SRL diagnostics recently conducted a data-mining exercise on thyroid disorders. The study found that more than 30% of young Indians are at high risk of thyroid disease. Surprisingly, this risk was more than that for the older Indians (more than 25%). Overall, more than 22% of Indians were found to have abnormal thyroid hormones.
What is Thyroid?
The thyroid is a vital organ of the body located slightly below your neck. The thyroid produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for maintaining our metabolism levels. Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that convert food into energy within your body.
Types of Thyroid Conditions
A normally functioning thyroid gland maintains your metabolism at an appropriate level. There are two broad types of thyroid disorders based on hormone production levels.
1. Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid produces hormones in excess, it leads to higher levels of metabolism called hyperthyroidism.
2. Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid produces hormones in lower levels, it leads to lower levels of metabolism called hypothyroidism.
What are the Symptoms?
Here are common symptoms of thyroid disease:
1. Fatigue
If you are unable to perform daily tasks. Or if you feel lazy and tired even after a full night’s sleep. This may be potentially due to an ill-functioning thyroid.
2. Body Ache
Unusual pain in the joints and muscles is a symptom of a thyroid ailment.
3. Fluctuating Body Weight
Are you gaining weight despite appropriate levels of food intake? Does your body weight tend to fluctuate often? Do you find it hard to lose weight even after proper levels of exercise? These may be symptoms of hypothyroidism.
4. Swelling of the neck
If you notice any swelling of the neck. Or experiencing unease while wearing an outfit that covers your neck. These are symptoms of thyroid conditions.
5. Anxiety and Depression
Do you feel low often? Do you experience frequent panic attacks? Or experience anxiety frequently? All of these may be indications of an abnormal thyroid function.
6. Unchanging Cholesterol Levels
If your cholesterol levels do not increase despite working out. It could be hypothyroidism. And if your cholesterol levels are unusually low, it may be hyperthyroidism.
7. Family History
If you have a family history of thyroid ailments, you are more prone to having them.
8. Irregularities in Menstrual Cycle
Irregularities in your menstrual cycle could be a symptom of a thyroid condition. Unfortunately, it may even lead to issues with fertility.
9. Hair loss
Hair loss is a symptom of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
10. Skin Changes
Hyperthyroidism leads to excessive sweating. The skin may feel warm and moist. The skin may be thin in some areas and thick in others. Hypothyroidism may lead to dry and scaly skin with low sweat production.
11. Irregular Bowel Movements
Constipation is a symptom of hypothyroidism. Whereas, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a symptom of hyperthyroidism.
Diagnosis
You may not develop any or all of the symptoms and still have a thyroid condition. There is a loose correlation between symptoms and the condition. The only way to conclusively diagnose a thyroid ailment is a thyroid test. You should test for thyroid annually if you are over 35.
Expensive Testing and Treatment
The thyroid is becoming very common these days. Incidences among the young are on the rise. And, regular annual tests are the only sure way of detection.
While thyroid tests are costly, if detected, you may need to undergo expensive treatments too. How can you mitigate the risk of thyroid ailments? A perfect way is to apply for thyroid health insurance.
Medical Insurance Application to Mitigate Thyroid Ailments
You can apply for medical insurance online. You can also use a medical insurance app to apply for health insurance online. The medical insurance application is a perfect way to mitigate the threat of thyroid conditions. How? Read on.
Mandatory Health Check-up at the time of Medical Insurance Application
Most health insurance plans will mandate checkups at the time of medical insurance application. Thyroid tests are part of most health insurance application checkups.
Mandatory Annual Health Checkup
Most medical insurance plans also mandate a medical checkup annually. Thyroid tests are also a part of most mandatory annual health insurance checkups.
Health Insurance Thyroid Coverage
Most health insurance plans cover thyroid ailments. You also get added benefits like:
1. Pre-hospitalisation Cover
Pre-Hospitalisation expenses are those expenses that you have incurred before a hospitalisation. They can be medical tests, specialist consultations etc. These are covered by health insurance.
2. Hospitalisation Cover
Expenses that you incurred while being hospitalised are called hospitalisation expenses. They may be rooms rented, tests, medicines, specialist consultations, procedures etc. They are covered by health insurance.
3. Hospitalisation Cover
Pre-Hospitalisation expenses are those expenses that you have incurred after a hospitalisation. They can be medical tests, specialist consultations etc. These are covered by health insurance.
Conclusion
Thyroid ailments are increasingly being detected among young Indians. Their testing and treatments may be expensive. Applying for health insurance is an excellent idea to mitigate thyroid conditions.
Also, read 7 Questions you need to ask before buying Health Insurance