Thyroid Related Health Disorders and Health Insurance Plans Covering These Disorders

One of the major diseases affecting the majority of Indian masses is a thyroid problem. One person out of every ten Indians, especially women, are likely to be suffering from a thyroid problem. In simple terms, a thyroid problem is a state of hormonal imbalance in the body leading to certain disorders which need proper and immediate medications.

The thyroid is a gland or an organ in the human body responsible for the secretion of hormones. It plays a vital role in the growth and metabolic activities of the human body. The vital function of the thyroid gland is to secrete hormones and regulate the functions in the human body.  There are mainly three hormones which are secreted by the thyroid gland.

1. Triiodothyronine which is commonly known as T3.
2. Tetraiodothyronine which is also known as T4.
3. Calcitonin  

Disorders Related to Thyroid Gland

When the thyroid gland functions appropriately and secretes the adequate amount of each hormone, all body functions are carried out smoothly. The problem begins in the human body when there is an unwanted increase or decrease in the number of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.

There are two major diseases related to the thyroid gland, i.e. Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a state in which the thyroid gland is relatively inactive, and the level of hormones produced is less than the required amount. As a result, there arises a certain disorder in the human body. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is a state of increased activity of the thyroid gland leading to excessive production of hormones in the body.

An accurate level of hormones regulates the body functions, and in both these cases, there will be certain disorders in the human body.  Moreover, in addition to these two diseases mentioned above; there are some other diseases related to the thyroid gland such as Thyroid cancer, Goiter and Graves Diseases. However, the most common among the masses are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.

Causes and Symptoms: There can be several reasons for the improper functioning of the thyroid gland. 

Causes of Hypothyroidism

The major factors which are responsible for causing hypothyroidism can be summarized below:

• Autoimmune disease, i.e. Hashimoto Thyroiditis, is a significant reason for hypothyroidism. It is a case of production of antibodies by the immune system of the body which can harm the own tissues of the body.  If this involves the thyroid gland, then it reduces the hormone production by the gland. Many times, the treatment for hyperthyroidism is carried out by giving anti-thyroid medicines which can, in some cases, reduce the level of hormone production in the human body.

• Medications like Lithium, which is given for psychiatric disorders, can lead to hypothyroidism. Moreover, there can be cases of surgery of thyroid gland or a major portion of the thyroid gland, which affects the secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland leading to hypothyroidism.

• Radiation Therapy, which is used for the treatment of cancer, can even be a reason for hypothyroidism. Another probable cause of hypothyroidism is a congenital disorder, which leads to a defective thyroid gland in some babies since birth mostly due to inheritance.

• Disorder in the pituitary gland can lead to failure in producing the adequate level of hormones leading to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is also caused in some women during pregnancy or after pregnancy.  This can affect the fetus and can cause miscarriage or premature delivery. Also, iodine deficiency in the diet of people is common in many parts of the world. However, this has been eliminated up to some extent by the addition of iodine to salt.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs due to certain causes like sub-acute Thyroiditis, Graves’s disease, Toxic adenomas, malfunctioning of the pituitary gland, etc.

By sub-acute Thyroiditis, there is a swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland leading to leakage of excessive hormones into the blood, causing hyperthyroidism. Malfunctioning of the pituitary gland can cause overproduction of thyroid hormones resulting in hyperthyroidism.  Furthermore, there can be the development of nodules in the thyroid gland, which can lead to excessive production of thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorder

Some of the symptoms related to thyroid diseases are listed below:

• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Thinning hair
• Depression accompanied by anxiety
• Inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Weight gain and dry skin
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Muscle weakness and aches in muscles

Thyroid Diseases and Health Insurance Policies

The symptoms and the long-term effects of thyroid diseases can be perilous. So, it is inevitable that the diagnosis is made at an early stage, and the proper medications begin on time. The diagnosis of thyroid diseases is made by comprehensive medical test, including blood test and other examinations. The medicines for thyroid diseases also continue for a longer duration of time in comparison to other illnesses.

With the cost of medical facilities increasing rapidly, it is quite essential that you have a health insurance which provides coverage for endocrinal disorders like thyroid diseases. This will help in availing the best quality treatment and quick recovery as well.

Health insurance providers such as Bharti AXA, Max Bupa have come up with a wide range of health insurance plans covering thyroid disorders. The benefits availed from these plans will give the policyholder a sigh of relief during the tough time of thyroid diagnosis and treatment.

Features of health insurance plans covering thyroid diseases

There are some essential features and benefits which are provided by health insurances policies covering thyroid diseases.

oCashless treatment

This is one of the significant benefits of health insurance providers covering thyroid diseases. By the cashless policy, you do not need to worry about the settlement of medical bills related to thyroid tests, medications, etc. These will be directly settled between the hospital and the insurance provider without any hassle being experienced by the policyholder.

You may also like to read Cashless mediclaim policy  - How does it work?

oReasonable rates of premium

The rates of premium are quite fair and reasonable and can be easily afforded by the Indian masses. There are no latent facilities or provisions related to premium which will remain unknown to the policyholder for which he will have to pay later.

oEasy disbursal of cash

The speed at which cash disbursal is done is quite fast. In case of thyroid treatment being undergone at a non-network hospital, the cash which will be needed is provided as soon as the papers are approved. The entire procedure is fast and convenient too.

oSpecialist consultation

Policyholders can avail the facilities of consultation with top professionals or endocrinologists as the network hospitals are quite renowned and famous with the best of doctors in them.
 
oTreatment at renowned hospitals

As said earlier, policyholders will be able to have their treatment done at renowned hospitals and get the best of medical facilities.

So, by the help of the health insurance policies and the wide range of benefits included in them; a policyholder can render a hassle-free treatment for a thyroid disorder. The only important factor which needs to be confirmed by an individual before buying a health insurance policy is about the level of coverage that is being provided by the policy for thyroid disorders.

Hence, with various health insurance plans providing coverage for thyroid diseases; the disease can be cured easily. But as we say ”Prevention is better than Cure”, certain preventive measures like leading a healthy life, exercising regularly, increasing the iodine intake in our diet, healthy diet during pregnancy, etc. can help us in not getting affected by thyroid disorders and in turn have a peaceful life ahead. 

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