Women prone to thyroid disease than men –Neurosurgeon

Tessy Igomu

A neurosurgeon, Dr. James Oshiorenua, says women are about five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed with a thyroid disorder than men.

He said the most common thyroid problems have to do with abnormal production of thyroid hormones, but that it can be well managed with accurate treatment and diagnosis.

According to Mayo Clinic, an online medical platform, the thyroid gland, which is shaped like a butterfly and located in the front of the neck below the ‘Adam’s apple,’ makes the thyroid hormone that helps to regulate the body’s metabolism, including how fast calories are burnt and how fast the heartbeats.

It explained that diseases of the thyroid can make someone to either make too much or too little of the hormone and that women are more likely than men to have thyroid diseases, especially right after pregnancy and after menopause.

Speaking with correspondent, the physician noted that thyroid disorder is not life threatening but can be lethal if not well managed.

“Thyroid disorder can be managed through conservative or radical means that has to do with drugs and surgical removal of the thyroid gland – thyroidectomy.

“Your thyroid produces hormones that play a role in many different systems throughout your body.

“When your thyroid makes either too much, it is called hyperthyroidism; while too little is hypothyroidism.  Both of these conditions can impact the way the thyroid gland works.

“There are several different types of thyroid disease and they can be benign or malignant,” he explained.

The neurosurgeon said one physical sign of thyroid disorder is anterior neck swelling, adding, “Thyroid gland disorder can also manifest in the form of nervousness, bloating, poor concentration, menstrual changes, pains, weight gain, heat intolerance, and high cholesterol levels.”

He noted that an individual might be at higher risk of developing the condition if they have a family history of thyroid disease.

“You can also be predisposed to thyroid disorder if you take a medication that is high in iodine, have a medical condition like Type1 diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, among others,” he said.

According to Cleveland Clinic, an online medical portal, people with Type 1 diabetes are more prone to developing a thyroid disease because it is an autoimmune disorder.

“If you already have one autoimmune disorder, you are more likely to develop another one.

“For people with Type 2 diabetes, the risk is lower, but still there. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you’re more likely to develop a thyroid disease later in life,” it stated.

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