According to a study, nearly 42 million people across India suffer from a thyroid disorder, making it a highly prevalent public health concern. Anyone, irrespective of gender or age, can be affected by thyroid disorders. A thyroid disorder prevents your thyroid from producing the ideal amount of hormones, leading to several symptoms that can adversely affect your quality of life. So, is there a cure? Can it be treated? Well, read on to find out all about what thyroid disorders are and how to deal with them. 

What are the symptoms of thyroid disorders?

If your body produces too little thyroid hormone, then it can lead to the development of a condition called hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Forgetfulness
• Heavy and frequent menstrual periods
• Coarse and dry hair
• Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Hoarse voice

Conversely, if your body produces too much thyroid hormone, the disorder is known as hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Anxiety, nervousness, and irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight loss
• Goitre or an enlarged thyroid gland 
• Muscle tremors and weakness 
• Experiencing irregular periods
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Vision problems or eye irritation

Both these disorders are quite serious and need to be treated right away. 

How are thyroid disorders treated?

Your doctor can bring your thyroid hormone levels back to normal using a variety of ways. The treatment method is chosen based on the underlying cause of your thyroid issue. 

For those suffering from hypothyroidism, thyroid replacement medication is the only treatment option. These medications serve as a synthetic way of adding to the levels of thyroid hormones in your body. 

For those suffering from hyperthyroidism, treatment options can be:

• Anti-thyroid Drugs: Anti-thyroid drugs can stop your thyroid gland from making hormones, bringing down your overall hormone levels. 
• Radioactive Iodine: In this treatment method, the cells of your thyroid gland are damaged, preventing it from producing high amounts of hormones.
• Beta Blockers: While these medicines don’t alter the level of hormones in your system, they help in managing your symptoms. 
• Surgery: This is a more permanent treatment option, wherein your thyroid gland is surgically removed, stopping the production of hormones. However, you’ll have to take thyroid replacement hormones for your entire life. 

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Can thyroid disorders be cured completely?

Thyroid disorders cannot be cured completely but they can be managed with the help of medications and lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes include:

• Stress Reduction: Chronic stress, both mental and physical, can increase inflammation in your body and hamper the production of thyroid hormones.
• Good Nutrition: Adding enough calcium, protein, iodine, and magnesium to the diet helps your thyroid work better. Also, it's advisable to get plenty of vitamins A, B, and C-rich foods. 
• Regular Exercise: Exercising regularly, even in mild workout routines, can reduce stress and improve the body's metabolism. This can improve your thyroid disorders and help you keep your weight in check. 
• Limited Exposure to Blue Light: Blue light from your phone and laptop screens has been known to adversely affect your thyroid hormone levels. Therefore limit your exposure to reduce its impact.  

If you are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, stick to the treatment plan religiously and make the required lifestyle changes to ensure the proper functioning of the gland. To know more,

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Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.