Approximately 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases.

Thyroid Diseases More Common in Women, Says Expert, latest news: Thyroid diseases are significantly more common in women than in men, according to experts at a medical conference held at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.

The two-day conference, hosted at PGIMER, featured expert talks, case studies, and panel discussions focused on thyroid disorders and strategies to improve their diagnosis and treatment.

Speaking on the second day of the conference, which concluded on Sunday, Dr. Raman Kumar Marwaha — former Head of the Department of Endocrinology at the Thyroid Research Centre, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences — said that thyroid diseases are five times more prevalent in women than in men.

Emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis, Dr. Marwaha said that while thyroid disorders are common, failure to detect and treat them early can lead to serious health consequences. He advised regular screenings for early detection and added that people should ensure their diet includes sufficient iodine, especially through iodized salt.

“Even without visible symptoms, it’s important to remain vigilant, as thyroid issues can sometimes remain in a subclinical state,” he noted.

According to diagnostic company Agappe, approximately 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is estimated at 9.4%, with higher rates in women (11.4%) compared to men (6.2%).

Globally, 3% to 10% of adults are affected by hypothyroidism, with the condition being more common among women and the elderly.