Why More Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders in Women in Present Scenario
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Why More Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders in Women in Present Scenario
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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PG Scholar, Dept. of Kriya Sharira, M.M.M Govt. Ayurveda College, Udaipur.
Naval Singh
PG Scholar, Department of Samhita & Maulik Siddhant, NIA (De-Novo), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Ashok Kumar Sharma
Head of Department, Dept. of Kriya Sharira, M.M.M Govt. Ayurveda College, Udaipur.
Rekh Raj Meena
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Kriya Sharira, M.M.M Govt. Ayurveda College, Udaipur.
Ayushi Nigam
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Kriya Sharira, M.M.M Govt. Ayurveda College, Udaipur.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Why More Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders in Women in Present Scenario
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10i5.1411
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Thyroid disorders, notably prevalent among women, have become a significant health concern worldwide, with the American Thyroid Association estimating that one in eight women may face thyroid challenges in their lifetime. Women are reported to be 5 to 8 times more likely than men to experience such dysfunctions due to factors like hormonal changes, stress, iodine deficiency, and autoimmune disorders. The primary issues associated with thyroid dysfunction include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which can lead to a range of complications affecting not only physical health but also emotional well-being.
Autoimmune Disorders and Hormonal Factors
One critical factor contributing to the higher prevalence of thyroid disorders in women is the propensity for autoimmune disorders. Research suggests that autoimmune responses, prevalent in women, can initiate and exacerbate thyroid-related issues. Autoimmune diseases often emerge during significant hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause when women's hormone levels fluctuate. The hormonal interplay during menstrual cycles can also interact with thyroid hormones, intensifying the risk of thyroid disorders. This close relationship hinders timely diagnosis in women as symptoms may overlap with typical menopause symptoms, delaying necessary interventions.
Impact of Stress and Lifestyle
Stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of thyroid disorders. With the demands of modern life, many women experience chronic stress, which can disrupt the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, leading to alterations in thyroid hormone production. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as suppressing natural urges due to familial responsibilities or environmental factors degrade health. The Ayurvedic principle of Vegadharana, which relates to the suppression of natural bodily urges, is posited as a significant contributor to health deterioration, including thyroid issues. The combination of stress and lifestyle choices creates a cycle of health challenges that complicate the management of thyroid conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, thyroid disorders are significantly more common among women, driven by autoimmune responses, hormonal fluctuations, stress, and lifestyle choices. These factors intricately contribute to the pathophysiology of conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Management approaches integrating both modern and Ayurvedic perspectives, focusing on stress management, proper dietary intake of iodine, and addressing hormonal imbalances, could mitigate the impact of thyroid disorders and improve women's overall health. Enhanced awareness and directed efforts in patient counselling are vital for effective treatment and health maintenance concerning thyroid health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
Why are thyroid disorders more prevalent in women nowadays?
Thyroid disorders are more common in women due to factors like autoimmune responses, hormonal changes, heightened stress, and iodine deficiency. Women are at least 5 to 8 times more likely than men to develop these issues throughout their lives.
What are the main types of thyroid disorders?
The primary types of thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism, characterized by low hormone production, and hyperthyroidism, which is an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Other conditions include Hashimoto’s disease, Grave’s disease, goiter, and thyroid nodules.
How does stress influence thyroid health in women?
Stress significantly impacts thyroid health by altering the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. Increased stress can lead to hormonal imbalances and exacerbate existing thyroid conditions, complicating the overall health and metabolic processes in women.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Why More Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders in Women in Present Scenario�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are prevalent diseases affecting metabolic processes, with various underlying causes including autoimmune disorders, iodine insufficiency, and stress.
2) Dhatvagni (Dhatu-agni):
In Ayurveda, Dhatvagni refers to the metabolic fire responsible for transforming Ahararasa into various Dhatus. Its hypofunction is linked to conditions like hypothyroidism.
3) Agni:
Agni, or metabolic fire, in Ayurveda regulates various bodily functions. It includes Jatharagni, Bhutagni, and Dhatvagni and is essential for maintaining metabolic balance.
4) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
Jatharagni is the principal digestive fire in Ayurveda, responsible for the primary digestion of food, and its impairment can lead to various diseases including thyroid disorders.
5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that provides insights into the pathophysiology and management of diseases like thyroid disorders through concepts like Agni, Dhatvagni, and Dosha.
6) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the seven fundamental tissues in Ayurveda, and the imbalance of Dhatvagni can lead to improper formation of these tissues, contributing to conditions like hypothyroidism.
7) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, related to movement and nervous system function. The imbalance of Vata can contribute to conditions labeled as Vata-pradhan Vyadhi.
8) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa is the first of the seven Dhatus (tissues) in Ayurveda, primarily derived from the digestive process and is vital for overall nourishment and metabolic functions.
9) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to the imbalance or disturbance of Doshas, Dhatus, or Agni in the body, leading to disease as per Ayurvedic principles. For instance, Dhatu vitiation can cause thyroid disorders.
10) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are the three fundamental bodily energies in Ayurveda (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Imbalances in these Doshas can lead to various diseases including thyroid disorders.
11) Pitta:
Pitta represents the body's fire element in Ayurveda, associated with metabolism and transformation. Imbalance in Pitta is linked to conditions like hyperthyroidism, associated with Tikshnagni.
12) Food:
In Ayurveda, food directly affects the body's Agni and overall health. Improper diet can lead to Ama formation and Srotorodha, contributing to diseases like hypothyroidism.
13) Hair:
Hair health can be affected by thyroid disorders; hypothyroidism may cause hair thinning and loss, while hyperthyroidism can also lead to hair loss.
14) Tikshnagni (Tiksnagni, Tikshna-agni):
Tikshnagni refers to an excessively strong digestive fire in Ayurveda, leading to rapid metabolic processes and conditions like hyperthyroidism.
15) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts outlining fundamental principles and treatments for various diseases, though direct references to hyperthyroidism might be absent.
16) Atyagni:
Atyagni, meaning excessive fire, is a term in Ayurveda comparable to the overproduction of thyroid hormones seen in hyperthyroidism.
17) Shri (Sri, Sr):
[see source text or glossary: Shree]
18) Roga:
Roga is a Sanskrit term for disease in Ayurveda, encompassing various illnesses like thyroid disorders, which arise from Dosha imbalances.
19) Yoga:
Yoga involves physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation, promoting mental calm and P.N.S. activation, which can aid in managing thyroid disorders.
20) Agnimandya (Agni-mandya, Agnimamdya):
Agnimandya is the diminished state of Agni, leading to poor digestion and metabolic issues, closely linked to hypothyroidism in Ayurvedic pathology.
21) Shirodhara (Sirodhara, Shiras-dhara):
[see source text or glossary: Shiro-dhara]
22) Meditation:
Meditation is recommended in Ayurveda for stress management, improving mental calm, and potentially benefiting thyroid disorder treatments.
23) Medicine:
Ayurvedic treatment for thyroid disorders includes herbo-mineral medicines that focus on balancing Doshas, Agni, and eliminating toxins from the body.
24) Prakopa:
Prakopa refers to the aggravation or exacerbation of Doshas, which can lead to various diseases, including Pitta Prakopa contributing to hyperthyroidism.
25) Brahmi:
Brahmi (Centella asiatica) is an Ayurvedic herb known for its stress-relieving properties and antioxidants, beneficial in managing stress-related thyroid disorders.
26) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi is the Sanskrit term for disease in Ayurveda, encompassing different health conditions such as hypothyroidism (Vata-Kapha Vyadhi) and hyperthyroidism (Vata-Pitta Vyadhi).
27) Family:
Family responsibilities and societal pressures can contribute to stress, a known trigger for thyroid disorders, particularly in women.
28) Karma (Karman):
Karma refers to Ayurvedic therapeutic procedures, including Panchakarma, which detoxify the body and restore balance, aiding in the management of thyroid disorders.
29) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya is an Ayurvedic procedure involving the administration of medicinal substances through the nasal passages, used in detoxification and treatment of various conditions.
30) India:
India is the country where Ayurveda originated, and thyroid disorders are common, prompting research into traditional and modern treatments.
31) Blood:
Thyroid hormones such as T3 and T4 affect various tissues, and imbalances can alter blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure, manifesting differently in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
32) Mala:
[see source text or glossary: Mala]
33) Fire:
In Ayurveda, fire is symbolized by Agni, which governs metabolism. An imbalanced Agni affects overall health, leading to thyroid disorders.
34) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder more common in women, similar to autoimmune thyroid diseases, involving the immune system erroneously attacking body tissues.
35) Inflammation:
Inflammation, such as thyroiditis, can lead to hyperthyroidism by causing over-secretion of thyroid hormones.
36) Samanavata (Samana-vata):
[see source text or glossary: Samana-vata]
37) Ashvagandha (Asvagandha, Ashwagandha, Ashvagamdha, Ashva-gandha):
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurveda for its anti-stress and anxiolytic properties, supporting thyroid health by managing stress.
38) Vatapitta (Vata-pitta):
Vata-pitta is a combination of two Doshas in Ayurveda, and their imbalance can lead to conditions like hyperthyroidism, manifested by symptoms of increased metabolism.
39) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Vata-dosha]
40) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pittadosha represents the body's transformative and metabolic processes. Its imbalance can lead to hyperthyroidism, characterized by excessive metabolic activity.
41) Discussion:
The discussion in the article elucidates the Ayurvedic perspective on thyroid disorders, focusing on Dosha imbalances and metabolic dysfunctions.
42) Science (Scientific):
The article presents scientific observations and evidence-based research from ancient Ayurvedic texts and modern literature on thyroid disorders.
43) Udvartana:
Udvartana is a therapeutic Ayurvedic massage with herbal powders, used primarily for Medo dushti (fat metabolism disorders), aiding in hypothyroidism management.
44) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is an Indian state where significant Ayurvedic research institutions like NIA Jaipur are located, contributing to studies on thyroid disorders.
45) Agninasha (Agninasa):
Agninasha in Ayurveda refers to a complete loss or impairment of metabolic fire, leading to symptoms like sluggishness, akin to hypothyroidism.
46) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar whose texts link Jatharagni and Dhatvagni with body metabolism, pertinent to understanding thyroid disorders.
47) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to symptoms in Ayurveda, with conditions like Agninasha and Dhatvagnimandya exhibiting signs similar to hypothyroidism.
48) Bhutagni (Bhuta-agni):
Bhutagni are metabolic fires that manage elemental metabolism within the body, playing a crucial role in overall health as explained in Ayurveda.
49) Pregnant:
Pregnant women are at higher risk for thyroid disorders due to increased iodine requirements and hormonal changes affecting thyroid function.
50) Dharana:
[see source text or glossary: Dharana]
51) Udaipur (Udaypur):
Udaipur is home to M.M.M Govt. Ayurveda College, involved in research studies on thyroid disorders and their Ayurvedic treatments.
52) Pradhan:
Pradhan refers to 'main' or 'primary' in Sanskrit, indicating the principal Dosha or condition involved in a disease like Vata-Kapha Pradhan Vyadhi in hypothyroidism.
53) Sharira (Sarira):
Sharira, meaning body in Sanskrit, is central to Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment, focusing on balancing Doshas and Agni for overall health.
54) Mineral:
Herbo-mineral medicines form part of Ayurvedic treatments, balancing Doshas and treating symptoms in disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
55) Samana (Shamana):
Samana refers to balancing treatments in Ayurveda, aimed at stabilizing imbalances in Dosha and Agni, crucial for managing thyroid disorders.
56) Kshaya (Ksaya):
Kshaya refers to the depletion or waning of Dhatus, which can occur due to aggravated Agni or metabolic disturbances, relevant in conditions like hyperthyroidism.
57) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas are bodily channels in Ayurveda, whose obstruction (Srotorodha) due to Ama can lead to diseases, similar to complications in thyroid disorders.
58) Jaipur:
Jaipur is the location for NIA and other Ayurvedic research facilities concentrating on developing treatments for thyroid disorders.
59) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma is a common surname; here it likely refers to one of the authors contributing to the research on thyroid disorders presented in the article.
60) Kriya:
Kriya Sharira is the Ayurvedic study of bodily functions, with departments like the one at M.M.M Govt. Ayurveda College focusing on disorders like thyroid imbalances.
61) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, associated with structure and lubrication. Its imbalance can contribute to hypothyroidism (Kapha Pradhan Vyadhi).
62) Dhara:
[see source text or glossary: Dhara]
63) Rodha:
[see source text or glossary: Rodha]
64) Laghu:
Laghu means 'light' in Ayurveda and refers to lighter, easier-to-digest foods and treatments that aid in managing Agnimandya and related disorders.
65) Basti:
Basti is an Ayurvedic Panchakarma procedure involving enema therapy, used to detoxify and balance Doshas, potentially beneficial for thyroid disorders.
66) Manda (Mamda):
Manda indicates sluggishness or low activity, often used to describe impaired Agni, crucial in understanding hypothyroidism.
67) Kumar:
Kumar is a common surname; here it likely refers to one of the authors contributing to the research on thyroid disorders presented in the article.
68) Dipta:
Dipta means 'aggravated' in Ayurveda, often linked with increased Agni levels like in Tikshnagni, relevant to conditions like hyperthyroidism.
69) Asana (Ashana):
[see source text or glossary: Asana]
70) Nigam (Ni-gam):
Nigam is a common surname; here it likely refers to one of the authors contributing to the research on thyroid disorders presented in the article.
71) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
72) Aahar:
Aahar, meaning food or diet in Ayurveda, significantly impacts Agni and Dosha balance, thereby contributing to conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
73) Shiras (Siras, Siro, Shirash):
[see source text or glossary: Shiro]
74) Vega:
[see source text or glossary: Vega]
75) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda is the Dhatu related to fat tissues in Ayurveda. Imbalance in Meda Dhatu, due to Agnimandya, can be linked to conditions like hypothyroidism.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 76]
Other Science Concepts:
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