Hidden hormone imbalance disrupts adolescent life in India
Hypothyroidism is rapidly diagnosed in Indian teenagers, with girls more risk. Early thyroid screening can help prevent long -term health complications.
In short
- Hypothyroidism diagnosed rapidly among Indian teenagers
- 1 of the 4 teen tested in Tamil Nadu and Kerala showed unusual TSH levels
- Girls are 4.5 times the possibility of thyroid dysfunction compared to boys.
Once was thought to affect the adults mainly, hypothyroidism is now being diagnosed more often in teenagers, especially girls in India.
A new report analyzing the thyroid testing patterns from June 2023 to April 2025 revealed dangerous trends from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where 1 of the 4 of the 4 tested for thyroid-elevated hormones (TSH) had unusual consequences, which showed potential thyroid larynx.
It is related to how the condition remains among adolescent girls, despite the power level, development, mental focus and even a significant impact on menstrual health.
“Thyroid issues are no longer limited to adults,” Dr. Preeti Kabra said, in an interview with the senior chief of the lab, Newburg Diagnostics, India .in.
He said, “1 of 1 teenagers are already affected and showing great risk to young girls, this silent disorder can have long -term results if ignored,” he said.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, a butterfly -shaped gland in the throat, does not form adequate hormones.
These hormones control how your body uses energy. When they are low, you can feel tired, increase weight, feel cold, or dry skin.
This is common and if found early, it can be easily treated with medicine and healthy habits.
Girls at greater risk
Data pointed to a Stark gender division: In Tamil Nadu, 86% of unusual thyroid levels were teenage girls. In Kerala, girls took 80% of such cases.
Overall, girls were 4.5 times more likely to show unusual TSH levels, almost all indicate hypothyroidism or subclynical thyroid dysfunction.
More than 99% of abnormal results fell into the high TSH category, a marker of the underactive thyroid function.
“Hypothyroidism in teenagers often manifests as fatigue, poor educational performance, weight gain, mood, irregularity of menstruation and even delay in puberty,” Dr. Kabra told.
Unfortunately, these symptoms are often “brushed as specific adolescent behavior,” which leads to delayed diagnosis.
Why starting screening case
Thyroid plays a major role in regulating hormones, metabolism, growth and energy such as T3 and T4.
“When this hormone levels are low, TSH increases. That is why a high TSH level is usually the first sign of hypothyroidism. In our study, we focus on TSH values, and the results show a clear need to quickly detect,” Dr. Kabra said.
This is where schools can play an important role. With increasing cases among teenagers, Dr. Kabra and other health experts are urging to include regular thyroid screening in school health programs.
“If thyroid issues are recognized early in children, they can make lifestyle changes or go through further evaluation to prevent complications in life,” Dr. Kabra.
Spot the signals early
Parents and teenagers are advised to see out for symptoms such as frequent fatigue, sudden weight gain, irregular duration, hair loss and dry skin.
These signs may look subtle or be responsible for puberty, but they may also indicate thyroid imbalance. A simple TSH blood test may offer an early answer.
“Even small habits such as regular exercise and eating balanced diet can make a difference. We have seen that the condition of thyroid can be managed well with proper lifestyle changes and medicine when needed. The situation of thyroid can be managed well. Simple things like cutting and physically active, daily, go to a long way,” Dr. Kabra said.
India’s thyroid health scenario is changing, not in many ways.
As hypothyroidism quietly affects the youth of India, especially girls’ everyday life, the message is clear: adolescent hormonal health is worth noting.
Not only in hospitals, but also in schools, homes and interactions.
