Thyroid disorders in India: An epidemiological perspective

TLDR

Thyroid diseases are common worldwide and affect about 42 million people in India. The review aims to describe the epidemiology of five common thyroid diseases in India: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter and iodine deficiency disorders, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. The review also examines ongoing efforts to establish normal reference ranges for thyroid hormones in India, especially for pregnant women and children.

Abstract

Thyroid diseases are common worldwide. In India too, there is a significant burden of thyroid diseases. According to a projection from various studies on thyroid disease, it has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases. This review will focus on the epidemiology of five common thyroid diseases in India: (1) hypothyroidism, (2) hyperthyroidism, (3) goiter and iodine deficiency disorders, (4) Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and (5) thyroid cancer. This review will also briefly cover the exciting work that is in progress to ascertain the normal reference range of thyroid hormones in India, especially in pregnancy and children.