Thyroid disorders affect Indian women far more than men. From hormonal changes to nutrition gaps and missed screenings, here’s why women face higher risks and what needs to change.
Thyroid problems are one of the most common endocrine diseases in India, but they are not well integrated into regular public health screenings. According to studies published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, about 42 million Indians currently have thyroid disease. Despite the fact that there are reliable tests and cheap treatments available, almost one-third of people who are affected remain unaware that they have it, which allows complications that could have been avoided to get worse over time.
Problems with the thyroid can have long-term effects. If not treated, it can lead to obesity, heart disease, infertility, joint pain, and problems during pregnancy. These outcomes impact all patients; however, women disproportionately bear the burden.
The Disparity In Thyroid Disease Between Genders
Thyroid disorders are much more common in women than in men, both in India and around the world. A review published in the Current Health Sciences Journal and other medical literature show that women are up to eight times more likely than men to get thyroid disease. Indian population studies show similar patterns, with hypothyroidism affecting about one in ten adults, most of whom are women.
This difference between men and women shows that people are both biologically weak and that the health system has blind spots. People in the medical field often talk about thyroid disease, but it is rarely a top priority in women's health policy.
Hormones And Sexual Health
The thyroid gland is very important for controlling metabolism, energy balance, heart health, and body temperature. Thyroid hormones are closely linked to women's reproductive health because they work with the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis.
Hormonal changes that only happen to women, like puberty, pregnancy, the time after giving birth, and menopause, make it more likely that the thyroid will not work properly. Hypothyroidism is linked to irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and complications during pregnancy. Even mild or subclinical thyroid dysfunction can impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
However, thyroid screening is not always part of standard tests for menstrual problems, infertility, or repeated miscarriages. Women frequently endure multiple investigations and treatments devoid of a fundamental thyroid evaluation, thereby postponing diagnosis and elevating long-term health risks.