In India, 42 million people are affected by thyroid diseases, with hypothyroidism being the most prevalent impacting 1 in 10 adults 1 . Anaemia, often the first sign of hypothyroidism, affects 41.8% of those with hypothyroidism. This World Thyroid Awareness month, its important to remind people about this dual challenge that may significantly affect overall productivity and quality of life, if left untreated.
Dr. Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India said, “Hypothyroidism and
anaemia are significant health concerns in India, but they can be effectively managed with
timely diagnosis and consistent treatment. Educating more people about the linkage between these two conditions and encouraging those with symptoms to seek medical advice promptly is key. For example, if you notice a family member feels cold even in the summer or a friend often complains about never-ending fatigue, encourage them to see a doctor and get tested.”
Dr. S K Sharma, Consultant Endocrinologist, Galaxy Specialty Centre, Jaipur added, “Today, the burden of both hypothyroidism and anaemia is on the rise. For instance, anaemia amongst women between 15 and 49 years increased from 53% in 2015-16 to 57% in 2019-2021. It’s extremely important for people to understand the connection between these two conditions, as it will aid in diagnosis and ensure appropriate advice and treatment.”
Anaemia, a condition characterised by a lower-than-normal count of red blood cells, often
coexists with hypothyroidism. 2 In hypothyroidism, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland located in your neck doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are crucial because they regulate your body’s metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. The symptoms of these conditions can overlap, particularly during winter, when pale skin can mask the signs of anaemia. Despite this connection, it is often overlooked.
In winter, the body’s heightened demand for thyroid hormones to generate heat and regulate temperature can worsen common symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, depression, dry and coarse skin and hair, difficulty dealing with the cold, and a tingling sensation in the hands, amongst others. Women are three times more likely to be affected by hypothyroidism than men – and the elderly are another group typically affected by it as
well.