THYROID: THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED GLAND
LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS GLAND, ITS FUNCTIONS AND IMPACT ON COVID PATIENTS
Amid growing concerns over cardiovascular ailments, diabetes and other chronic diseases, often issues and disorders associated with the thyroid are overlooked. This small hormone-secreting gland located at the base of the neck plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental health. Studies are on to check the impact of thyroid issues on Covid patients. However, general awareness about disease is very poor.
THYROID PROBLEMS IN COVID PATIENTS
Dr KAV Subrahmanyam, head of the Department of Endocrinology at Government King George Hospital (KGH) Vizag says, “Thyroid is an autoimmune disease and though we didn’t come across any abnormal increase in thyroid cases among those who recovered from Covid, it was observed that Covid patients admitted with severe hypoxia or those severely sick, had changes in their thyroid reports. The T3, T4, TSH went up.” The doctor explains that of the two main kinds of thyroid ailments, Hypothyroidism is more common than Hyperthyroidism. “The former is due to an increase in autoimmunity, which can be due to viral infections, environment pollution and excess of iodine in the body. Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid hormone secretion from the thyroid gland, which aids in metabolism, is less. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is mainly due to iodine deficiency, a problem that has been controlled to a large extent by supplementing common salt with iodine,” he says.
Though presence of a pre-existing thyroid disorder has not directly increased severity or morbidity in Covid patients, nor has there been any considerable increase in thyroid cases due to Covid, Dr K Seshi Kiran, senior general physician, Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad, says it has caused a few abnormalities in the thyroid gland. “Firstly, sick euthyroid syndrome has been noticed where the patient has low T3 level (indicative of hypothyroidsm) and normal TSH level. Secondly, subacute thyroiditis has been observed. Thirdly, when the Coronavirus enters the cells through ACE2 receptors, it can directly enter the thyroid gland. However, this invasion of the thyroid gland by the virus will be selflimiting till the patient recovers and will not develop into a chronic thyroid disease,” adds Dr K Seshi Kiran.
Thyroid cancer is another issue, which can be identified early, as the nodule growth near the throat is visible. “As a result, patients can be operated upon, with usually no recurrence. Therefore, mortality is also low and in most cases, the person can be cured,” Dr Subrahmanyam adds.
SALT AND IODINE DEFICIENCY
Iodine deficiency causes thyroid problems and affects the Central Nervous System. It can lead to lower IQ in children. Dr Subrahmanyam makes an important point about the correct usage of salt. “To retain the vaporised iodine in salt, and prevent its evaporation, keep the salt far away from the stove and not beside it. The salt should be kept inside the plastic packet in which it’s sold and the packet should be placed in a covered steel container,” he advises.
GYNAECOLOGICAL ISSUES
Elaborating on the impact of thyroid disease on menstrual and gynaecological health, Dr
S u r a b h i Siddhartha, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Mumbai says, “Due to the pandemic and lockdown, hypothyroidism is increasing in society. The thyroid controls the menstrual cycle. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can make periods very light, heavy, or irregular, or stop the periods for a few months, which is called amenorrhoea. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, interference with ovulation, and an increase in the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth. Thyroid problems can cause early menopause and complications to baby during pregnancy.”
AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE
From the Ayurvedic viewpoint, thyroid ailments are a fallout of three main doshas – Pitta or energy of metabolism and digestion, Vata or the energy of movement and Kapha or the energy of stability and structure. “By eradicating the doshas through cleansing or detox panchakarma therapy, one can control or be cured of thyroid issues and the hormonal imbalances caused by it. If it is in the initial stage, developed after Covid, patients can be cured to an extent where they will not require daily medication. But if it’s at a chronic stage, complete cure and doing away with medication can be difficult. However, if one can manage the weight really well, then within six months, the condition will improve,” Dr Partap Chauhan, director, Jiva Ayurveda, Delhi NCR.
Though presence of a preexisting thyroid disorder has not directly increased severity or morbidity in Covid patients, nor has there been any considerable increase in thyroid cases due to Covid but it has caused a few abnormalities in the gland.
— Dr K Seshi Kiran, senior
general physician, Yashoda Hospitals
Though we didn’t come across any abnormal increase in thyroid cases among those who recovered from Covid, it was observed that Covid patients admitted with severe hypoxia or those severely sick, had changes in their thyroid reports.
— Dr KAV Subrahmanyam, head of the Department of Endocrinology at KGH, Vizag
Too much or too little thyroid hormone can make periods very light, heavy, or irregular, or stop the periods for a few months, which is called amenorrhoea
— Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Mumbai
By eradicating the doshas through cleansing or detox panchakarma therapy, one can control or be cured of thyroid issues and the hormonal imbalances caused by it.
— Dr Partap Chauhan, director, Jiva Ayurveda, Delhi NCR