Treatment
It is easily treated by taking a pill (thyroxine or T4) on an empty stomach, said Dr Sharda. “The dose is adjusted periodically. Initially, the blood test is recommended for 1-2 months and later once in six months once on a stable dose. Treated appropriately, there are no side effects as it is just replacing the thyroid hormone of the body itself,” said Dr Sharda.
Does apple cider help?
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid but there is no evidence connecting it to hypothyroidism, noted Dr Sharda. “Many people use it ‘of the label’ for obesity, T2 diabetes, etc. but robust studies are required to look into it,” said Dr Sharda.
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